By Samuel Ansah Boateng
Ghana’s has once again been booked in history, as the first country in West Africa, to have its native join the prestigious Casting Society of America (CSA).
Mawuko Kuadzi, a renowned Pan-African casting director and CEO of MK Casting, a premier casting company in Ghana, has become the first West African to be accepted into the CSA.
This ground-breaking achievement marks a significant milestone for the African film industry, opening doors for countless creative and opportunities for international collaborations.
Prior to Mr Kuadzi’s acceptance, only three indigenous Africans, from South Africa were members of the CSA, making him the sole African representative from West Africa. This historic feat is a proof to Mr. Kuadzi’s exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the growth of the African film industry.
The Casting Society of America (CSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of casting. Founded in 1982, the CSA membership consist of casting directors, casting associates, and casting executives worldwide. Its mission is to promote professionalism, education, and networking among its members, while also advocating for the recognition and importance of casting in the entertainment industry.
- Kuadzi is a Ghanaian casting director who has worked on various international projects, including films and television shows.
One of the highlights of Mr. Kuadzi’s career is his involvement in the discovery of Abraham Attah for the film Beasts of No Nation, which garnered numerous accolades and propelled Abraham Attah to international stardom. Following this achievement, Mawuko Kuadzi, popularly known as MK, has discovered many talented individuals across Africa for international roles, contributing to the advancement of their acting careers.
Mr Kuadzi’s work has spanned across different continents, including Africa, Europe, and North America. Some of his notable credits includes projects such as Netflix’s “Beasts of No Nation,” Amazon Prime’s original series “Treadstone,” BBC and Netflix series “Black Earth Rising,” NFL Superbowl, Ghana’s first feature film submitted to the Oscars “Azali,” The Deep Place, Coz ov Moni, Turkish airline commercials, Woodin commercials, Snowfall, and Sidechick Gang, The fisherman, among others.
He has collaborated with renowned directors and producers including Emmy Award-winning director, writer, and cinematographer Cary Fukunaga, Ramin Bahrani, Daniel Dammah, Tony Tagoe, Jonathan Stein, Pascal Aka, and Peter Sedufia.
This historic achievement is a proud moment for Ghana and the entire West African region. It underscores the growing recognition of African talent and the potential for the continent to make a significant impact on the global film landscape.
“I am honored and humbled to join the Casting Society of America,” Mr Kuadzi said in a statement. “This membership is not just a personal achievement but a testimony to the growing recognition of African talent and excellence in the global film industry.”
According to several actors interviewed for this story, Mawuko Kuadzi’s membership in the CSA will undoubtedly create a ripple effect throughout Africa, providing African creatives with greater exposure to global casting opportunities.
It will also elevate the profile of the African film industry, attracting international attention and investment.
Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Executive Director of the African Chamber of Content Producers, in an interview stated that Content Creators across Africa are very proud of Mr. Kuadzi’s achievements.
“As a Pan African casting director, Mawuko Kuadzi has been instrumental in promoting African talent on a global scale. His work has spanned across various film and television projects, showcasing the rich and diverse stories of the African continent. His inclusion in the CSA further solidifies his position as a leading figure in the industry and opens doors for countless aspiring creatives from West Africa”, he stated.
In 2022, Mawuko Kuadzi co-founded the Africa Monologue Challenge to connect African actors and other creatives for Pan-African opportunities and international exposure. The second season of the AMC recently concluded in Uganda under the auspices of the Office of the President of Uganda. Ivorian actress Maud Guerard emerged as the winner, and the third season is expected to commence in October 2024 and culminate in 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire
Mr Kuadzi’s achievement is a recognition of the growing talent and potential of the African film industry. It is a significant step forward in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African creatives on the global stage.
