Van Vicker hails Joyce Mhango Chavula
Nollywood actor Van Vicker, who has starred in several movies, has hailed the country’s actress and director Joyce Mhango Chavula for winning the Best Movie – Southern African Award for her film Lilongwe in the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCAs).
The AMVCAs grand finale was held at Eko Hotel in Lagos on Saturday where the Malawian actress won the Best Movie for Southern Africa for the first time beating two South African movies Ayanda by Sarah Bletcher and Tell Me Sweet Something by Akin Omotosho.
The charming actor, who visited the Warm Heart of Africa in 2012, said Joyce had shown to the world that Malawi has talent.
“I remember I starred with her on stage in play in Lilongwe and I saw she had potential. Congratulations to her for flying Malawi’s flag. There is a lot of talent in Malawi and I saw that during the Association of the Teaching of English in Malawi (Atem),” said the actor, who was nominated for the Best Actor Award but he failed to notch it.
During his visit to Malawi, Van Vicker was involved in several activities including donating money for the final during Atem.
“I live to remember the Atem final, it was so special and I saw a lot of talent from the students and we need to do more on the grassroots if we are to uplift our creative industry,” he said.
The actor said he still wants to come back and visit Malawi again but for now he does not have the money.
“Malawi is beautiful and I hope to come back again with an aim of shooting a movie and even working with some actors. We need to work together in all this otherwise if the film industry has to grow then we all have to unite,” said Van Vicker.
He then called on artists to work together if they are to excel in whatever they do.
“In everything we do we need to work together but also do it with passion. For instance I worked hard, this is what I wanted to do and since then I never looked back and so I asked up and coming actors never to look down upon themselves but work hard,” said Van Vicker.
He further said that Joyce’s triumph during the AMVCAs should spur more film makers in Malawi and Southern Africa to dig deeper and produce more top quality movies .
Meanwhile actor and comedian Mr Ibu has said he has heard a lot about Malawi and that he would love to visit and work with actors.
“I would love to visit Malawi, I have heard a lot about Malawi, I hear it is very beautiful. There was a time I wanted to come during Africa Movie Academy Awards but I failed. For now I cannot come because I do not have the money but if there are people who can invite me then the better,” he said.
Mr Ibu, who has starred in the popular movie Aki and Paw Paw said he is where he is today because of his hard work and that he does not imitate anyone.
“Don’t ever make the mistake of imitating someone because you will not manage, be yourself and do what you can manage. Learn from others and even attend workshops and listen to what is being said but most importantly perseverance and don’t rush,” said the actor.
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