Mawuko Kuadzi, the CEO of MK Casting and the first Ghanaian member of the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA), has made history by casting for the Superbowl advert that was aired during the 2024 championship game. The advert, which featured players of the National Football League (NFL), Ghanaian actors and a Nigerian child actor, showcased the diversity and talent of African performers on the global stage.
The Superbowl is the annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States, and one of the most watched sporting events in the world. According to ESPN, the 2024 Superbowl, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, attracted over 100 million viewers and generated over $500 million in advertising revenue. The Superbowl adverts are considered to be a cultural phenomenon, as they often feature celebrities, humor, and social messages.
Mawuko Kuadzi, who founded MK Casting in 2015, has been involved in several acclaimed projects, such as Netflix's "Beasts of No Nation", Amazon Prime's "Treadstone", and Ghana's first Oscar submission, "Azali". He is also the third African to join the ICDA, a prestigious group of casting directors from around the world who promote excellence and collaboration in the casting profession.
In an interview with Mr Kuadzi, he said he was honored and humbled by the opportunity to cast for the Superbowl advert, and that he wanted to showcase the best of African talent to the world. He said he auditioned actors from multiple African countries, and selected the ones who fit the vision and message of the advert. He also praised the actors for their professionalism and performance.
The Superbowl advert, which was produced by a leading American advertising agency, received positive feedback from critics and audiences alike. Many praised the advert for its creativity, diversity, and representation of African culture. Kuadzi said he hoped the advert would inspire more African actors to pursue their dreams and more international producers to collaborate with African casting directors.
“I believe my presence in the ICDA and involvement in the Superbowl advert will open doors for more recognition and opportunities for African actors and casting directors on the global stage. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I received from the production company, my team, my peers, and Africans. I am looking forward to more challenging and rewarding projects in the future”, he stated.
The main African cast for the superbowl advert included Ghanaian veteran actor Fred Amugi, Mynna Otoo, Mawuli Semevo, Jude A. Kuranchi, Christiana Pokua Asiedu, Rhodalyn Offei, and Nigerian child actor Eldad Osime. Other Ghanaian crew for the Superbowl advert included Tony Tagoe and Danny Damah as line producers as well as Anthony Tometey as Production designer.