TV is Michael’s passion

Have you ever watched a local programme on DStv and wanted to either punch the person who allowed it to run or pat them on the back?

Well, Michael is that person. As the local point man at M-Net, he is tasked with commissioning, approving and signing off all programmes from the region.

Before taking up this position at the start of this year, he was the head of production and programming at KTN, where he was – in and out – for close to 13 years. And before that he was at Citizen TV. Clearly, TV is his thing.

A fortnight ago, MultiChoice launched a mega Content Showcase in Mauritius dubbed “Africa Rising”, that is reported to have broadcast to an audience of 25 million people across all platforms. The event invited over 80 journalists, actors, comedians and music artists from all over Africa.

We met at the lounge area of the Trou Aux Biches Resort and Spa where the shindig was happening.

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Why is content from West Africa seemingly more popular than our own content? Are we not equipped to tell our stories better?

We are equipped for sure. But look at the West Africans and see how they appreciate their own by telling their own stories.

Look at the level of their narratives and you will realise that this is the reason Nollywood is thriving. At some point, they decided that it’s not more about quality but how the narrative structure is rendered. Their stories are very simple and touch on daily happenings.

However, we have the same potential here in East Africa. The level of production is quite sophisticated both in TV and film but there is an opportunity that needs to be harnessed, a gap that has to be filled.

M-Net is trying to close this gap and the question for us has always been; how do our stories cross borders? How do we give our stories international appeal?

Same questions should apply to music, surely. In your Africa Rising music video, it’s only Tanzania’s Diamond who represented the region.

Indeed. The music industry shares the same fate with theatre and arts. The challenges are kind of similar and there needs to be a holistic address to this issue. We need to expose ourselves more. It has to be a holistic approach.

What are you reading now?

I have just finished Okot p’Bitek’s Song of Lawino. But I also read other African writers like Taban Lo Liyong and David Rubadiri who have inspired my literary and television journey. Last month, I read Grace Ogot’s Land Without Thunder for the fifth time.

When I travel, I read about three books. I find a lot of inspiration from spiritual literature. I’m a devout Catholic and draw a lot of inspiration from books that talk about devotion.

I’m currently reading Introduction to Devout Life by St Francis of Sales written centuries ago. It talks about how to lead a holy life. It’s peculiar how the challenges they faced back then and now are similar.

What personal spiritual challenges are you facing now?

(Pause) Perhaps trying to get a sense of being. And to appreciate this path I have chosen.

How old are you?

(Makes face) I’m in my 40s.

When did you get to this point of spiritual awareness?

It’s always been there; it not like I woke up and decided that this was it. It’s been pretty much with me all my life dating back from my days as an altar boy. I have always striven to search for greater heights in terms of spirituality but what instigated me further is when I got married and decided I have to live for my family in the same way I was raised.

So you are one of those chaps who diligently do the whole church thing with family every Sunday?

Yes, I fellowship Mass at the Mater Hospital Chapel.

The little church inside the hospital?

Yes, that’s my community.

You know, I’ve always wondered who goes to that church!

(Laughs) We are many. I derive a lot of joy in communion with fellow Christians plus it’s a good place for kids.

Just to feed my curiosity, how does it feel like to attend a church in a hospital?

I…(laughs)…You know a lot of people ask that question. Part of it is that it’s a healing place, the hospital, that is. People who are physically ill are there but if you think about it, you realise that we are more sick than them, spiritually, and that needs a deeper healing.

Does your spirituality shape the kind of content you pick for viewers? Does it bias you?

Not necessarily. I cannot be biased. As I said, I don’t only indulge in spiritual literature but a wider array of movies. I also watch two movies a week.

When I’m in the office, we don’t indulge in religious and political literature in terms of content as we are a general entertainment outfit. My spirituality only guides me in my leadership skills, wisdom and humility. I hope the spirituality discussion hasn’t clouded this chat. (Laughs).

You mean like cast you as a zealous bible thumper who wants to do nothing but preach? No.

(Laughs). I hope not.

Now onto less biblical topics. Kids?

(Laughs) Yes, two. Boy and girl.

What have you learnt as a father?

Patience. You have to be patient in whatever they do. We should be brave to watch them fall but also give them opportunity to discover themselves and who they want to be. My daughter, for instance, is 10 years old and is quite artistic and loves to draw. My son, 5, is more techie. He will pull apart my iPad or phone.

What’s your strength as a father?

Taking good care of them. (Laughs).

What are you bad at as a father?

Sometimes I think I should be more hands-off with them and not interfere with what they do.

What is your greatest fear as a man?

Failure to achieve.

And your weakness?

(Thinks hard). Crowds, I think.

How do you spend your downtime?

I travel and swim a lot. That’s the exercise I do. I do 50 laps per session, once a week.

You are in the entertainment business. How many television screens do you have in your house?

Two.

Is there one in the bedroom?

(Laughs). Yes, there is.

Those chaps with moon-shaped glasses say it’s bad for a marriage to have a TV in the bedroom….

(Laughs) In this industry, I can’t afford not to have one in the bedroom. It’s mostly for research purposes. Plus I do that because I’m mostly alone, my wife travels quite a bit.

What does she do?

She’s a purser with an airline.

Have you swum since you came from Mauritius?

Yes, of course. Who would resist all that blue water? Like I said, it’s my exercise.