Ghana’s King of Satire, Kwaku Sintim-Misa popularly known as KSM, is set to lecture at The University of Rhode Island on Wednesday, 10th April, 2019.
In an official invitation letter signed by the Vice Provost for Global Initiative, Gifty Ako-Adounvo, PhD on behalf of Dr. Donald H. Dehayes, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs to KSM, they expressed their fondest pleasure in hosting the ‘Afia Siriboe’ character as a Distinguished Visiting International Scholar.
“Your accomplishment in the arts and engagement with tough social issues of our times, identified you as a distinguished choice for the program” the letter stated.
KSM’s visit, is in tandem with the university’s Distinguished Visiting International Scholar program which has as its objectives; commitment to building international collaborations, enhance visibility for the institution across the globe, demonstrate commitment to research and scholarship, and strengthen emphasis on global learning and discovery.
KSM, who is poised for action, when reached, said, “I’m just going to serve them with a dose of what I’ve been serving Ghanaians and Africa all these years. There will be enough for them to laugh over, and at the same time, a privilege to share and learn from both parts.”
During his stay, he will do public presentations, meet with groups of undergraduates and graduate students as well as faculty, and attend a reception.
The University of Rhode Island is the main sponsor with co-sponsorship from its Harrington School of Communication and Media.
Who is KSM?
Kwaku Sintim-Misa aka KSM (born 1956, in Kumasi) is a Ghanaian actor, director, satirist, motivational speaker, talk show host, MC, and author.
Kwaku Sintim-Misa was born the fifth of six siblings on December 5, 1956, in the city of Kumasi. He attended UST Primary School, the Presby Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), and Prempeh College. After completing college, he received specialised training at the renowned National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Accra.
Anxious for a deeper investigation into the performing arts, KSM left Africa to major in acting and directing at Trinity College in Connecticut, USA. He subsequently earned a Master of Fine Arts in film production from New York University.
KSM launched his acting career with a variety of Off-Broadway and Public Theatre roles. He was also featured in the popular American crime series Law & Order (in 1994) and on the drama series Medal of Honor Rag (by the Tony Award-winning director Lloyd Richards.)
KSM became the first African to stage an original Off-Broadway play when he produced Thoughts of a Confused Black Man, an immensely popular one-man show that raised compelling questions about race in the United States. In 1997, inspired by his American career, he returned to Ghana to make his mark as a proud nationalist and edutainer.
Shortly after relocating to Ghana, KSM became a prominent radio talk show host. His pioneering work with Talk Shop introduced Ghana to broadcasting’s potential for generating controversy and dialogue.
KSM used a combative, confrontational style which shocked his listeners into frankly discussing relevant national issues. He continued to refine his style with the show Nyame Som Ye De, which inspired Ghanaians to think beyond religion to define their broader spirituality.
After making a name for himself as a radio host, KSM created what has become one Ghana’s most popular talk shows: Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF). TGIF was the first broadcast of its kind to fuse serious talk, education and humour.
Since its inception, the show has featured gripping stories from entrepreneurial street vendors, dancing presidents, pioneering scientists, leading artists, and many more exciting characters. Despite the broadcast success, KSM has never abandoned the stage.
He has written, directed and starred in a series of one-man comedic plays, popular and memorable ones being: Saga Of A Returnee, Afia Siriboe, and Politically Incorrect.
KSM’s live performances use comical characters to illustrate the key social, economic and political issues concerning Ghana. They are produced by Sapphire Ghana Limited, a content development company that he founded and uses to integrate social issues into television, radio, and stage productions.
In 2009. KSM released his first feature length film, a psycho-thriller entitled ‘Double.’ He has written and produced a variety of television shows, including Hot Bench, Divorce Court, Build Your Ark (for SSNIT), and a number of medical documentaries.
Watch The KSM show every Friday at 9: 00pm on Metro TV.
