Sauti Plus Media Hub, in collaboration with Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), hosted an impactful Acting Masterclass at UCC House, bringing together over 200 filmmakers, actors, and actresses in Uganda.
The event, held as part of the lead-up to the prestigious iKON Awards on March 29, 2025, offered a unique opportunity for creative professionals to refine their craft and connect with industry experts.
The highlight of the masterclass was the presence of Hollywood superstar Omari Morocco, renowned for his roles in Empire, Chicago Fire, and Homeland. Omari shared invaluable knowledge and inspiration with attendees, emphasizing the discipline and dedication required for a successful acting career.
Omari stressed the importance of both passion and discipline in acting, urging aspiring Ugandan filmmakers and actors to explore their full potential.
“Acting is not just about passion; it is an art form that demands consistency and a willingness to learn,” he said, highlighting the role of active listening in delivering authentic performances. “A great actor is a great listener,” he added, emphasizing how this skill brings depth to performances.
In discussing character development, Omari highlighted the need for actors to fully immerse themselves in their roles, advising that the audience should see the character, not the actor. “To truly bring a character to life, actors must shed their own identity,” he explained.
The Hollywood star also shared insights on the challenges actors face, particularly rejection during auditions. “Rejection is part of the game, but so is perseverance,” Omari noted. “Every actor has been told ‘no,’ but that’s not where the story ends.”
Malaika Nyanzi, a renowned Ugandan actor, expressed her appreciation for the masterclass, emphasizing the value of such events in fostering knowledge exchange between Ugandan filmmakers and international professionals like Omari Morocco. “Uganda is a hub of talent, and Hollywood should come to us,” Nyanzi said, highlighting the potential for Ugandan actors to make an impact globally.
Herman Namanya, producer at Sauti Plus Media Hub and head of production for the iKON Awards 2025, also shared his vision for elevating Uganda’s film industry. “Through initiatives like this masterclass, we aim to equip filmmakers with essential skills in acting, production, scriptwriting, and post-production,” Namanya said, underscoring the importance of collaboration in developing world-class talent.
Omari Morocco, who expressed his commitment to Uganda’s growing film industry, revealed plans to launch a new project by the end of the year. “We have some incredible stories to tell, and I hope to bring these projects into fruition,” he said.
This collaboration marks a significant step in Uganda’s filmmaking journey, offering local talent the chance to learn from international stars and further establish the country’s creative industries on the global stage.
