Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi has made history as the first West African to join the prestigious Casting Society of America (CSA), marking a significant milestone for both Ghana and the wider African entertainment industry. This achievement underscores Ghana’s growing influence in the global film and television landscape and opens doors for greater representation of African talent internationally.
Mawuko, a celebrated Pan-African casting director and CEO of MK Casting, Ghana’s leading casting agency, has been officially inducted into the CSA, a recognition that places him among the top casting professionals worldwide. His membership not only highlights his exceptional contributions to the industry but also serves as a pivotal moment for the African creative sector, paving the way for more collaborations between Africa and global entertainment industries.
Prior to Mawuko’s membership, only three native Africans—each from South Africa—had ever been inducted into the CSA. Mawuko now stands as the only representative from West Africa, a testament to his remarkable skill, dedication, and commitment to elevating African cinema.
Mawuko has been instrumental in shaping numerous high-profile international productions, spanning feature films, TV shows, and commercials. He is widely recognized for discovering Ghanaian actor Abraham Attah, who rose to global fame for his role in the critically acclaimed film *Beasts of No Nation*. Beyond this, Mawuko has nurtured and promoted African talent, contributing to the success of many actors in major international productions.
His impressive portfolio includes work on projects such as Netflix’s Beasts of No Nation, Amazon Prime’s Treadstone, BBC and Netflix’s Black Earth Rising, the NFL Super Bowl, and Ghana’s Oscar-submitted film Azali. Mawuko has also contributed to commercials for Turkish Airlines and Woodin, as well as notable films such as Snowfall, Aloe Vera, and The Fisherman, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Throughout his career, Mawuko has collaborated with prominent directors and producers, including Emmy Award-winning Cary Fukunaga, Ramin Bahrani, Daniel Dammah, and others.
In response to his historic CSA membership, Mawuko expressed his pride, stating, “This is a proud moment for Ghana and West Africa. I am honoured to join the Casting Society of America. This is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the growing recognition of African talent in the global film industry.”
Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, Executive Director of the African Chamber of Content Producers, also praised Mawuko’s achievements, noting, “Mawuko Kuadzi has been a driving force in promoting African talent globally. His work has amplified the diverse stories of the African continent. His inclusion in the CSA is a major victory for African creatives.”
In addition to his casting work, Mawuko co-founded the Africa Monologue Challenge in 2022, an initiative that connects African actors with Pan-African and international opportunities. The third season of the challenge is set to begin in October 2024, with the finale scheduled for Côte d’Ivoire in 2025.
Mawuko’s inclusion in the CSA is a landmark moment for the African film industry, recognizing the rich talent emerging from the continent and inspiring future generations of African creatives to achieve global success.
Founded in 1982, the Casting Society of America is a non-profit organization that promotes professionalism and education in the casting industry. Its members include casting directors, associates, and executives worldwide, all working to advance the importance of casting in entertainment.