Elizabeth Michael

Elizabeth Michael (Lulu) (born April 16, 1995) is a Tanzanian actress.[1][2] In 2013, she won the Zanzibar International Film Festival award for Best Actress for "Woman Of Principles".[3] She also won 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Movie Eastern Africa.[4] In August 2017, Africa Youth Awards named her among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.[5][6][7] In November 2017, she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the 2012 death of Steven Kanumba and sentenced to two years in prison.[8] On April 26, 2018, on Tanzanian Union celebration, she was among of the prisoners who were pardoned by President John Pombe Magufuli where her sentence was reduced. She was later released on May 9, 2018 after serving six months in prison to do community services for the remaining time after showing good behavior while she was in prison.[9] On 12 November 2018 she completed her probation.[10]

Elizabeth Michael (Lulu)
Born
Diana Elizabeth Michael Kimemeta

(1995-04-16) April 16, 1995
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
NationalityTanzanian
Other namesLulu
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active2000–present
Websiteinstagram.com/elizabethmichaelofficial

Early life and education

Michael was born and raised in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Her father is Michael Kimemeta, and her mother is Lucrecia Kalugira. She attended Remnant Academy for her primary education, and Perfect Vision High School, St Mary's High School for her secondary education. She then joined Tanzania Public Service College where she obtained her diploma in Human Resource Management.[11][12]

Career

Acting career

Michael started her acting career as a child actor when she was only five years old. Actor Mahsein Awadh (Dr Cheni) was the one who discovered her during his talent search. He took her to Kaole Sanaa Group, where she appeared in many television soap operas, including Zizimo, Baragumu, Gharika, Taswira, and Demokrasia that were well known during the 2000s.[13] She performed under the name Lulu, a name under which she is commonly known today. In 2005, she made her film debut in the action film called Misukosuko.

Michael has participated in many big projects such as Wahapahapa Radio Drama of 2009[14] that was produced by Media for Development International Tanzania. She played Mainda in the story that tells the importance of parent-child communication in protecting youth as they navigate through the difficult period of adolescence. The project was directed by Jordan Riber from MFDI. Her subsequent movies include Family Tears, Ripple of Tears, Oxygen, House Boy, and Woman Of Principles. She has appeared in more than 30 films.

In August 2013, she launched the movie Foolish Age, which was her first effort as a producer. The event took place at Mlimani City Conference Hall in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.[15][16] The movie was screened at the 2014 Zanzibar International Film Festival,[17] Foolish Age was nominated as Favourite Movie at the 2014 Tanzania People's Choice Awards (Tuzo Za Watu) and Michael won Favourite Actress for her performance in the film.[18]

In 2015, she released her second movie as producer called Mapenzi Ya Mungu (God's love) which she also played as a leading character . The movie was screened at the 2015 Zanzibar International Film Festival[19] and the movie won the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards as the Best Movie Eastern Africa.

In July 2016, she launched her another movie called Ni Noma which she produced and starred as a leading character . The movie was sold via a mobile app called ProinBox.[20][21][22][23]

Brand associations, endorsements and ambassadorship
  • In 2013, Michael was selected as official ambassador for Dar Es Salaam Film Festival DFF[24] in Dar Es Salaam. Her film, Foolish Age, was also screened at that festival.
  • In February 2014, she signed with Airtel Tanzania to be the host of the TV show Airtel Yatosha TV Show.[25][26][27][28]
  • In 2015, she signed a brand ambassadorship deal with Paisha Tanzania to be the brand ambassador of the mobile app Paisha that deals with online business.[29][30]
  • In 2016, she was named by Hengan Baby Products and Sanitary Co. Ltd. (Tanzania) to be the ambassador of Freestyle pads (napkins).
  • In October 2017 she was named by Azam Media Tanzania through their channel of cinemas, Sinema Zetu, to be the official ambassador of the Sinema Zetu International Film Festival (SZIFF).[31][32][33][34]
  • In March 2019 she was the official host of Sinema Zetu International Film Festival (SZIFF2019)

Manslaughter conviction, pardoning, and probation

On 13 November 2017, Michael was convicted in High Court of Tanzania for involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison for the 2012 death of actor Steven Kanumba, whom she had been dating when she was a juvenile (17 years old).[8]

Michael was alleged to have caused the death of 28-year old Kanumba. The death was said to have occurred after Kanumba confronted Michael for talking to another man in front of him.[35] Michael was arrested and stayed in remand for almost a year for investigation. Later, the charges were amended to involuntary manslaughter. Member of Parliament Halima Mdee arranged for lawyers Peter Kibatala and Kennedy Fungamtama to represent Michael, because she believed she was innocent.[36][37] In January 2013 Michael was granted bail.[38][39]

In October 2017, Michael testified to the High Court that after Kanumba confronted her for talking to another man, he took her to his room by force and starting beating her with a sword while he was intoxicated. She admitted during her testimony that she was the last person to be with Kanumba,[40] and claimed that Kanumba began breathing fast and collapsed while beating her, hitting his head.[41] She said after Kanumba fell down she used the opportunity to escape, unaware that he had died. She left the area and was later arrested without knowing what she was being arrested for.[42] She said she found out the second day after her arrest by Oysterbay Police in Dar Es Salaam. The officers that arrested Michael found that she had injuries consistent with sword wounds as they were arresting her. A postmortem report from Muhimbili National Hospital of Tanzania concluded that Kanumba's death was caused by brain concussion as the result of difficulty in breathing in conjunction with excessive drinking.[40][43][44][45]

On April 26, 2018 Michael was among the prisoners who were pardoned by President John Pombe Magufuli whereby she was deducted 1/4 of her imprisonment. In May 2018 she was released from the prison by the High Court of Tanzania under the Tanzania Community Services Act of 2002, and the remaining time by doing community services after showing good behavior when she was in prison.[9] In November 12, 2018 she completed her probation.[10]

Humanitarian work

On January 23, 2019 Michael started the campaign called “Save My Valentine” which aimed to raise money for helping people with special needs. Through the campaign Michael sold part of her clothes so as to collect a certain amount of money, she sold her 62 clothes and the money obtained were taken to the some of the orphanage centers in Iringa Tanzania during the Valentine’s Day [46]

Filmography

Television
Year Name Role Note
2000–2006 Zizimo Lulu Aired on Independent Television Tanzania (ITV Tanzania)

Cast:Steven Kanumba, Vincent Kigosi, Blandina Chagula etc.

Dira
Taswira
Baragumu
Gharika
Sayari
Tufani
Tetemo
Jahazi
Demokrasia Aired on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC)

cast:Steven Kanumba, Vincent Kigosi, Thea, Blandina Chagula etc.

2006–2010 Watoto Wetu Host/Presenter Children's program aired on Independent Television Tanzania (ITV Tanzania)
2014–2015 Tanzania Movie Talents (TMT) Host Acting competition aired on Independent Television Tanzania (ITV Tanzania)
Jan 2018-Present Sarafu Jackline Sanga "Jacky" Aired on Maisha Magic Bongo (Dstv Channel)

Cast:Irene Uwoya, Yusuph Mlela, Hemed Suleiman, Idris Sultan, Suzan Lewis etc.

Radio drama series
Year Film Role Notes
2009 Wahapahapa Mainda Aired on Radio One Tanzania

Movies
Year Film Role Notes/Cast
2005 Misukosuko Part 2 Catherine With Jimmy Mponda, Seba and Salama Salmin (Sandrah)
2006 Wema[47] Betty With Senga
2007 Silent Killer With Mohamed Nurdin (Chekibudi), Shumileta
2008 Family Tears[48] Lindah With Steven Kanumba, Wema Sepetu, Jacqueline Wolper and Richard Bezendhout
Mtoto wa Nyoka
Lost Twins[49] Young Anitha With Steven Kanumba, Hashimu Kambi, Suzan Lewis.
2009 Taste of Love[50] Martha With Aunty Ezekiel, Blandina Chagula, Mahsein Awadh.
Ripple of Tears[51] Lizy With Steven Kanumba
Passion With Jacqueline Wolper, Irene Uwoya, Yusuph Mlela, Hashim Kambi
Unfortunate Love[52] With Steven Kanumba, Lisa Jensen, Zamda
Too Late With Mahsein Awadh (Dr Cheni), Tumaini Bigirimana (Fifi), Issa Mussa
Reason To Die Nyina With Mahsein Awadh (Dr Cheni)
2010 Family Disaster[53] Julieth With Vincent Kigosi, Diana Kimaro
Crazy Love[54] Student With Steven Kanumba, Shamsa Ford, Hemed Suleiman
Magic House Dorah with Steven Kanumba ,Nargis Mohamed
My dreams[55] Jane With Vincent Kigosi, Irene Uwoya, Shamsa Ford, Mahsein Awadh
2011 Birthday Party With Salma Jabu (Nisha)
Ritazo[56] Ritazo With Riyama Ally
Tattoo Bridget
Confusion[57] Besta With Diana Kimario, Hemedi Suleiman
2012 House Boy[58] Lulu With Wema Sepetu, Kajala Masanja and Mr Blue
Woman Of Principles[59] Linah With Vincent Kigosi and Nargis Mohamed
Dangerous Girl[60] Hidaya
Mtoto wa Mbwa[61] Nice With Simon Mwakapagata (Rado)
Yatima Asiyestahili[62] Njwele With Nice Mohamed and Jeniffer Kyaka
Oxygen[63] With Sydney, Hashim Kambi, Grace Mapunda
2013 Foolish Age[64] Loveness With Diana Kimaro and Hashimu Kambi
2014 Family Curse[65] With Hashimu Kambi, Yusuph Mlela, Cathy Rupia
2015 Mapenzi Ya Mungu[66] Shikana With Flora Mtegoa, Linah Sanga
2016 Ni Noma[67] Angela With Kulwa Kikumba and Isarito Mwakalikamo

Awards and nominations
This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Year Event Prize Recipient Result
2013 Zanzibar International Film Festival Best Actress Woman Of Principles Won[68]
2014 Tanzania People's Choice Awards (Tuzo za watu) Favourite Actress Foolish Age Won[69]
Favourite Movie Nominated[70]
2016 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Movie Eastern Africa Mapenzi Ya Mungu Won[71]
Africa Entertainment Legend Awards (Nigeria) Best Actress Herself Nominated[72]
Swahili Fashion Week Awards Style Icon Of The Year Herself Won[73][74]

References
  1. "Elizabeth Michael - Actress Mode". www.bongocinema.com.
  2. Tayo, Ayomide O. "Elizabeth "Lulu" Michael: A dark tale about one of Africa"s hottest actresses".
  3. "ZIFF 2013 : The Awards - Zanzibar International Film Festival".
  4. Ngomba, Joan. "Elizabeth Michael Lulu: Tanzania gives actress grand reception after AMVCA win".
  5. "2017 Most Influential Young Africans List Announced". www.africayouthawards.org. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  6. "Diana Elizabeth Michael". www.africayouthawards.org. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  7. "Photo Gallery: 2017 100 Most Influential Young Africans". www.africayouthawards.org. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  8. "Lulu slapped with two-year jail term for killing Kanumba". Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  9. "Why Tanzanian Actress Elizabeth Michael Has Been Released From Prison". 15 May 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  10. "Freedom for Lulu at last after six long years". The Citizen. Retrieved Mar 16, 2019.
  11. Bry, Sameer (21 June 2016). "BAHATI's Crush LULU Goes Back To School".
  12. "Lulu arudi chuo, anachukua". www.bongo5.com.
  13. Saleem, Trim (16 April 2014). "SWP: Birthday Girl: Lulu Elizabeth Michael - Talented Diva Who Has Made Us Learn Through Both Her On and Off Screen Life".
  14. "About the Wahapahapa Radio Drama - Media for Development International". mfditanzania.com.
  15. "Picha: Uzinduzi wa movie mpya ya Lulu 'Foolish Age'". www.bongo5.com.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2016-08-27. Retrieved 2016-07-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Bongo Movies Selection - Zanzibar International Film Festival".
  18. "Tuzo Za Watu 2014 : Picha Za Matukio Na Washindi". 28 June 2014.
  19. "NOMINEES of ZUKU BONGO MOVIES AWARDS 2015 - ZIFF 2018". www.ziff.or.tz. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  20. "Lulu aeleza mapinduzi yanayoletwa na filamu yake mpya 'Ni Noma' inayotoka Ijumaa hii (Video) – Bongo5.com". www.bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  21. "Filamu ya kwanza ya Kitanzania kuuzwa kidigitali". BBC Swahili. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  22. Saleem, Trim (7 July 2015). "SWP: Lulu's New Film "Ni Noma" To Be Launched Soon". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  23. "COMING SOON :: NI NOMA BY ELIZABETH "LULU" MICHAEL". 24 June 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  24. "Elizabeth Michael 'Lulu' achaguliwa kuwa Balozi wa 'Dar Filamu Festival'". www.bongo5.com.
  25. Saleem, Trim (18 March 2015). "SWP: Lulu Paid 50 Million To Host a TV Show!".
  26. "Lulu Na Dula Wa Planet Bongo Ku-Host Airtel Yatosha Tv Show". 9 August 2016. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  27. Tanzania, Airtel. "Zamu yako kujipatia Kifurushi cha wiki cha yatosha zaidi! Unachotakiwa ni kuwa wakwanza kutupatia jibu sahihi hapa.pic.twitter.com/sCpEP3mjDT". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  28. Tanzania, Airtel. "Don't miss the #YatoshaZaidi show this Sunday on @ITVTANZANIA at 9:30pm as we announce our first Toyota IST winnerspic.twitter.com/nDNhf8Ps3B". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  29. Saleem, Trim (29 July 2015). "SWP: Photos: Lulu Lands Millions Deal As PAISHA Brand Ambassador".
  30. http://www.paisha.co.tz%5B%5D
  31. "Sziff". www.sziff.co.tz. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  32. "Elizabeth 'Lulu' Michael amepata dili nono – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  33. "Tuzo za filamu 'International Film Festival Award' kutunisha mifuko ya wasanii – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  34. TV, Azam. "Safari inaanza. Kaa mguu sawa kimapinduzi huku tukiungana bega kwa bega na balozi wetu katika tuzo za SZIFF kupitia Azam TV". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  35. Kapama, Faustine (17 October 2017). "Tanzania: Lulu Manslaughter Trial At High Court Thursday". Retrieved 26 January 2018 – via AllAfrica.
  36. "Update:Wabunge Ester Bulaya na Halima Mdee walichoongeza kusema kuhusu kuvalia Kesi ya 'Lulu',njuga – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  37. Mdee, Halima James. "This pic. speaks louder than words.She was such an innocent girl..the people who were supposed to protect her took advantage of her.pic.twitter.com/QXssTINRW8". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  38. "Lulu gets bail after 9 months". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  39. "Lulu Released from Prison". en.igihe.com. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  40. "Bahati's Tanzanian crush jailed for lover's death - Nairobi News". Nairobi News. 2017-11-13. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  41. "THE VERDICT,HUKUMU YA ELIZABETH MICHAEL!!! – Nuru The Light". blog.nuruthelite.com. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  42. "LULU AELEZA YOTE YALIYOTEKEA USIKU ALIOFARIKI KANUMBA". Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  43. "Elizabeth Michael(Lulu) akutwa na hatia ya kuua bila kukusudia, ahukumiwa kwenda jela miaka 2". JamiiForums. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  44. Oduor, Martin. "Elizabeth Michael Lulu sent to prison for the death of Steven Kanumba". www.ghafla.com. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  45. "State lines up 9 witnesses in Lulu manslaughter case". Retrieved 2018-01-26.
  46. "Why actress Elizabeth Michael is selling all her clothes". Facebook. Jan 24, 2019. Retrieved Mar 16, 2019.
  47. "Wema". www.bongocinema.com.
  48. "Family Tears". www.bongocinema.com.
  49. "The Lost Twins". www.bongocinema.com.
  50. "Taste of Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  51. "Ripple of Tears". www.bongocinema.com.
  52. "Unfortunate Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  53. "Family Disaster". www.bongocinema.com.
  54. "Crazy Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  55. "My Dreams". www.bongocinema.com.
  56. "Ritazo". www.bongocinema.com.
  57. "Confusion". www.bongocinema.com.
  58. "House Boy". www.bongocinema.com.
  59. "Woman of Principles". www.bongocinema.com.
  60. "Dangerous Girl". www.bongocinema.com.
  61. "Mtoto wa Mbwa". www.bongocinema.com.
  62. "Yatima". www.bongocinema.com.
  63. "Oxygen". www.bongocinema.com.
  64. "Foolish Age". www.bongocinema.com.
  65. "Family Curse". www.bongocinema.com.
  66. Mwangoka, Nicky (20 October 2014). "Karibu Nyumbani: Mapenzi Ya Mungu: Filamu Ya Lulu Na Mama Kanumba".
  67. "Tanzania: Elizabeth Michael 'Lulu' Set To Drop New Film Tomorrow". celebafrica.com. 16 September 2016. Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  68. Saleem, Trim (7 July 2013). "SWP: Winners List: Zanzibar International Film Festival 2013, Lulu Wins Best Actress Award in Swahili Movies".
  69. "Washindi :: Tanzania People Choice Awards". 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2017.
  70. "Bongo5 media group imetagaza majina yatakayowania tuzo za watu". millardayo.com.
  71. "Tanzanian actress gets heroic welcome after 'winning big' at AMVCA". thenet.ng. 9 March 2016. Archived from the original on 11 May 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  72. "See The Full List Of 2016 AELA Nominees". 31 August 2016.
  73. "Nuru the Light: Style Icon of the year: Lou Lou!!!". 5 December 2016.
  74. "HugeDomains.com". www.jazenah.com. Cite uses generic title (help)
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.