South Africa Today had the privilege of conversing with Kefas Brand on various topics, including his life, music and acting career. Read on to discover more about his inspiring journey.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself in a professional manner.
I am Rodney Kefas Namisi, more commonly known as Kefas Brand. I have extensive experience as a film actor and movie director from Uganda, excelling in various fields such as acting, media personality, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, I am the visionary behind Think Tv Uganda, a prominent production company based in Uganda.
I was born on May 24, 2001, to Samuel Kefas Namisi and Mariam Namisi. I am the eldest of three siblings: Princess Praise Elizabeth, Govin Emma Namisi, and Arnold Paul Namisi. We grew up in Mbale district and were raised in Kampala, Uganda.
For my primary education, I attended Grace Primary School, Tower Primary School, Kings Education Center, and Trust Primary School. I then progressed to St Lawrence London College, Mbale Secondary School, Joy Secondary School, Hilton High School Mukono, Code High School Mukono, Seroma Christian High School, Makerere College School, Seeta High School Mukono, and Allied Teachers Secondary School for my secondary education.
2. What inspired your decision to pursue a profession in film acting?
Acting has always been a deep passion of mine, as I grew up in family that held a great appreciation for it. Our family eagerly watched movies featuring renowned actors such as Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Richard Gere, which served as a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Witnessing the successes of other actors like Maurice Kirya, Joel Okuyo Prynce, Micheal Wawuyo, and Usama Mukwaya instilled a sense of hope in me, reinforcing my belief that I too could pursue and achieve my own film aspirations.
3. When did you enter the film industry? Your name is not widely known in the entertainment scene.
During my time in elementary school, I initially delved into the world of acting as the entertainment prefect. Recently, I embarked on a new journey in film acting with the release of my original debut film titled “Lucky Winner”. This film was carefully recorded in collaboration with Think Tv Uganda. Throughout my pursuit of filmmaking, my compositions have been recognized for their ability to uplift and shed light on important social issues. These films serve as a source of inspiration and advocacy.
4. Which male actor from Uganda serves as a source of inspiration for you?
Since the beginning of my journey, I have drawn inspiration from esteemed individuals such as Joel Okuyo Prynce, Micheal Wawuyo, and Housen Mushema. The list of influencers who have impacted me is extensive.
5. Which female actress in Uganda do you admire the most and aspire to collaborate with?
I have a great admiration for Diana Nabatanzi and find her movies incredibly captivating. Not only do I thoroughly enjoy watching them, but my friends also share the same sentiment. The quality of the sound and overall vibe of her movies is truly impressive, leaving me in awe.
6. Could you please share the process you follow to create a film?
Every movie starts with the process of generating ideas. I consider myself to be a highly observant individual who finds inspiration from the world around me. My films focus on storytelling, conveying narratives through my movies. Once I have a concept in mind, I go to Think Tv Uganda – studio, after reaching out to a select group of film directors to ensure they understand my artistic vision for the film. Together, we embark on the journey of crafting the movie scripts.
7. Who are some of the movie stars you have collaborated with and who are you currently working with?
I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally talented actors from Uganda, including K Drex, Haggai, and Mr Bean Ug. This collaboration has granted me the opportunity to explore and experiment with various acting styles. Currently, I am in the process of collaborating with renowned actors and actresses, which promises to push the boundaries of my artistic abilities.
As an actor, I am always actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with renowned movie stars who not only inspire me, but also push my creative boundaries. I am thrilled to announce that there are even more exciting collaborations on the horizon. Please stay tuned for further updates!
8. Have you ever had an encounter with an enthusiastic fan? Could you please share your experience with us?
I maintain a strong sense of self-respect, which is evident in my demeanor. Consequently, others treat me with a corresponding level of respect. If someone were to behave unconventionally, it would typically involve requests such as, “May I have a hug?” or “Could we take a photo together?” from fans. However, I choose not to participate in such behavior, as it does not align with my values and principles.
9. What is the aspect of being an actor that you find most fulfilling?
Being an actor brings me immense joy and satisfaction. One of the aspects I value most about this profession is the opportunity to connect with people through the magic of movies. It is a privilege to elicit emotions, motivate others, and create a shared experience through my acting. Moreover, the constant potential for personal growth and artistic expression is truly invigorating. As an actor, I am consistently challenged to push my limits, explore fresh concepts, and hone my skills. This journey of self discovery and creative expression is what I cherish most about being an actor.
10. What strategies do you employ to effectively manage the stress and pressures that accompany being a renowned actor?
I am fortunate to be part of an incredibly supportive team. As professionals in our field, we often tend to shoulder all the responsibilities ourselves. However, I am grateful to have a team that I can rely on for support. Whether I am experiencing moments of joy or sadness, I know I can depend on my team for guidance. Together, we always strive to find effective solutions.
11. Have you ever considered leaving your film acting career behind at any point?
To be completely honest, the idea hasn’t crossed my mind. When I made the decision to pursue a career in film acting, I was already fully committed. Occasionally, I do question my choice, but ultimately, it is the path I have chosen and it brings me the greatest sense of vitality.
12. In the next five years, how do you envision your film acting career?
My ultimate aspiration is to establish myself as a highly esteemed actor and film director, who not only serves as a source of inspiration for individuals but also empowers fellow movie stars to embrace their authentic selves. Additionally, I strive to achieve remarkable worldwide movie sales records.
