Wikipedia

Elizabeth Michael

Elizabeth Michael (Lulu) (born April 16, 1995) is a Tanzanian actress.[1][2]

Elizabeth Michael (Lulu)
Born
Diana Elizabeth Michael Kimemeta

(1995-04-16) April 16, 1995 (age 29)
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Other namesLulu
Alma mater
Occupations
Years active2000–present
SpouseFrancis Ciza (Majizzo) (m.2021)
Children2
Websiteinstagram.com/elizabethmichaelofficial


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]

Early life and education

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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

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Acting career

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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 where she first appeared in Dira where she played Nemu, she appeared in other 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.[citation needed]

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]

Personal life

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In October 2018, Michael became engaged to Francis Ciza (Dj Majizzo) the owner of EFM Radio and TVE.[24] The couple held their marriage on 17 February 2021.[25] In July 2021, they had a son named Genesis.[26] In Dec 2022 they had a daughter named Gracious

Brand associations, endorsements and ambassadorship

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  • In 2013, Michael was selected as official ambassador for Dar Es Salaam Film Festival DFF[27] 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.[28][29][30][31]
  • 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.[32][33][better source needed]
  • 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).[34][35][36][37]
  • In March 2019 she was the official host of Sinema Zetu International Film Festival (SZIFF2019)
  • In February 2020 she signed a contract with Multichoice Tanzania to become a brand ambassador of Dstv [38][self-published source?]
  • In 2020 she signed a contract with Azania Company Ltd to become a brand ambassador of Azania Flour
  • From 2020 to 2021 she was a brand ambassador of Tecno Mobile in Tanzania

Manslaughter conviction, pardoning, and probation

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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.[39] 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.[40][41] In January 2013 Michael was granted bail.[42][43]

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,[44] and claimed that Kanumba began breathing fast and collapsed while beating her, hitting his head.[45] 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.[46] 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.[44][47][48][49]

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] On November 12, 2018, she completed her probation.[10]

Humanitarian work

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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 some of the orphanage centers in Iringa Tanzania during the Valentine’s Day[50]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Name Role Note
2000 Dira Nemu Aired on Independent Television Tanzania (ITV Tanzania).
2001-2006 Zizimo Lulu
Taswira
Baragumu
Gharika
Sayari
Tufani
Tetemo
Jahazi
Demokrasia Aired on Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
2006–2010 Watoto Wetu Host 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 2018-2020 Sarafu Jackline Sanga "Jacky" Aired on Maisha Magic Bongo (Dstv Channel).
2021 Mimi Naomi Also Producer
2024 Online Yvone Web Series
Jua Kali Maria Aired on Maisha Magic Bongo Dstv Channel
CRDB’s Zogo Mchongo Herself/Host CRDB Tv Program

Radio drama series

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Year Film Role Notes
2009 Wahapahapa Mainda Aired on Radio One Tanzania and Radio Free Africa

Movies

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Year Film Role Notes/Cast
2005 Misukosuko Part 2 Catherine With Jimmy Mponda, Seba and Salama Salmin (Sandrah)
2006 Wema[51] Betty With Senga
2007 Silent Killer With Mohamed Nurdin (Chekibudi), Shumileta
2008 Family Tears[52] Lindah With Steven Kanumba, Wema Sepetu, Jacqueline Wolper and Richard Bezendhout
Mtoto wa Nyoka
Lost Twins[53] Anita (young) With Steven Kanumba, Hashimu Kambi, Suzan Lewis.
2009 Taste of Love[54] Martha With Aunty Ezekiel, Blandina Chagula, Mahsein Awadh.
Ripple of Tears[55] Lizy/Smiles With Steven Kanumba
Passion With Jacqueline Wolper, Irene Uwoya, Yusuph Mlela, Hashim Kambi
Unfortunate Love[56] 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[57] Julieth With Vincent Kigosi, Diana Kimaro
Crazy Love[58] Student With Steven Kanumba, Shamsa Ford, Hemed Suleiman
Magic House Dorah with Steven Kanumba ,Nargis Mohamed
My dreams[59] Jane With Vincent Kigosi, Irene Uwoya, Shamsa Ford, Mahsein Awadh
2011 Birthday Party With Salma Jabu (Nisha)
Ritazo[60] Ritazo With Riyama Ally
Tattoo Bridget
Confusion[61] Besta With Diana Kimario, Hemedi Suleiman
2012 House Boy[62] Lulu With Wema Sepetu, Kajala Masanja and Mr Blue
Woman Of Principles[63] Linah With Vincent Kigosi and Nargis Mohamed
Dangerous Girl[64] Hidaya
Mtoto wa Mbwa[65] Nice With Simon Mwakapagata (Rado)
Yatima Asiyestahili[66] Njwele With Nice Mohamed and Jeniffer Kyaka
Oxygen[67] With Sydney, Hashim Kambi, Grace Mapunda
2013 Foolish Age[68] Loveness Also Executive Producer

With Diana Kimaro and Hashimu Kambi

2014 Family Curse[69] With Hashimu Kambi, Yusuph Mlela, Cathy Rupia
2015 Mapenzi Ya Mungu[70] Shikana Also Producer

With Flora Mtegoa, Linah Sanga

2016 Ni Noma[71] Angela Also Producer

With Kulwa Kikumba and Isarito Mwakalikamo

Awards and nominations

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Year Event Prize Recipient Result
2013 Zanzibar International Film Festival Best Actress Woman Of Principles Won[72]
2014 Tanzania People's Choice Awards (Tuzo za watu) Favourite Actress Foolish Age Won[73]
Favourite Movie Nominated[74]
2016 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards Best Movie Eastern Africa Mapenzi Ya Mungu Won[75]
Africa Entertainment Legend Awards (Nigeria) Best Actress Herself Nominated[76]
Swahili Fashion Week Awards Style Icon Of The Year Herself Won[77][78]
2019 African Leading Women Awards (Nigeria) Exceptional Actress of The Year Herself Won[79]

References

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  2. ^ Tayo, Ayomide O. (9 March 2016). "Elizabeth "Lulu" Michael: A dark tale about one of Africa"s hottest actresses". Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  3. ^ "ZIFF 2013 : The Awards - Zanzibar International Film Festival". 6 July 2013.
  4. ^ Ngomba, Joan (9 March 2016). "Elizabeth Michael Lulu: Tanzania gives actress grand reception after AMVCA win". Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 19 April 2017.
  5. ^ "2017 Most Influential Young Africans List Announced". www.africayouthawards.org. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
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  8. ^ a b "Lulu slapped with two-year jail term for killing Kanumba". Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
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  10. ^ a b "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". Archived from the original on 19 August 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
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  14. ^ "About the Wahapahapa Radio Drama - Media for Development International". mfditanzania.com.
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  30. ^ 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.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ Saleem, Trim (29 July 2015). "SWP: Photos: Lulu Lands Millions Deal As PAISHA Brand Ambassador".
  33. ^ "Home". paisha.co.tz.
  34. ^ "Sziff". www.sziff.co.tz. Archived from the original on 2018-01-27. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
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  36. ^ "Tuzo za filamu 'International Film Festival Award' kutunisha mifuko ya wasanii – Bongo5.com". bongo5.com. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  37. ^ 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.
  38. ^ "Elizabeth Michael on Instagram: "Siku ya leo nimejiunga Rasmi Na Familia ya DSTV...Lengo Kuu Ni Kuendelea Kuwa Karibu Na Wewe Shabiki Yangu Na Pia Kuhakikisha Unapata Huduma Bora Kwa Urahisi Na Unafuu (Kutoka Katika Familia Yangu Hii Ya @dstvtanzania ) . . Endelea Kufatilia Kurasa Zangu Za Mitandao Ya Kijamii Na Mimi Nitakuwa Nakupa Updates Za Mambo Yoote Mazuri Kutoka Katika Familia Yangu Ya DSTV....Na Bila Kusahau Kuzifuata (Follow) Kurasa Za Mitandao Ya Kijamii Za @dstvtanzania 😊❤️"".
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  41. ^ 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.
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  50. ^ "Why actress Elizabeth Michael is selling all her clothes". Facebook. Jan 24, 2019. Retrieved Mar 16, 2019.
  51. ^ "Wema". www.bongocinema.com.
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  53. ^ "The Lost Twins". www.bongocinema.com.
  54. ^ "Taste of Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  55. ^ "Ripple of Tears". www.bongocinema.com.
  56. ^ "Unfortunate Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  57. ^ "Family Disaster". www.bongocinema.com.
  58. ^ "Crazy Love". www.bongocinema.com.
  59. ^ "My Dreams". www.bongocinema.com.
  60. ^ "Ritazo". www.bongocinema.com.
  61. ^ "Confusion". www.bongocinema.com.
  62. ^ "House Boy". www.bongocinema.com.
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  64. ^ "Dangerous Girl". www.bongocinema.com.
  65. ^ "Mtoto wa Mbwa". www.bongocinema.com.
  66. ^ "Yatima". www.bongocinema.com.
  67. ^ "Oxygen". www.bongocinema.com.
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  79. ^ "Login • Instagram". Archived from the original on 2021-12-25. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
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