The National Theatre of Ghana was filled with a lot of sadness on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025, as industry giants, young actors, and theatre enthusiasts gathered for a special tribute event.
The night was used to remembering Mawuli Semevo, and to honour his life and legacy.
The tribute night was graced by some of the biggest names in Ghana’s arts and culture space, including his contemporaries David Dontoh, Fred Amugi, Mrs. Edinam Atatsi, Irene Opare, and Jagger Pee, all of whom shared emotional tributes about their time with Semevo.
In attendance were also some of the young actors he worked with, including James Gardiner and a host of emerging talents from the YOLO TV series, a production in which he played a vital role in mentoring the next generation of performers.
The night featured stirring performances, spoken word pieces, and storytelling sessions that captured the essence of Mawuli Semevo’s artistry and impact.
Mawuli Semevo, a revered figure in Ghanaian theatre, passed away on February 20 at Ridge Hospital after suffering complications from a fire accident.
A former director of the National Theatre’s Drama Company, he left an indelible mark on the industry with his stellar performances in productions such as Harvest at 17, A Stab in the Dark, Escape of Love, Like Cotton Twines, and The Good Old Days: The Love of AA.
He was also widely recognized for his powerful portrayal of Baba Fakunle in last year’s adaptation of Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, staged at the National Theatre by Image Bureau and April Productions.