Yvonne Cherrie

Last updated
Yvonne Cherrie
Born
Cherrie Y. K. Salehe

(1981-08-19) August 19, 1981 (age 42)
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Nationality Tanzanian
Other namesMonalisa
Alma mater
Occupations
Years active1998-present
SpouseGeorge Tyson Akinyi (2001-2005)
Children
  • Sonia Akinyi (2001)
  • Sean Abdulwahid Jr. (2007)
  • Kenzo Tyron (2016)
Parent
  • Suzan Lewis (Natasha)
Website instagram.com/monalisatz

Yvonne Cherrie (also known as Monalisa, born August 19, 1981) is a Tanzanian actress. [1] [2] In 2010 she won Zanzibar International Film Festival for the 'Best Actress' award. [3] She was also nominated for 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Pan African Actress Of The Year. [4] She is cited as one of the best actresses and pioneers in the movie industry of Tanzania. [2] She is also the founder of Act With Monalisa foundation which focus on to mentor and support young Tanzanian women with acting career guidance and a platform to showcase their talents [5] and Director of African Women Arts and Film Festival (AWAFFEST). [6]

Contents

Early life and education

Cherrie was born on August 19, 1981, at Muhimbili, the national hospital of Tanzania. Her mother, Suzan Lewis, is also an actress.

She had her early education at Luanda, Angola where her father was working; she later returned to Tanzania and started her primary education at Muungano Primary School in Temeke, Dar Es Salaam and she had secondary education at Zanaki Girls High School before heading to Tanzania Public Service College where she studied secretarial studies.

In 2002 she joined British Council Tanzania for Pre Advance level to study English language course, and after that she joined Wilnag Media Training College in Nairobi where she graduated with a diploma in mass communication. [2]

Career

She got her nickname “Monalisa” from her 1998 performance as a young lady, struggling to reconcile her life with her multiple lovers, in the series Mambo Hayo. [1] In 2002 Monalisa made her first feature film debut in the film called Girlfriend where she played as Tumpale a TID'S girlfriend Tumpale who is forced to turn her life around after being kicked out by her dad . She then played roles in many movies, such as Sabrina (2003), Dilemma (2004), She Is My Sister (2006), Kwa Heshima Ya Penzi, Binti Nusa and Network. One of her notable performances is from Black Sunday that earned her the 'Best Actress' award for the 2010 Zanzibar International Film Festival [7] and nomination for Pan African Actress of The year 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. [4]

Filmography

TV series

YearNameRoleNote
1998Mambo HayoMonalisaTelevision: Independent Television Tanzania (ITV).

Cast:Jacob Steven(Jb), Single Mtambalike (Richie), Bishanga, Waridi and Cathy

2013-2015Siri Ya MtungiLuluProduced by Media for Development International.

Television: East Africa Television (EATV) and TV 1

2014-2015Tanzania Movie TalentsJudgeActing Competition aired on ITV
2021SiniaRosemary VenusAired on Maisha Magic Bongo (Dstv Channel)

Stage Plays

YearNameNote
2000-2001The Government InspectorBagamoyo Arts and Culture Festival
2002Zawadi Ya UshindiZanzibar International Film Festival
2003The Song Of LawinoLittle Theatre (Tanzania)
Don't Dress For DinnerRussian Cultural Centre (Tanzania)
KiuKenya National Theatre
A Man of the people

Film

YearNameRoleNote
2002GirlfriendTumpaleCast: TID, AY, Crazy Gk and Nina
2003SabrinaSabrina
2004Dilemma
2006She Is My SisterRoseWith Steven Kanumba Mercy Johnson, Nkiru Sylvanus.
2007Kwa Heshima Ya PenziMirandaWith Jacob Steven and Single Mtambalike
Chanzo Ni MamaCast :Deogratiua Shija, Suzan Lewis
2008Binti Nusa part 1MalaikaWith Suzan Lewis, Hashimu Kambi
Kaburi Mojawith Hemedi Suleiman
Behind The ScenesCareyWith Vincent Kigosi, Blandina Chagula, Suzan Lewis
2009Jeraha La NdoaRehemaWith Haji Adam, Bakari Makuka
Wrong NumberWith Riyama Ally, Hemedi Suleiman, Gadner Habash
CellularWith Thea,Sajuki
2010Binti Nusa 2& 3Malaikawith Suzan Lewis, Elizabeth Chijumba, Hashim Kambi
Black SundaySharonwith Steven Kanumba, Aunty Ezekiel, Yusuph Mlela
PaybackRebeccaWith Steven Kanumba and Yusuph Mlela
Maza HouseWith Suzan Lewis,Deogratius Shida
201138 Weeks [8] With Haji Salum (Mboto)
Pastor Myamba,The trial [9] SarahWith Emmanuel Myamba.
2012Tell Me The Truth [10]
Chai Moto [11] Jeniffer Mgendi, Mussa Banzi, Christina Matai & Juma Mtima
Uyoga [12] With Single Mtambalike
Ujinga Wangu [13] RithaWith Hemedi Suleiman and Haji Salum (Mboto)
2013Dakika Ya Mwisho [14] With Niva
Five Girls [15] With Grace Mapunda and Hashimu Kambi.
In Between [16] With Suzan Lewis, Haji Salum (Mboto)
Sistahili KusamehewaWith Patcho Mwamba, Alex Wasponga, Suleiman Barafu, Mohamed Fungafunga
Mwisho Wa Siku [17] With Lucy Komba, Victor Mwikala, Jennifer Kakolaki
Hidden Treasure [18] With Bad Boy, Mohammed Yondo
Daladala [19] Casts: Suleiman Barafu, Amri Athuman (King Majuto)
2014Damian [20] MonalisaCasts: Hashim Kambi (Dr.ambi), Jemedari Gwatwambilileghe (Damian)
Bana Congo [21] With Haji Salum (Mboto)
Network [22] Detective ElizabethWith Brian Ibrick, Simon Mwakafamba, Shikunzi Haonga, Charles Rom
2015Umuhimu WakoWith Rose Ndauka, Suzan Lewis, Raheem
2016Daddy's WeddingWith Sandra Temu, Banana Zoro, Raheem

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResult
2008Kiu Media AwardsQueen Of Bongo MoviesHerselfWon [23]
2010 Zanzibar International Film Festival Best ActressBlack SundayWon [3]
Filamu Central Best Of 2010Best ActressBinti NusaWon [24]
2011 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Pan African Actress Of The YearBlack SundayNominated [25]
2015Tanzania Film AwardsBest Actress In A Leading RoleDaddy's WeddingNominated [26]
Tribute Award(Media)Filamonata (With Suzan Lewis)Nominated
2018The African Prestigious Awards (Ghana)Best Female Movie StarHerselfWon [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omotola Jalade Ekeinde</span> Nigerian actress (born 1978)

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, is a Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist and former model. Since her Nollywood film debut in 1995, Ekeinde has appeared in over 300 films, selling millions of copies. Omotola is the second Nigerian and first Nigerian celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on her Facebook page. She currently has a total of 3 million followers on Facebook.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Media for Development International</span> American non-profit company

Media for Development International is an American 501(c)(3) non-profit company founded in 1989. MFDI produces and distributes dramatic African social-message films for African audiences on issues such as AIDS, teenage sexuality, teenage pregnancy, women's issues and general health. Much of MFDI's best known work was done in Zimbabwe between the years of 1990 and 2000. Branch offices are in Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiki Omeili</span> Nigerian actress

Nkiruka 'Kiki' Omeili is a Nigerian actress, best known for her role as Lovette in the TV series Lekki Wives. She is also known for her role as Blessing in the 2015 crime caper, Gbomo Gbomo Express alongside Gideon Okeke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yvonne Nelson</span> Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur

Yvonne Nelson is a Ghanaian actress, model, film producer, author, entrepreneur and a former Miss Ghana Contestant. She has starred in several movies, including House of Gold (2013), Any Other Monday, In April, and Swings, and appeared in the limelight of the movie industry with a role she played in the "Princess Tyra" and "Playboy" movies. She has over 7.4M Followers on Instagram currently.

Wema Abraham Sepetu is a Tanzanian actress and beauty pageant titleholder who won the Miss Tanzania 2006. She represented Tanzania at Miss World 2006 which was held in Poland.

Sahndra Fon Dufe is a Cameroonian actress, author, screenwriter, film producer, and CEO of the Indie production house African Pictures International. She has appeared in several international movies, including One Night in Vegas and Black November. Cameroonian singer Said Barah has referred to her as "Young Oprah" in one of his songs called Sahndra Fon Dufe, in admiration for her creative ingenuity and inspirational influence for young women all over Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monalisa Chinda</span> Nigerian actor, film producer and TV personality (born 1974)

Monalisa Chinda is a Nigerian actress, film producer, television personality and media personality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amitabh Aurora</span>

Amitabh Aurora is an Indian film director, screenwriter and actor. Aurora is best known for his Bongo films in the Swahili language and is cited as having written and directed ‘the first high quality Bongo movie from Zanzibar.’

Elizabeth Michael(Lulu) (born April 16, 1995) is a Tanzanian actress.

<i>Mapenzi Ya Mungu</i> 2014 Tanzanian film

Mapenzi Ya Mungu (God's Love) is a 2014 Tanzanian drama film produced by Elizabeth Michael and directed by Alex Wasponga. It stars Elizabeth Michael, Linah Sanga, and Florah Mtegoha.

<i>Foolish Age</i> 2013 Tanzanian film

Foolish Age is a Tanzanian drama film released in 2013. It was produced by Elizabeth Michael. The film explores adverse and destructive influences faced by teenagers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinema of Tanzania</span>

Tanzania's film industry, also known as Swahiliwood or Bongo movie and Bongowood, was established around 2001.

Kajala Masanja is an actress and film star in Tanzania. She won the 2016 EATV award for actress. She was married to former banker Faraji Chambo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassie Kabwita</span> Zambian actor and film director

Cassie Kabwita is a Zambian actress and film producer and rotarian. She is known for her works in the Zambian and Tanzanian film industries. Cassie is the Ambassador for The African Film Festival(TAFF) in Dallas

Fatuma, is a 2018 Tanzanian drama film directed by Jordan Riber and co-produced by director himself with his parents; John Riber and Louise Riber. It is the sequel to its first feature film Hadithi za Kumekucha:TUNU. The film stars Beatrice Taisamo in lead role along with Ayoub Bombwe and Cathryn Credo in supportive roles.

Catherine "Cathryn" Credo Masanja is a Tanzanian actress and model. She was featured in two Swahili language films, Hadithi za Kumekucha: Fatuma (2018) and Bahasha (2018).

Beatrice Taisamo is a Tanzanian actress.

Godliver Gordian is a Tanzanian actress. She is a part of the New York-based humanitarian organization, Global Medical Relief Fund, and has helped albino graduates find jobs by speaking to employers on their behalf, irrespective of the fears associated with albinos in Tanzania.

Jordan Riber is a Zimbabwean-born Tanzanian Film and Television Director, Screenwriter, Producer, Editor and Sound engineer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chijindu Kelechi Eke</span> Nigerian Film Director

Chijindu Kelechi Eke is a Nigerian film director. He is the founder of the African Film Festival(TAFF), and the creator of African streaming service, Rootflix. After a coronation in 2023, he was installed into a chieftaincy role as the "Ichie Ihemba" of Imerienwe in the Imo State of Nigeria.

References

  1. 1 2 "Yvonne Cherryl - Actor, Director,—Bongo Movies - Buy Tanzania Movies and DVDs Online". www.bongocinema.com.
  2. 1 2 3 Base, Bongo Film Data (2 January 2012). "BONGO FILM DATA BASE: UJUE VILIVYO WASIFU WA YVONNE CHERRYL / MONA LISA (BIOGRAPH)".
  3. 1 2 "THE ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS".
  4. 1 2 "Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2011 nominees « tooXclusive". 26 May 2011.
  5. ↑ Director, Kelechi Eke, Executive. "THE AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL (TAFF) - Bridging Cultures Through Film". The African Film Festival. Retrieved 2019-08-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ Director, Kelechi Eke, Executive. "THE AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL (TAFF) - Bridging Cultures Through Film". The African Film Festival. Retrieved 2019-08-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "ZIFF AWARDS..."
  8. ↑ "38 Weeks — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  9. ↑ "Pastor Myamba, the Trial — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  10. ↑ "Tell Me the Truth — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  11. ↑ "Chai Moto — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  12. ↑ "Uyoga — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  13. ↑ "Ujinga Wangu — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  14. ↑ "Dakika ya Mwisho — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  15. ↑ "Five Girls — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  16. ↑ "In Between — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  17. ↑ "Mwisho wa Siku — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  18. ↑ "Hidden Treasure — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  19. ↑ "Daladala — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  20. ↑ "Damian — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  21. ↑ "Bana Congo — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  22. ↑ "Network — Bongo Movie - Tanzania". www.bongocinema.com.
  23. ↑ "Yvonne Cherryl - Actor, Director, — Bongo Movies - Buy Tanzania Movies and DVDs Online". www.bongocinema.com.
  24. ↑ Monalisa (16 January 2011). "MONALISA AND THE TANZANIA FILM INDUSTRY: AHSANTE FILAMU CENTRAL".
  25. ↑ "Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2011 nominees - TooXclusive". 26 May 2011.
  26. ↑ Saleem, Trim (2 April 2015). "SWP: Full List of Nominees Tanzania Film Awards 2015, Dogo Maasai, Mdundiko, We Are Four Lead Nominations".
  27. ↑ "Female Movie Star - African Prestigious Awards".[ permanent dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.