Quick Facts
Biography
Kwaku Sintim-Misa aka "KSM" (born 1956, in Kumasi) is a Ghanaian actor, director, satirist, talk show host, and author. He also has his own shows on radio and television.
Education
Kwaku Sintim-Misa was born the fifth of six siblings on December 5, 1956 in the city of Kumasi. He attended UST Primary School, the Presby Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), and Prempeh College. After completing college, he received specialized training at the renowned National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) in Accra.
Anxious for deeper investigation into the performing arts, "KSM" left Africa to major in acting and directing at Trinity College in Connecticut, USA. He subsequently earned a Master of Fine Arts in film production from New York University.
Work
"KSM" launched his acting career with a variety of Off-Broadway and Public Theatre roles. He was also featured in the popular American crime series Law & Order and on the drama series Medal of Honor Rag (by the Tony Award winning director Lloyd Richards.) "KSM" became the first African to stage an original Off-Broadway play when he produced Thoughts of a Confused Black Man, an immensely popular one-man show that raised compelling questions about race in the United States. In 1997, inspired by his American career, he returned to Ghana to make his mark as a proud nationalist and edu-tainer. Shortly after arriving back in the country, "KSM" became a prominent radio talk show host; his pioneering work with Talk Shop introduced Ghana to broadcasting’s potential for generating controversy and dialogue. "KSM" used a combative, confrontational style which shocked his listeners into frankly discussing relevant national issues. He continued to refine his style with the show Nyame Som Ye De, which inspired Ghanaians to think beyond religion to define their broader spirituality.
After making a name for himself as a radio host, "KSM" created what has become one Ghana’s most popular talk shows: Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF). TGIF was the first broadcast of its kind to fuse serious talk, education and humor. Since its inception, the show has featured gripping stories from entrepreneurial street vendors, dancing presidents, pioneering scientists, leading artists, and many more exciting characters. "KSM" recently won the Radio and Television Personality Television Entertainment Show Host of the Year (2011) for his work with TGIF.
Despite broadcast success, "KSM" has never abandoned the stage. He has written, directed and starred in a series of one man comedic plays, most notably Saga of a Returnee, Afia Siriboe, and Politically Incorrect. "KSM"’s live performances use comical characters to illustrate the key social, economic and political issues concerning Ghana. They are produced by Sapphire Ghana Limited, a content development company that he founded and uses to integrate social issues into television, radio, and stage productions. In 2009, "KSM" released his first feature length film, a psychological thriller entitled Double. He has written and produced a variety of television shows, including Hot Bench, Divorce Court, Action Security, and a number of medical documentaries. Ogya FM is his latest television series, which was created to educate the public on the power of advocating for change. Ogya FM was recently featured at the prestigious Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.
In the year 2013 he became the mentor of many Ghanaian youth, among them is Promise Edem Nukunu, who is an author and public speaker.
Family
Sintim-Misa was born to Rt. Rev. Godfried Kwadwo Sintim-Misa, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, and Mrs Mary Oforiwaa Sintim-Misa. He is married with 4 children. "KSM" is also very passionate about the wellbeing of Ghanaian youth, and he is highly sought after for his informative talks on personal and professional development. He has given lectures around the country in every major university. "KSM"’s talks have been his way of giving back to the nation he loves so much, and he encourages every Ghanaian to make a lifelong commitment to national service.