BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA — We're about one week from landing in Zambia to begin the filming of BAD T!MING. I'm pleased to announce that the major roles have been cast! Within the next few days, images of all the actors will be posted.

CHIKU will be played by Lee Nonde. Lee is one of the lead actors in the Kabanana "soap opera" on the national television station, ZNBC. Well known in Zambia, Lee has the charisma to capture the goodness of Chiku and, at the same time, show the terrible pressure and conflict he faces by his enemies.

MUTINTA will be played by Annie Katamanda Musukwa. Annie had the role of Mutinta in the original stage play by Samuel Kasankha. As the bride of Chiku who must share the public humiliation with her husband, Annie will also be able to show the strength of character that imbues Mutinta. She is one of the leading actresses on Zambian Radio Drama and Sewero programs on ZNBC.

HON. HACHINDUMBA-NDUMBA will be played by Jacob Chirwa. Jacob has a degree in Drama from the University of Zambia and is featured in the Kabanana soap, as well. A well-connected, powerful and wealthy politician, Hachi is the father to Mutinta. A talented and versatile actor, Jacob will bring excitement and energy to the role. Jacob is also the Deputy Director of the National Arts Council.

MAINZA HACHINDUMBA-NDUMBA will be played by Gertrude Nkonde Kasankha. One of the founding members of Zambian Radio Drama and Sewero, Gertrude is reprising the role of Mrs. Hachindumba-ndumba from the stage play. The mother of Mutinta, Mainza is supportive of her daughter's plight and suffers a mother's anguish. It's an excellent role that will be well captured by Gertrude.

DON PELIKAN will be played by Augustine Lungu. A tremendously gifted actor, Augustine is one of the most sought after actors/comedian/producers in Zambia. The powerful and well-connected businessman, Don Pelikan is a neighbor to Chiku and father of young Rose. As you can see from this photo, Augustine can summon that dominance when needed! For those of you who read this blog regularly, you may recall the wedding photo of Augustine and his lovely bride in early July. We saw his sweeter side in that image.

ROSE PELIKAN will be played by young Mirriam Zulu. As a young character, it's only logical that Rose would be played by a young actress. One of the newer faces to the Zambian stage, Mirriam has won the plum role of the conflicted, troubled teen daughter of Don Pelikan.

KAPAMBA KATWISHI will be played by Henry B. J. Phiri. A talented stand-up comedian and lead actor on Kabanana Soap, Henry is reprising his role of the fun-loving and loyal friend of Chiku. He will bring humor and heart to the film.

SAMPINGILA will be played by Joemwa Mtsinje Mwale. A celebrated actor, comedian and writer like Augustine, Joemwa has written many of the Zambian Radio Dramas and Sewero plays. He is credited as having played a major role in shaping the dramatic career of Jabbes Mvula. We are excited that he will now be able to share in Jabbes' latest project.

SULLYNA TEMBO will be played by Kamwengo Vunda Lungu. In the role as Chiku's assistant at CHILDREN'S PARADISE, Sullyna carries the heart and devotion of many Zambians toward the orphaned children. Kamwengo has played roles of mother and guardian in building her acting career.

DANNY will be played by Danny Siulapwa. We are so pleased and proud to announce that Zambian songwriter, singer and performer Danny will appear as himself in BAD T!MING. In addition to writing songs for the film, Danny will perform in the film.