Kevin McJohnson Mulenga is an award-winning Zambian theatre director, playwright, actor, facilitator, and film professional whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to storytelling, artistic excellence, and social transformation. Based in Lusaka, Zambia, he has established himself as one of the country's respected creative practitioners, with extensive experience spanning theatre, film, television, arts education, and community development.
Kevin currently serves as the Executive Director of Mtsinje Trust, a theatre and development organization dedicated to using the arts as a vehicle for education, social change, cultural dialogue, and community empowerment. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations, including programme design and implementation, project management, fundraising and grant acquisition, stakeholder engagement, theatre facilitation, capacity building, and institutional development. Through his leadership, Mtsinje Trust has continued to create impactful artistic and community-based initiatives that empower young people, strengthen local communities, and promote meaningful social engagement.
A versatile and accomplished theatre practitioner, Kevin has built an impressive body of work as a director, playwright, actor, lighting designer, and facilitator. His directing portfolio includes acclaimed productions such as Tribes Gone By (Mtsinje Trust), Foggy (Tepeza Theatre Club), Blood Ties (NAPSA Theatre Club), and Ritual (Nkwanzi Theatre Club), all of which demonstrate his ability to bring compelling narratives to life while exploring themes relevant to contemporary African society.
As a playwright, Kevin has written and directed several notable works, including Zamawa (Matero Theatre Club), Tawanangwachi (Mtsinje Trust), and Conduct Unbecoming (Mtsinje Trust). His writing is characterized by a strong commitment to authentic African storytelling, often addressing social, cultural, and human issues that encourage reflection, dialogue, and positive change. Through his creative work, he continues to contribute to the development of original Zambian theatre and the preservation of local narratives.
Kevin's acting career has been equally extensive, with performances in numerous stage productions that have earned him recognition for his versatility, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. His theatre credits include The Chosen One, Brother Handiya's PhD, Bad Timing, Brothers at the Crossroads, Tears at the Palace, among many others. His dedication to performance has allowed him to portray a wide range of characters and connect meaningfully with audiences across diverse theatrical genres.
Beyond the stage, Kevin has developed a successful career in Zambia’s film and television industry, where he has worked not only as an actor but also as a Production Manager and First Assistant Director. His screen credits include some of Zambia’s most recognizable productions, including Zuba, Mpali, Our Daily Bread, Ubuntu, Ifipempula, Royal Qlique, Milly Revealed, Kopala Queen, Family Affairs, Just Our Lucky, Mother vs Wife, Wawu, That's My Dress, Uncle Limbani, and Makofi. His broad experience across multiple production departments has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling and production management for both stage and screen.
Throughout his career, Kevin's artistic contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and nominations. In 2019, he received a NATAAZ Festival nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to win the NATAAZ Award for Best Lighting Designer in 2020 and the NATAAZ Best Director Award in 2021. In 2022, he received a Ngoma Award nomination for Best Director and won the prestigious Ngoma Award for Best Script Writer. His achievements continued with a nomination for Best Director at the 2023 NATAAZ Defence and Security Festival and the Best Director Award at the 2025 NATAAZ Intermediate Festival.
Kevin's academic and professional training reflects his commitment to both personal and artistic growth. He holds a Diploma in Theology from Kaniki Bible University College, a qualification that has influenced his understanding of ethics, leadership, and community engagement. He further strengthened his artistic expertise through specialized training at the Savanna Trust SADC Theatre Camp, where he obtained a Certificate in Theatre and Play Making, equipping him with advanced skills in theatre creation, facilitation, and participatory performance methodologies.
Known for his creativity, visionary leadership, and passion for developing artists and communities, Kevin continues to champion the arts as a powerful tool for education, cultural preservation, advocacy, and social transformation. Through theatre, film, mentorship, and community engagement, he remains dedicated to creating transformative experiences that educate, entertain, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful change. His work continues to leave a lasting impact on Zambia’s creative landscape and contributes to the growth of the arts sector across the region.
Executive Director of Mtsinje Trust, leading theatre-for-development initiatives focused on education, social transformation, and community engagement across Zambia. Award-winning theatre director with acclaimed productions including Blood Ties, Tribes Gone By, Foggy, and Ritual. Accomplished playwright and director of original works including Zamawa, Tawanangwachi, and Conduct Unbecoming. Extensive acting career spanning numerous stage productions, including Brother Handiya's PhD, Bad Timing, The Chosen One, and Tears at the Palace. Film and television professional with experience as an Actor, Production Manager, and First Assistant Director on leading Zambian productions including Zuba, Mpali, Ubuntu, Ifipempula, Kopala Queen, and Family Affairs. Holds a Diploma in Theology from Kaniki Bible University College. Recognized for using theatre, film, and community arts as powerful tools for storytelling, advocacy, cultural preservation, and social change.
Director
Tribes Gone By – Mtsinje Trust Foggy – Tepeza Theatre Club Blood Ties – NAPSA Theatre Club Ritual – Nkwanzi Theatre Club
Playwright & Director
Zamawa – Matero Theatre Club Tawanangwachi – Mtsinje Trust Conduct Unbecoming – Mtsinje Trust
Actor
The Chosen One Brother Handiya's PhD Bad Timing Brothers at the Crossroads Tears at the Palace Various other stage productions across Zambia Film & Television Credits Zuba Mpali Our Daily Bread Ubuntu Ifipempula Royal Qlique Milly Revealed Kopala Queen Family Affairs Just Our Lucky Mother vs Wife Wawu, That's My Dress Uncle Limbani Makofi
