The Roses and Daggers cast discuss their roles in the new Akwaaba Magic series and recall how they felt when they got called for the show, their favourite thing about the characters they play, what fans should expect from the show, and some exciting BTS moments on set.
Michelle McKinney Hammond as Marjorie
Akwaaba Magic (AM): Introduce yourself and the character you play in the Akwaaba Magic series, Roses and Daggers.
Michelle: I am Michelle McKinney Hammond, I play Marjorie. Marjorie is the insecure wife of Festus, and the doting mother of Joshua. Marjorie fears that her husband is still in love with Betsy, who is the mother of her son Joshua’s girlfriend. She can’t help herself and she constantly questions and nags Festus as her fears overwhelm her. However, she is also quite crafty as she devises a plan to “keep her enemies close”.
AM: How did you feel when you got called to play your character?
Michelle: I was excited to be called for the role because the storyline was so interesting, and I love being a part of anything that tells a good story.
AM: Explain a day in the life of your character.
Michelle: Marjorie is busy full-time getting involved in her husband’s personal business and keeping tabs on him. She always must take a dig at Betsy to undermine her security. She lives well and enjoys high society status but has no peace.
AM: What should fans expect from Roses and Daggers?
Michelle: Fans should expect endless twists and turns.
AM: What’s your favourite thing about the character you play?
Michelle: My favourite thing about Marjorie is she is transparent and passionate. You never have to guess what is on her mind! And she has a way of cutting you to shreds with her words when she wishes.
AM: What was the most exciting or memorable behind-the-scenes moment?
Michelle: Haha! The day Umar fell dramatically after delivering his line at the end of a scene.
AM: Any lessons learnt from the show?
Michelle: Your fears will make you upset and get the best of you if you allow them to.
AM: What should fans expect from your character?
Michelle: You can expect Marjorie to keep the drama coming!
Zakia Kunge as Winifred
AM: How did you feel when you got called to play your character?
Zakia: I was so excited. Winifred is one of the lead characters on the show and the role she plays is pivotal to how the whole story unfolds in Roses and Daggers. From a poor lowly background, she manages to interact with just about everyone on this show and cause so much drama. And it was such an honour to be given the opportunity to bring Winifred's story to life onscreen.
AM: Explain a day in the life of your character.
Zakia: Winifred is a refugee; her past is bloody and quite poor. Though she is a talented hairdresser, she struggles to make ends meet. So all she thinks about all day and all night is how to climb the social ladder and leave her poor past behind. Her days are filled with identifying opportunities and plotting and scheming on how to take advantage of those opportunities. In a nutshell, she is a hustler 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Period!
AM: What should fans expect from the show?
Zakia: Fans are in for a real treat with this show. Roses and Daggers has some exceptionally good storytelling and it's very unpredictable too. Everything is twisted in this show, nothing and no one is what they seem. Each episode will literally blow your mind with the plot twist.
AM: What’s your favourite thing about the character you play?
Zakia: I love how versatile she is. Winifred can be sweet and charming and seductive and dangerous at the same time. She is like several characters in one person. And she is very daring. Honestly, I wish I had half her audacity in real life, LOL.
AM: What was the most exciting or memorable behind-the-scenes moment?
Zakia: My most exciting behind-the-scenes moment was when I had to shoot my first love scene, and it was with Adjetey Anang! I was nervous but quite determined to make an impression. He is an incredible actor and one of the best in the game and I was so excited that I got to lie on top of him, many times 😉, LOL! But I was also shy that my enthusiasm was obvious to everyone on set. That was funny.
AM: Any lessons learnt from the show?
Zakia: Roses and Daggers is a HUGE project! We shot it over several months and worked with so many different people. It's the biggest project I've ever been involved in so far in my acting career and playing a lead role taught me to be responsible in so many ways. And of course, I learnt something new from all the amazing talent I got to interact with on set.
AM: What should fans expect from your character?
Zakia: I would tell the fans to watch Roses and Daggers, and Winifred especially, with an open mind because that girl is going to keep surprising and shocking you. Every time you think you've figured her out, she's going to pull another fast one on you. So, keep an open mind and hold on fast to your seats because the drama is too much!!!
Benedict Yeboah as Michael
AM: How did you feel when you got called to play your character?
Benedict: A kind of joy was forced into me, having been granted the opportunity to play the role of a student and a boyfriend to a Liberian girl who was a victim of the civil wars that brought refugees to the Liberian camp here in Ghana. And to be a part of a story full of lessons, romance, love triangles, politics, power, Roses and Daggers is just a project that I needed to be a part of.
AM: Explain a day in the life of your character.
Benedict: I wouldn't say there were struggles for me. I only had to live my role. The actress who plays my Liberian girlfriend lived a life with me as if we were dating throughout the filming, and that made acting on screen very natural.
AM: What should fans expect from the show?
Benedict: Roses and Daggers is a packed story. A great one indeed. Full of entertainment and education. A story that doesn't only portray Ghana, but also addresses worldwide issues, most especially having to do with marriage. And the performance. The drama. Roses and Daggers is just a show that no one should miss.
AM: What's your favourite thing about the character you play?
Benedict: Being the young man who is always there for his girl.
AM: Any lessons learnt from the show?
Benedict: I've learnt so much about love. You know, in the show I get my heart broken at a point after my screen girlfriend finds a new guy. This is something that happens in our everyday life.
So I believe it's essential for one to know the difference between an irresponsible relationship and a responsible one. And it is advisable to stay away from the irresponsible relationship, and love responsibly, with the aim of getting married, living a life together, and dying together.
AM: What should fans expect from your character?
Benedict: Performance, performance, performance.
Daisy Little Amankwah as Valerie
AM: How did you feel when you got called to play your character?
Daisy: I felt excited.
AM: What should fans expect from the show?
Daisy: Massive action, suspense, romance, and adventure.
AM: Any lessons learnt from the show?
Daisy: Living an honest life pays in the end.
NOTE: Interviews have been edited for length and clarity
Here’s a sneak peek on what to expect from the series
Strap up for a swell and drama-filled ride on Roses and Daggers, showing on Akwaaba Magic DStv channel 150 every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30pm.