With host Danilo, show’s future is as safe as houses
TENACITY coupled with hunger and a dream is an effective blueprint when pursuing a career in TV. Many have been discovered this way: the late Simba Mhere, his Top Billing bestie, Johnathan Boyton-Lee, and Sisa Hewana (better known as S’khu Nzimande in Isidingo), being among them.
However, the path to popularity is one laden with stiff competition, so you have to really “bring it” to truly stand out from the rest.
On that front, Danilo Acquisto (pictured) has done so – twice. The 24-year-old first entered the presenter search for Hectic Nine-9, which he won, and again tasted victory in the 2015 #PresenterSearchOn3, which bagged him a spot alongside Bonang Matheba, Jeannie D and Bonnie Mbuli on Afternoon Express.
Reflecting on what ignited his interest in the entertainment industry, he says: “Growing up, I was very self-conscious and struggled for a long time to find my identity. But there was this innate desire to entertain people – to be in front of an audience. That’s not to say I ever believed I had what it took.”
He clearly did, though. He proved he had the voice for radio with UCT Radio, from back then, to Good Hope FM, as well as a face for TV.
On his foray into TV by auditioning with other hopefuls, he admits: “Getting into Hectic Nine-9 was such a journey of faith. I had this gut feeling that I had to continue with the presenter search despite being advised from all angles that I didn’t have a chance of winning. I have looked back on my four years on that show and learnt how live TV has become my skill set. Not many presenters get that kind of training. It’s the most gruelling form of TV and I think that prepared me well for #PresenterSearchOn3. Anything can happen on live TV and I dealt with it all.”
Although Hectic Nine-9 helped him learn all the intricacies of presenting, in the greater scheme of TV it didn’t carry the same currency as a popular show such as Top Billing. His second win remedied that.
As for retaining his stronghold in radio, he offers: “I get a chance to impact people every weekend and, in this way, use my talent of entertaining to allow music to transform someone’s day”
He sheds light on how the opportunity to host Win a Home landed on his lap.
“Our production team watched me on Afternoon Express and wanted to give me another platform to grow. I’m ADD. I need newness all the time to remain sane. And the right time, right place also plays a massive role.”
Acquisto will be pouring a lot of his personality into the show: “Expect laughs, tension, jealousy and everything in between. Expect to see some of the best local talent we have in South Africa. I also hope to be able to tell the human story behind the winner of the home because, technically, we could be making someone a multimillionaire. It’s lifechanging. So expect a lot of heart from me.”
Win a Home 2airs on the Afternoon Express weekday slot between 4pm and 5pm.