Danilo Acquisto’s energy sees him land yet another presenter gig
|||Debashine Thangevelo
TENACITY coupled with hunger and a dream is an effective blueprint when pursuing a career in TV.
Many have tasted the sweet victory of discovery 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 has done so – twice. The 24-year-old, who has a BA in law and sociology, first entered the presenter search for Hectic Nine-9, which he won, before also tasting victory in the 2015 #PresenterSearchOn3, which bagged him a spot alongside Bonang Matheba, Jeannie D and Bonnie Mbuli on Afternoon Express.
By the way, his legal knowledge comes in handy when perusing those contracts before he signs on the bottom line.
Reflecting on what ignited his interest in the entertainment industry, he says: “Growing up, I was not a very confident kid. I was very self-conscious and struggled for a long time to find my identity. But above all that, 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.
His confidence on both mediums does not betray any misgivings he might harbour on whether he has what it takes.
On his foray into TV by auditioning with other equally gung-ho 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. Since then 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: “It’s amazing how music can touch anyone’s soul. It has the power to make people feel things. 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. I also get a new platform that is completely my own to influence.”
He sheds light on how the opportunity to host Win a Home landed on his lap.
“It goes back to that age-old adage that when you get your foot in the door, others open. 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 kaleidoscopic personality into the show.
He shares: “Expect laughs, tension, jealousy and everything in between. But, above all, 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 life-changing. So expect a lot of heart from me.”
Talk about being at home in front of the camera!
The second season of Win a Home airs on the Afternoon Express weekday slot between 4pm and 5pm.