Nkem Owoh

Nkem Owoh, born on 7 February 1958 in Amagu, Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria, is one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers, celebrated for his work as an actor, comedian, singer, writer, and film producer. Raised in a modest family, he completed his primary and secondary schooling in Nsukka before pursuing an engineering degree at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where his passion for performance began to eclipse his technical studies. During his university years he started appearing in television and film productions, a habit that would define his career after a brief stint with WACO Engineering ended in a lay‑off, prompting him to dive fully into the media world. In 1979 he entered the entertainment industry as a script‑writer for the Nigerian Television Authority, contributing to iconic series such as The New Masquerade and Basi and Company, and even stepping in as an actor when a role unexpectedly opened up, showcasing his innate comic timing. His breakthrough on the big screen came with the subtitling work on the pioneering Igbo‑language film Living in Bondage, which led to acting roles in Circle of Doom and Taboo, solidifying his reputation as both a talent‑spotter and a performer. The creation of the flamboyant character Osuofia, first seen in the 1995 film Ikuku, catapulted Owoh into national stardom; the role was reprised in sequels and the internationally recognized Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel, earning him a lasting nickname and a place in the hearts of audiences across Africa. Beyond acting, Owoh released the controversial single “I Go Chop Your Dollar,” a satirical take on advance‑fee fraud that was later banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, reflecting his willingness to confront societal issues through humor. His contributions were honoured with the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Stronger than Pain in 2008, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, while his commercial appeal secured a multimillion‑naira endorsement deal with MTN in 2012. Despite personal trials—including a 2009 kidnapping and the tragic loss of a daughter in 2023—Owoh remains a resilient figure whose body of work continues to shape Nollywood’s comedic and dramatic landscapes.