Nkem Owoh Biography: Early Life, Career, Films, Songs, Awards, Wife & Net Worth

Nkem Owoh (born February 7, 1958) is a Nigerian actor, comedian, and singer. In 2008, he received the Africa Movie Academy Award for “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his performance in the Nigerian film Stronger Than Pain.

Nkem Owoh Biography

Nkem Owoh was born on February 7, 1958, in Enugu State, Nigeria. The majority of his early life, including primary and secondary school, was spent in this bustling city.

After graduating from high school, Owoh proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, to study engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture.

It was during Owoh’s time at the university that he started to take part in small plays and events, a time when his talent in acting began to show up.

Career

Owoh had a keen interest in performing arts from a young age, which continued through primary, secondary, and university education. He studied engineering, but his true passion was creative expression through acting, writing, and singing.

After completing his national youth service, he joined WACO Engineering, but was laid off after only one year. However, this episode proved to be a gift in disguise, as it opened the door for him to pursue prospects in radio and television production.

In 1979, he began his career in the entertainment business as a writer for the Nigerian Television Authority. He further enhanced his writing skills by penning scripts for important projects, such as The New Masquerade and Basi and Company (a sitcom developed by Ken Saro-Wiwa). He also stepped in for an absent actor in the breakthrough sitcom The New Masquerade, portraying a drunk. This unexpected opportunity propelled his great career.

However, Owoh entered the movie industry when he was hired to conduct the subtitling for the Igbo language film Living in Bondage after it was completed. Following the popularity of Living in Bondage, acting possibilities began to pour in.

A year later, he won his next major role as a customs officer in the Igbo-language film Circle of Doom. His strong performance heralded his entry on the scene, enticing producers who sought him not only for his acting abilities but also for his scriptwriting ability. Following Circle of Doom, he won his third film role, Taboo, for which he also wrote the script.

In 1995, Owoh created and produced the legendary film Ikuku, in which he played the unforgettable character Osuofia (a drunk). His performance as Osuofia in the film garnered him enormous acclaim and cemented his status as a household name. In 1997, he created Ikuku 2, a sequel to the previous film in which he played a drunk. That same year, he collaborated with Okey Bakassi to create Pampam.

Nkem Owoh reprised his role as Osuofia in the films “Osuofia in London” (2003) and “Osuofia in London 2” (2004), both produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His role in this film won him international recognition and a nickname. This achievement set the path for a long-lasting career, with regular cinema appearances from then on.

Owoh is also recognised for singing the song “I Go Chop Your Dollar” about advance fee theft. The song was featured in the film The Master, in which Owoh plays a charlatan. The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission later banned the song.

In 2007, Owoh was detained in Amsterdam, Netherlands, following a seven-month investigation by the Dutch police known as “Operation Apollo”. Owoh was detained during a musical performance when police raided the gathering and arrested 111 persons on suspicion of lottery fraud and visa issues. Owoh was eventually released.

In November 2009, Owoh was abducted in eastern Nigeria. His kidnappers wanted a 15-million-naira ransom. Owoh was released after his family allegedly paid a ransom of 1.4 million naira.

Awards and Endorsements

• In 2008, he won the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his amazing performance in the Nigerian film Stronger Than Pain.
• In 2017, he received the renowned Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony’s 13th edition.
• MTN collaborated with Owoh in 2012, signing him to a multimillion-naira sponsorship contract that has been frequently renewed.

Filmography

Discography

Albums

• Osuofia in London (2003)
• The Master (2005)
• Obara’m (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2023)

Singles

• “I Go Chop Your Dollar” (2005)
• “Agreement” (2005)
• “My People” (2023)

Nkem Owoh wife

Nkem Owoh married Ngozi Owoh in 1998 and has two daughters together. Nkem Owoh has kept his personal and family concerns reasonably discreet, but fate had other plans for them.

In June 2023, the unexpected happened: one of Nkem Owoh’s daughters died from liver cancer. It was a painful period for the family. She was buried shortly after her death.

Nkem Owoh Net Worth

Nkem Owoh’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million USD by 2025, based on industry estimates and reliable sources. The majority of this wealth is derived from acting, endorsements, brand ambassadorships, and royalties from films that are still selling today.

Social Media

Instagram: @osuofia_nkemowoh