Nkem Owohlistenⓘ (born 7 February 1958) is a Nigerian actor, comedian and singer In 2008, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for "Best Actor in a Leading Role" for his role in the Nigerian film, Stronger than Pain.[1]
Early life and education
Nkem Owoh was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. After completing his primary and secondary education in Nsukka, he went on to study engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. During his university studies, Owoh began acting in various television and film productions.[2][3][4]
Career
Owoh developed a strong interest in performing arts from an early age, which persisted through primary, secondary, and university education. Although he studied engineering, his heart belonged to creative expression through acting, writing, and singing.[5] After completing his national youth service, he joined WACO Engineering but was laid off after just one year. However, this incident turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it paved the way for him to explore opportunities in radio and television production.[6]
In 1979, he embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry, starting as a writer at Nigerian Television Authority(NTA). He further established his writing credentials by penning scripts for notable productions, such as: The New Masquerade and Basi and Company (a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa). He also once filled in for an absent actor, playing the role of a drunkard in the groundbreaking sitcom The New Masquerade. This unexpected opportunity launched his successful career.[5]
However, Owoh ventured into the movie scene when he was contracted to handle the subtitling for the Igbo language movie Living in Bondage upon its completion. Following the success of Living in Bondage, acting opportunities began to flood in. A year later, he landed his next significant role as a customs officer in the Igbo language movie Circle of Doom. His good performance announced his arrival on the scene, captivating producers who not only sought him for his acting talent but also valued his scriptwriting skills.[7] Following Circle of Doom, he landed his third film role in Taboo which he was also among the scriptwriters.
In 1995, Owoh wrote and produced the iconic film Ikuku, where he portrayed the unforgettable character, Osuofia (a drunk). His portrayal of Osuofia in the movie earned him widespread recognition, transforming him into a beloved household name. In 1997, he produced Ikuku 2 a sequel to the first movie, where he reprised his role as a drunkard. He also produced Pampam the same year, teaming up with Okey Bakassi.[8]
The character Osuofia was once again brought to life by Nkem Owoh in Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel Osuofia in London 2 (2004), produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His appearance in this movie earned him international recognition and also his nickname. This breakthrough paved the way for a lasting career, with continuous screen appearances from then on.
Owoh is also known for performing the song "I Go Chop Your Dollar" about advance fee fraud. The song was featured in the film The Master in which Owoh plays the role of a scammer.[9] The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission later banned the song.[10] In 2007, Owoh was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands as a result of a seven-month investigation by the Dutch police dubbed "Operation Apollo".[9] Owoh was arrested while performing a musical show when the police raided the event and arrested 111 people on suspicion of lottery fraud and immigration violations. Owoh was later released.[10][11]
In November 2009, Owoh was kidnapped in eastern Nigeria.[12] His kidnappers demanded a 15 million nairaransom.[13] Owoh was released after his family members allegedly paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million naira.[14][15]
Personal life
Owoh and his wife, Ngozi Nkem Owoh, have been married since 1998. She hails from Amagu Village, Udi Town, Enugu State Nigeria.[2][3] Nkem Owoh prefers to keep the identity of his children away from the public. He has two daughters. He lost one of his two daughters in June 2023.[2][3]
Awards and endorsements
In 2008, he received the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for "Best Actor in a Leading Role" for his outstanding performance in the Nigerian film Stronger than Pain.[1]
In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th edition of the ceremony.[5]
MTN partnered with Nkem Owoh in 2012, signing him to a multimillion-naira endorsement deal that has been repeatedly renewed.
