Nkem Owoh Net Worth, Biography, Age, Career, Wife, Children

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Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, is a legendary Nigerian actor, comedian, and filmmaker with a career spanning over three decades. He rose to fame through iconic roles in films like Osuofia in London and The Ukwa, earning acclaim and awards, including an African Movie Academy Award. Nkem Owoh net worth is estimated in this article. He is married with children, all of whom you will meet in this post.

Nkem Owoh Biography

Full Name: Nkem Owoh
Born: February 7, 1958
Birthplace: Enugu State, Nigeria
Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Singer
Awards: Africa Movie Academy Award (2008) for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Africa Movie Academy Award Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
Spouse: Ngozi Nkem Owoh (married since 1998)
Children: Two daughters (one tragically passed away in June 2023)

Early Life and Education

Nkem Owoh was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. His early years were spent in Nsukka, where he completed his primary and secondary education. After finishing secondary school, Owoh pursued a degree in engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta.

Although he was academically inclined and trained as an engineer, his passion for the arts began to emerge during his time at university. It was there that he began acting in various stage plays, television productions, and student films, sparking the foundation for his eventual career in the entertainment industry.

Transition to Entertainment

After completing his engineering studies, Owoh joined WACO Engineering for his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). However, after just one year with the company, he was laid off, which, while initially a setback, turned out to be a turning point in his life. This unforeseen change opened doors for him to pursue a career in television and film production.

In 1979, Owoh took a leap into the entertainment world, beginning as a writer for Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). His writing skills quickly earned him recognition, and he wrote for several notable Nigerian productions, including the sitcom The New Masquerade and Basi and Company, which was created by the iconic Ken Saro-Wiwa. Notably, Owoh was once called upon to fill in for an absent actor in The New Masquerade, where he played the role of a drunkard. This unexpected opportunity marked the start of his acting career.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Owoh’s breakthrough in the film industry came when he was contracted to handle the subtitling for the highly successful Igbo-language movie Living in Bondage. Following the movie’s success, Owoh was offered a starring role in Circle of Doom, an Igbo-language film, where he portrayed a customs officer. This role catapulted him into the limelight, gaining him recognition among film producers and directors.

In 1995, Owoh’s career reached new heights with his film Ikuku, where he played the unforgettable character Osuofia, a role that would go on to make him a household name in Nigeria. His portrayal of Osuofia, a drunkard, was both humorous and poignant, earning him widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. The success of Ikuku led to the creation of a sequel, Ikuku 2, which was released in 1997. That same year, he produced Pampam, a film that further established his standing in the industry.

Owoh reprised his role as Osuofia in the popular film Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel, Osuofia in London 2 (2004), which was produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His portrayal of Osuofia in London garnered him international recognition and earned him the affectionate nickname “Osuofia”. This role helped Owoh to become one of the most recognizable actors in Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming film industry.

Music Career and Controversies

In addition to acting, Owoh made a name for himself as a musician. His song I Go Chop Your Dollar became widely known, particularly for its satirical take on advance fee fraud, commonly known as “419” scams. The song was featured in the movie The Master, where Owoh played the role of a scam artist. Despite its popularity, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) banned the song for its controversial lyrics.

In 2007, Owoh found himself in the middle of a major controversy when he was arrested in Amsterdam during a performance. This arrest was part of a seven-month investigation by Dutch police called “Operation Apollo,” which targeted individuals involved in lottery fraud and immigration violations. Owoh was one of the 111 people arrested during the raid but was later released without further charges.

Nkem Owoh wife and family

Nkem Owoh has been married to Ngozi Nkem Owoh since 1998. She hails from Amagu Village in Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria. The couple has two daughters, though the family faced a devastating loss in June 2023 when they tragically lost one of their children. Owoh is known to be very private about his family, and he has worked to keep the details of his personal life away from the public eye.

Kidnapping Incident

In November 2009, Owoh was kidnapped by armed men in eastern Nigeria. His captors demanded a ransom of 15 million naira for his release. After several days in captivity, Owoh was freed when his family paid a reduced ransom of 1.4 million naira. This incident added to the numerous security concerns surrounding high-profile individuals in Nigeria.

Awards and Recognition

Owoh’s exceptional contributions to Nigerian cinema have earned him numerous accolades. In 2008, he was honored with the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the film Stronger than Pain. His career continued to flourish, and in 2017, Owoh was bestowed with the prestigious AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his immense contribution to Nollywood.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Owoh’s popularity in Nigeria extended to the corporate world, where he secured endorsement deals with several major brands. In 2012, he signed a lucrative endorsement deal with MTN, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications companies. This deal was renewed multiple times over the years, solidifying his status as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars.