Belinda Effah

**Belinda Effah** (born Uyu Effah on 14 December 1989) is a Nigerian actress and presenter who is also publicly known by her adopted name, **Grace-Charis Bassey Effah**. She is recognized for her versatility in the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, and for winning the Most Promising Act of the Year at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards.Early Life and Education Uyu Effah was born on December 14, 1989, in Cross River State, Nigeria. She grew up in a large family as one of 14 children, attributing her father, Asido Bassey Effah's, strict disciplinary nature as helpful in shaping her career. While in secondary school, she adopted the first name "Belinda" after a suggestion from her brother. She completed her primary and secondary education at Hillside International Nursery & Primary School and Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt, respectively. Effah furthered her studies at the University of Calabar, where she majored in Genetics and Bio-Technology.Career Progression and Notable Works Effah began her career in the Nigerian entertainment scene with her Nollywood television debut in the 2005 TV series *Shallow Waters*. Following this, she took a break to participate in the reality television show *Next Movie Star*, where she finished in 5th place and was never evicted. Beyond acting, she also worked as a television presenter for Sound City, a Nigerian entertainment cable station, before leaving to launch her own TV show, *Lunch Break with Belinda*. She gained significant recognition for her role in the 2012 film *Kokomma*. Her extensive filmography includes notable works such as *Mrs. Somebody*, *Alan Poza*, *Mrs. Somebody*, *A Star in Heaven*, *Cash Daddy*, *Talking Dolls*, *The Lost Café*, *Sanitation Day*, *Fine Wine*, and *Hard Choice*.Major Achievements and Current Status Belinda Effah has received six awards throughout her career. Her major achievement came when she won the Most Promising Act of the Year award at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). Other accolades include the Best New Actress at the Golden Icons Academy Awards and Movie Actress of the Year at the ELOY Awards in 2014. In addition to acting, Effah is an entrepreneur, serving as the CEO and founder of GCB Empire, a Nigeria-based clothing and fashion brand. In 2021, she publicly announced that she would prefer to be addressed as **Grace-Charis Bassey**, stating that the name change was prompted by a divine encounter she had on August 15, 2020. The name Charis is of Greek origin and also means "grace." In 2022, a portrait of her by Iké Udé was featured in the Nollywood Portraits exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Some reports suggest that she joined the United States of America Navy in 2025.