Nkem Owoh

Nkem Owoh (born in Enugu State, Nigeria) is a highly prominent Nigerian actor, comedian, and musician, widely celebrated for his versatility and comedic roles in Nollywood cinema. He is best known for his titular role in the 2003 film *Osuofia in London*, which became a major commercial success and defined a new era of Nigerian film. Early Life and Education Nkem Owoh was born in Enugu State, Nigeria. He completed his primary and secondary education in Nsukka. Following his high school education, Owoh pursued tertiary studies in engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. It was during his university years that Owoh began actively participating in acting, engaging in various television and film productions. Career Progression and Major Achievements Owoh’s career began in the late 1980s, marked by his appearance in the 1987 television adaptation of Chinua Achebe's *Things Fall Apart*. He gradually built his reputation in Nollywood, but his breakthrough came with the 2003 hit *Osuofia in London*, where his portrayal of a rural Nigerian man navigating life in the UK brought him international fame and cemented his status as a comedic icon. Throughout his career, Owoh has been recognized for his ability to blend comedy with social commentary. A major career achievement came in 2008 when he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his performance in the film *Stronger Than Pain* (2007). His distinctive acting style, often involving improvised comedy and musical interludes, has made him a beloved figure across Africa. Notable Works Nkem Owoh has an extensive filmography. Key early works include *Things Fall Apart* (1987), *Circle of Doom 2* (1993), and *Rattlesnake* (1995). His most significant commercial success remains *Osuofia in London* (2003) and its sequels, such as *Osuofia Papa Africa* (2009). Other notable films include *Police Recruit* (2004), *The Master* (2004), *Akanchawa* (2005), *Stronger Than Pain* (2007), and more recently, *Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke* (2022). Owoh is also known for his musical talent, particularly the satirical hit song "I Go Chop Your Dollar." Current Status As a veteran of the Nigerian film industry, Nkem Owoh remains an active and influential figure in Nollywood. He continues to take on acting roles, maintaining a public presence and an engaged fanbase, with over 1 million followers on Instagram.