Nkem Owoh (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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
The character Osuofia was once again brought to life by 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. The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission later banned the song.20 In 2007, Owoh was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands as a result of a seven-month investigation by the Dutch police dubbed "Operation Apollo". 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.
In November 2009, Owoh was kidnapped in eastern Nigeria.Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) Kidnapped His kidnappers demanded a 15 million naira ransom.Breaking News Osuofia (Nkem Owoh) Kidnapped Owoh was released after his family members allegedly paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million naira.
In 2026, Owoh starred in the Dammy Twitch-directed romantic comedy Call of My Life alongside Uzoamaka Power and Patience Ozokwor. The film earned 628 million Naira within 6 weeks of release and entered the list of Nollywood's Highest-grossing Films.
Personal life Owoh and his wife, Ngozi Nkem Owoh, have been married since 1998. She hails from Amagu Village, Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria. 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.
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.
In 2017, he was honored with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th edition of the ceremony.
MTN partnered with Owoh in 2012, signing him to a multimillion-naira endorsement deal that has been repeatedly renewed.
Filmography Year Film Role Notes 1987Things Fall ApartTowncrierwith Pete Edochie 1993Circle of Doom 2with Kanayo O. Kanayo 1995Frame Upwriter and director only; with Tobechukwu Anadi and Ngozi NwanetoRattlesnakeOdinakawith Francis Duru 1997Blood VapourLambertwith Hilda DokuboPam Pam: From the Adventure of Lokko and Mambowith Charley Boy Oputa and Jide Kosoko 1998Yogo Pam Pamsequel to Pam Pam; with Okey Mac Anthony 1999Big Man...Big TroubleCrisiswith Sandra AchumsSawamwith Francis AguConspiracywith Onyeka Onwenu 2001The Eliminatorswith Clem OhamezeOde-eshiEkpechiwith Sam Loco EfeOnye-EzeOnye-EzeUkwaUkwawith Patience Ozokwor and Amaechi Muonagor 2002Fake DoctorDr. Zebedi Ifeonye MetaluObiomaLong JohnLong Johnwith Sam Loco EfePolice OfficerSergeant LucasSpanner: The Humble ServantJacobwith Chinedu IkediezeStupid!Kolowith Okey Bakassi and Jide Kosoko 2003AnunuebeAnunuebeCalculator: The Only Wise ManNobertwith Fabian AdibeDeceiversParlez VousWith John Okafor, Charles Inojie, Uche OgbodoKing of the ForestUtoboLion FingerEbubeMr. TroubleNsogbuwith Patience OzokworOsuofia in LondonOsuofiaPolice Recruit 2004America VisaTitusMy DriverMy Own ShareEzeaniOsuofia in London 2OsuofiaSpanner Goes to JailJacobwith Chinedu IkediezeSpanner in Battle of SupremacyJacobwith Chinedu IkediezeThe MasterOsuofiawith Kanayo O. Kanayo 2005Akanchawa AnayoBus DriverJimmywith Dakore EgbusonThe PrinceNwadike 2006The BarristerAthanasiuswith Ekwi OnwudiweBig Man BrotherBonawith Clem Ohameze; parts 3-4 of De ProfCaptainNsofor/CaptainDe ProfBonawith Clem Ohameze; followed by Big Man BrotherA Fool at 40HygeniusForeign BaseIfeatu IndemnityEgbentu Made in CambridgeProfessor Ifeatu Izwewith Funmi HolderMy Kingdom Come The DreamerIkpeazu 2007Battle of IndemnityEgbentuCovenant Keeping GodSamuelFire in the WordIjiji He Nannywith Andy Chukwu Johnbull & RosekateJohnbull PersecutionIjiji Stronger Than PainUlonna with Kate Henshaw-NuttalOwoh's performance in this film earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008Yellow FeverSergeant Anwuruwith Charles Awurum 2008Onye oma CYCYwith Pamela MrekpeHis HolinessOnyaboHis Last ActionRev. CzarOsuofia and the Wise MenOsuofiawith Sam Loco EfeWonderful Man 2009AgabaAgabawith Victor OsuagwuOsuofia Papa AfricaOsuofiawith Nkiru Sylvanus 2010FIFA Agentwith Charles AwurumMy InlawMazi Joewith Clem OhamezeEnemies of Progresswith Amaechi Muonagor, Judith IwuTrue Story (Be Careful What You Wish For)Papiwith Ini Edo 2011Ijele's WifeOgbensiegbewith Tonto DikehOld FoolsAkawith Sam Loco Efe; parts 3-4 of Senior ServantSenior ServantAkawith Sam Loco Efe; followed by Old FoolsTaxi DriverOkonkwowith Uche OgbodoWisdom of ThomasThomaswith Funke Akindele2012The Abductorsequel to Boy George; with Mercy JohnsonBoy Georgefollowed by The Abductor; with Mercy JohnsonHoly Lifewith Ella Njubuigbo, Rachael Okonkwo, and Uche OdoputaHot Brothersequel to Holy Life; with Ella Njubuigbo, Rachael Okonkwo, and Uche OdoputaMilitary ZoneRoyal Transitionsequel to Exit of the King; with Olu Jacobs, Nuella Njubigbo, Clem Ohameze; produced by Obi Cajetan; directed by Ugezu J. Ugezu2013Oga on TopOsuofiasequel to Osuofia's Wedding; with Funke AkindeleOsuofia's WeddingOsuofiawith Funke AkindeleReturn of Ukpakawith Funke Akindele, Amaechi Muonagor, and Charles Inojie; produced by Mishack Chiemelie Nwonu; directed by Amayo Uzo Philips.Sherikoko Reloadedwith Funke Akindele and John OkaforUkpaka the Trouble Makerwith Funke Akindele, Amaechi Muonagor, and Charles Inojie; produced by Mishack Chiemelie Nwonu; directed by Amayo Uzo Philips. 2014Bomboywith Osita Iheme and Uzoh UmehMy Propertywith Chigozie Atuanya; directed by Tchidi ChikereOsuofia the Boxersequel to Bomboy; with Osita Iheme and Uzoh UmehWait and Takewith Chigozie Atuanya; directed by Tchidi Chikere 2015Ekwuemewith Ken EricsGhana Must Go Show Bobowith Amaechi MuonagorSister Gabrielawith Queen Nwokoye 2016My American Husbandwith Chiwetalu Agu 2018LionheartChief Godswill Obiaguwith Genevieve Nnaji2019KpaliMr. Kalayorwith Gloria Young and Ini Dima-Okojie2020Small ChopsSmartDirected by Robert Peters2021My Village PeopleProf. Piumwith Bovi and Amaechi Muonagor2022Battle on Buka StreetMadukawith Funke Akindele, Bimbo AdemoyeChief Daddy 2: Going for BrokeShoffa Donatuswith Uzor Arukwe, Funke AkindeleIn Another LifeDominic IghoWith Meg Otanwa, Clarion Chukwura-AbiolaForeigner's GodOnwubikoWith Nancy Isime, Ini Dima Okojie, Pete EdochieObara'MHumphreyWith Ibrahim Amodu, Ikekhua Anthonia2023The Bride PriceProfessorWith Funny Bone, Adebayo DaviesZarz EndWith Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Emeka Amakeze, Ejike Asiegbu2024Uno: The F in FamilyUzuakpunduDirected by Ebuka Njoku2024Dead SeriousMr. KaluDirected by Moses Inwang2026Call of My LifePapa SoluchiDirected by Dammy TwitchunknownEnemy of PeaceEmetawith Olu Jacobs and Clem OhamezeEnemy of the KingdomEmetasequel to Enemy of Peace; with Olu Jacobs and Clem OhamezeIron Ladywith Joy Ladi TortyMbakwe the TailorMbakweMr. OsuofiaAguiyiwith Dave IhesieWhite ChildWith Frank Artus and Nuella Njubigbo
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)
References
External links
- Includes a transcript of the music video in the original Nigerian Pidgin and a translation into English by Azuka Nzegwu and Adeolu Ademoyo