Nkem Owoh Reflects on Legacy, Osuofia Fame, and Changing Times in Nigerian Cinema
Veteran actor and beloved Nigerian icon Nkem Owoh, famously known as Osuofia, has taken a walk down memory lane offering a moving reflection on the early days of Nollywood and how passion, not privilege, laid the foundation for Africa’s biggest film industry.
In a candid statement, Owoh paid tribute to his peers including Patience Ozokwor, Chiwetalu Agu, and others who helped shape Nollywood into a global phenomenon, long before high-definition cameras, streaming platforms, or million-naira budgets.
“These days can’t beat the days of myself, Patience Ozokwor, Chiwetalu Agu, and the rest of us who built Nollywood with passion and little resources. We acted like a family and gave our all, even when the pay and tools were small,” he said.
Owoh’s journey into stardom began decades ago, but it was the iconic role of Ukwa that first brought him into the spotlight. However, it was the 2003 comedy blockbuster *Osuofia in London that catapulted him into continental fame, forever linking his identity to the character.
“Ukwa made people notice me. Then Osuofia in London came and changed everything. That movie made me famous across Africa and beyond. People still call me Osuofia till today.”
Beyond acting, Nkem Owoh dabbled in music, releasing the humorous and controversial song I Go Chop Your Dollar a satirical take on internet scams that sparked global conversations and drew both criticism and acclaim.
“Comedy and music helped me touch lives in different ways,” he added.
While he acknowledges the growth and modernization of Nollywood today with better equipment, global collaborations, and more financial backing Owoh believes that the early era had something irreplaceable: heart.
“Today’s actors have more opportunities and better equipment, but our time had more heart. We made people laugh, cry, and think—with less.”
Now appearing in fewer productions, Owoh says he remains deeply grateful for the love fans continue to show him.
“I may not be in every movie now, but the love from fans has never stopped.”
As Nollywood continues to evolve, legends like Nkem Owoh remind audiences that the roots of the industry were built not just with talent, but with tireless sacrifice, camaraderie, and unshakable belief in the power of storytelling.
20/05/2025, 16:41:00
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