Uriel Oputa

Early Life and Education

Uriel Anita Ngozi Oputa, widely known as Uriel Oputa, was born on January 24, 1988, in Hammersmith, West London, United Kingdom. She is the only daughter in a family of five children, growing up with four brothers. Though born and raised in the UK, her roots are deeply Nigerian, her mother hails from Oguta, Imo State, while her father is British. Uriel often describes her upbringing as one that blended both African and Western cultural values, shaping her strong sense of identity and resilience.

Growing up in London, Uriel displayed early signs of creativity and self-expression. She was passionate about storytelling, drama, and performance arts, often participating in school plays and creative writing projects. Her multicultural background influenced her artistic curiosity and allowed her to explore a wide range of creative outlets, from writing to music.

For her higher education, Uriel attended Bedfordshire University in the UK, where she earned a degree in Creative Writing. Her studies not only honed her literary and communication skills but also nurtured her confidence to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While at the university, she developed interests in music, screen performance, and media, which later became central to her professional journey.

Her decision to eventually move back to Nigeria after her studies was motivated by a desire to connect with her cultural heritage and to carve a space for herself in the Nigerian entertainment industry. This transition laid the foundation for her eventual rise to prominence on platforms like Big Brother Naija and in other entrepreneurial and creative ventures.

Career

Uriel Oputa’s career is a story of reinvention, versatility, and resilience. From her earliest days as a young creative in the United Kingdom to her establishment as a household name in Nigeria, she has traversed multiple fields; music, acting, reality television, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts, constantly evolving while staying true to her vibrant personality.

Her first significant break came in 2016, when she was selected to compete in BET’s Top Actor Africa, a continental reality show designed to scout and groom acting talents across Africa. Although she was the first Nigerian contestant to be eliminated, the exposure introduced her to a broader African audience and gave her a taste of what life as a public figure entailed. Uriel used that experience as fuel, rather than discouragement, to expand her visibility in entertainment.

The following year, she stepped into national prominence as a housemate in Big Brother Naija Season 2: See Gobe (2017). Her time in the Big Brother house defined much of her public identity. For 43 days, she entertained viewers with her humorous impersonations, her emotional vulnerability, and her visible culinary passion. Though evicted before the finale, she left the show as a fan favorite, her authenticity and free-spirited character earning her a loyal following.

After Big Brother, Uriel explored music under the stage name Urielmusicstar. She released songs such as Desire and Nwoke Oma, where she infused Afrobeat rhythms with English and Igbo lyrics. While her music did not break into the mainstream charts, it was an avenue for her to showcase her creative writing background and her flair for artistic expression. Around this same period, she made forays into acting with small Nollywood appearances, building her portfolio in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Yet, Uriel’s true career breakthrough came not from acting or music, but from her deep-rooted passion for food and lifestyle content creation. Recognizing the strength of her personality and her love for the kitchen, she created the brand UULovesFood, which quickly gained popularity online. She hosted cooking programs such as Uriel’s Kitchen and Glam Africa Kitchen, where she blended entertainment with culinary demonstrations, making cooking a relatable and enjoyable experience for her audience. Her cooking became her signature identity, something that set her apart from her peers in the reality TV circle.

At the same time, Uriel ventured into entrepreneurship, launching Uriel London Wigs, a business focused on hair extensions and wigs. This brand catered to her largely female fanbase and became a stable business arm that complemented her media career. Alongside her business ventures, she used her platform to share her personal journey of weight loss and wellness advocacy. By documenting her health transformation, Uriel inspired thousands of women across Nigeria and beyond. She went further to create and sell customized meal plans, recording sales of over 30,000 plans, solidifying her role as not only a media personality but also a lifestyle and fitness influencer.

Her boldness in public conversations added another layer to her career. Uriel became known for her candid takes on relationships, female empowerment, and self-care. In interviews and podcasts, she openly discussed topics ranging from her struggles with dyslexia as a child to the complexities of dating in Nigeria. Statements like her assertion that “many Nigerian men don’t date for substance” made headlines, sparking debates and reinforcing her reputation as a woman unafraid to challenge norms.

In 2023, Uriel returned to the Big Brother Naija stage for the All Stars edition, reintroducing herself to a new generation of fans. Though her stay in the house was short-lived, it reminded viewers of her charismatic presence and showcased her evolution from the 2017 version of herself into a more confident, business-driven woman.

Today, Uriel has firmly positioned herself as a culinary entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and media personality. While she still occasionally dabbles in music and acting, her primary focus has shifted to expanding her food brand, building her wig line, and using her voice for empowerment. In interviews, she has hinted at ambitions to open restaurants across Africa and launch her own line of seasonings and food products. Her career is now less about chasing mainstream fame and more about creating sustainable impact through food, health, and entrepreneurship.

Through every stage, whether in music, television, business, or wellness, Uriel Oputa has consistently reinvented herself. Her career reflects a journey of resilience: from a young girl managing dyslexia in the UK to a confident Nigerian-British woman shaping industries across entertainment, culinary arts, and lifestyle advocacy.

Filmography

• The Pink Room (2018

Discography

Singles

• Desire
• Nwoke Oma
• Pour Me Water
• Merry Christmas

Recognition

• Imo State Carnival Ambassador (2017)
  Shortly after her BBNaija appearance, the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, named Uriel Oputa as the Imo State Carnival Ambassador in recognition of the pride she brought to the state. 
• Best Dressed (AMVCA Cultural Night, 2025)
  While Uriel did not win, she made headlines at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Cultural Night, believing her look deserved the Best Dressed Female title. She attributed her not winning to her late arrival.  

Notable Collaborations 

Music Collaborations

• Collaborated with Nigerian producers and artists during her early music career under the name Urielmusicstar, though most of her work (Desire, Nwoke Oma) were solo singles.
  (No major documented features with top-tier Nigerian musicians.)

Television & Media Collaborations

• The Pink Room (2018) – Appeared alongside Ese Eriate, Anita Joseph, and others in this women-centered talk show directed by Tchidi Chikere.
• Hello Mr Right (2020) – Worked with StarTimes Nigeria as host of the dating reality show.
• Collaborated with Glam Africa TV on food and lifestyle segments.

Brand Collaborations / Ambassadorships

• Pedini-Bosch Nigeria (2019) – Brand ambassador for the home and kitchen solutions company.
• Collaborations with lifestyle and wellness brands for fitness campaigns, hair products, and meal plans.

Controversy

Uriel Oputa has been at the center of several controversies, many stemming from her bluntness, outspoken nature, and refusal to conform to societal expectations. Her statements often spark heated debates online, balancing admiration from fans with criticism from detractors.

1. Nollywood Role Rejections (2018–2020)

Uriel stirred debate when she revealed she had repeatedly turned down Nollywood acting roles. She explained that most of the scripts offered to her were repetitive and low-quality, and that pay was often discouraging.

“I get Nollywood offers all the time, but I just reject them. It’s either the script is predictable or the character is something that has been done countless times. I don’t want to be in that space just to be there.”

Her refusal attracted backlash from critics who accused her of looking down on Nollywood, while others praised her for setting high standards.

2. Body Image & Weight Loss Backlash (2019–2022)

After her dramatic weight loss transformation, Uriel was accused of secretly undergoing cosmetic surgery. She dismissed the allegations, insisting that her results came from discipline, diet, and fitness.

“People think I went under the knife. I didn’t. I worked hard, I changed my eating habits, and I stayed consistent. My body is the result of discipline, not surgery.”

This controversy deepened conversations about body image, with some praising her honesty and others accusing her of promoting unrealistic standards.

3. Relationship Advice Debate (October 2024)

Uriel publicly criticized fellow ex–BBNaija contestants for giving toxic relationship advice to young women.

“Ladies, the beginning of your downfall is when entitlement creeps in. When you become a constant receiver without gratitude… Entitlement is the greatest form of bondage, know this, and you will be free.”

The comments went viral, sparking debates about “entitlement culture” in modern relationships.

4. AMVCA ‘Best Dressed’ Dispute (May 2025)

At the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Cultural Night, Uriel claimed she deserved the Best Dressed Female title but suggested she lost out because she arrived late.

“I don’t care what anyone says, I was the best dressed that night. If I had come earlier, there’s no way they would have ignored me.”

While some fans supported her confidence, others criticized her for arrogance.

5. Ageism & Selective Memory Call-Outs (June–July 2025)

Uriel condemned the trend of age-shaming women, stressing that growing older is a privilege.

“There is no shame in aging, aging is a privilege. I’d rather grow old than be six feet under with regrets.”

She also defended BBNaija star Tacha against backlash for cosmetic surgery, accusing Nigerians of hypocrisy.

“You people are just the true originators of selective memory. One minute you are dragging someone through the mud… and suddenly, everyone has moral opinions?”

6. Clout-Chasing & Exploitation of Tragedy (May–September 2025)

Uriel condemned social media creators for using sensitive issues to gain attention.

On Speed Darlington’s rape joke:

“It’s disgusting… I’m shaking with rage and heartbreak… The innocence of a girl child is not for entertainment. It’s not content. It’s not a joke.”

On Phyna’s sister’s death being exploited online:

“This behaviour is disgraceful. Absolutely disgraceful… Absolute circus. Clowns.”

Her strong stance was applauded by many but criticized by some who felt she was “too reactive.”

7. Fake Love After Fabian Adibe’s Death (August 2025)

Following the death of veteran actor Fabian Adibe, Uriel criticized Nollywood colleagues for showing public sympathy while allegedly neglecting him when alive.

Her words sparked backlash from actress Etinosa Idemudia, who accused Uriel of being unfair. This created a heated debate about sincerity in public mourning.

8. Privacy & Life Lessons (Ongoing)

Uriel frequently warns fans against envy and unhealthy comparisons:

“Stop tapping into unknown blessings of others… respect others’ privacy and focus on your life.”

Though well-intentioned, these remarks sometimes spark criticism from people who interpret them as “holier-than-thou.”

Personal Life 

Uriel Oputa was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents of Igbo origin from Imo State. She grew up as the only girl among brothers, a family dynamic she has often said helped her develop resilience and a strong character. Her late mother was a central figure in her life, and Uriel continues to honor her memory through social media posts and personal reflections.

Although she maintains privacy regarding her romantic relationships, Uriel has spoken openly about experiencing heartbreak in the past. She has expressed a desire for a stable and lasting partnership, but prefers to focus publicly on her career, personal growth, and entrepreneurial ventures rather than her dating life.

Her lifestyle is deeply rooted in her passions for cooking, fitness, and wellness. Uriel’s dramatic weight-loss journey, which she achieved through consistent dieting and exercise, has become a major part of both her personal and professional identity. She continues to follow a strict diet and workout routine while encouraging others to embrace healthy living.

Uriel has also been candid about her struggles with mental health. She has revealed moments of battling depression and loneliness, using her platform to advocate for therapy, self-care, and the importance of openness in dealing with emotional challenges. This transparency has made her a relatable figure for many of her followers who face similar issues.

Grounded in her Christian faith, Uriel often attributes her resilience and strength to her belief in God. Her values emphasize authenticity, body positivity, gratitude, and discipline, principles that reflect both in her personal choices and in the way she engages with her audience.

Estimated Net Worth

Uriel Oputa’s estimated net worth is around $300,000 – $500,000, earned from her businesses (UULovesFood, Uriel London Wigs), brand endorsements, television appearances, and wellness coaching.

References

• Pulse Nigeria, All you need to know about the reality show star—details her UK upbringing, Creative Writing degree from Bedfordshire University, and family background.  
• Legit.ng, Uriel Oputa reveals she used to be a hairdresser, shares throwback photo—recalls her early job as a full-time hairdresser before fame.  
• Naijalife Magazine, VIDEO: Uriel Oputa Shares Her Struggles With Dyslexia And How She Managed It—covers her childhood dyslexia and how she learned to manage it.  

• The Nation, Why I turn down Nollywood role offers – Uriel Oputa
• Gistreel, Uriel reveals 3 reasons why she turns down acting gigs
• BellaNaija, BBNaija’s Uriel Oputa, Ese Eriate & Anita Joseph star in new talk show ‘The Pink Room’
• Vanguard, BBNaija Uriel Oputa becomes toast of Hello Mr Right reality show
• Allure Vanguard, BBNaija contestant Uriel Oputa named Imo State Carnival Ambassador – Governor
• The Info Stride, Uriel Oputa gets endorsed by Pedini-Bosch Nigeria
• Daily Post, AMVCA 2025: Why I didn’t win Best Dressed – Uriel Oputa
• Legit.ng, AMVCA Cultural Night: BBNaija’s Uriel disagrees with winners of Best Dressed, fans rate outfit
• The Sun, BBNaija star Uriel calls out Nigerian men who age-shame women
• Daily Post, BBNaija: Uriel slams Nigerians for hypocrisy over Tacha’s enhanced body
• Ripples Nigeria, Uriel Oputa warns fans taking relationship advice from past BBNaija contestants
• The Nation, Uriel Oputa slams Speed Darlington for joking about alleged rape of minor
• The Nation, Uriel Oputa slams clout chasers for exploiting Phyna’s family tragedy
• Legit.ng, Fabian Adibe: Etinosa Idemudia slams Uriel Oputa for accusing colleagues of neglecting actor
• The Nation, Stop tapping into unknown blessings of others – Uriel Oputa

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