Ekene Umenwa

Ekene Umenwa, an illustrious figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, has made significant strides as an actress, comedian, content creator, entrepreneur, and event planner. Her journey from humble beginnings to stardom is both inspiring and instructive.​

Early Life and Family Background

Ekene Cynthia Umenwa was born on August 27, 1991, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. She hails from the Igbo ethnic group and is originally from Anambra State. 2 Her parents, Dozie Umenwa and Lucy Ogoamaka Umenwa, raised her alongside two sisters:

• Kate Martins: Born on February 21, 1993, Kate is an entrepreneur and trained lawyer. She is the CEO of Kayna Fruits and More, a company specializing in juice production. 1.​

• Somto Umenwa: Somto is a businesswoman, brand ambassador, and face model. She owns “Tees by Sommie,” a clothing brand that offers biker shorts, leggings, and more.​ 3

Education

Ekene pursued higher education at Ebonyi State University, where she graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. ​

Career

Ekene’s foray into the entertainment industry began in 2011 with a minor role as a maid in the film “King After Kings,” starring Kenneth Okonkwo and Maureen Solomon. Her breakthrough came in 2013 with the movie “Black Choir,” which she filmed while still in university. 4 After a brief hiatus to focus on her studies, she returned to acting in 2016 and has since appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including:​

• “Innocent Oath” (2018): A thriller where she starred alongside Yul Edochie.

• “Money and Blood” (2022): A drama series that delves into the complexities of wealth and familial ties. ​

• “The Cab Ladies” (2021): A TV series portraying the lives of female cab drivers navigating societal challenges.

Beyond acting, Ekene is a content creator with a substantial following on social media platforms:​5

• Instagram: Over 2.1 million followers, where she shares inspirational posts, family photos, and engaging skits. ​

• TikTok: 1.8 million followers and over 13 million likes, showcasing her comedic talents.

• YouTube: Her self-titled channel, created on October 3, 2016, has amassed 550,000 subscribers. She uploads movies and short skits, with titles like “Set Me Free,” “One Day Principle,” and “Crazy Daughter.”

Ekene is also an entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of Ekyevent Confectionary, a company offering event planning and pastry services. ​

Personal Life

Ekene’s personal life has been a subject of public interest:​

• Marriage: She married Alex Ifeanyi Ogbodo, also known as Alex Kleanson, on April 16, 2023. Alex is a film producer, realtor, and entrepreneur, serving as the General Manager of Firstnollytv and CEO of Kleanson Concept, a movie production company. ​

• Relocation: The couple relocated to the United Kingdom in early 2024. ​

• Children: They welcomed their first child in September 2024. Ekene shared the news on her Instagram page on September 2, 2024. ​

Controversies and Public Perception

Ekene has been involved in a few controversies:​

• Wedding Reception Incident (April 2023): During her wedding reception, gospel singer Moses Bliss made an unexpected appearance. Overwhelmed with joy, Ekene left her husband to kneel before the singer, leading to mixed reactions online. Some criticized her for the act, while others defended her expression of reverence. The wedding MC, Deacon Famous, clarified that her kneeling was a gesture of prayer and respect for the spiritual atmosphere Moses Bliss brought to the event. ​5

• Baby Dedication Controversy (October 2024): Ekene shared a video dedicating her daughter to Mother Mary, sparking debates on social media. Critics accused her of idol worship, while supporters viewed it as an expression of her faith. ​

Associations with Other Igbo Personalities

Throughout her career, Ekene has collaborated with several notable Igbo figures in the entertainment industry:​

• Yul Edochie: They co-starred in the 2018 thriller “Innocent Oath.”

• Destiny Etiko: They have appeared together in multiple Nollywood productions. ​

• Zubby Michael: Another frequent collaborator in her acting projects. ​

Awards and Recognitions

While specific awards are not detailed in the available sources, Ekene’s contributions to Nollywood and her entrepreneurial ventures have earned her recognition within the industry.​

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Ekene Umenwa has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to her community. She has been involved in various philanthropic activities, including organizing free acting workshops for aspiring actors in Anambra State. In December 2023, she launched the “Ekene Umenwa Foundation,” focusing on empowering underprivileged youths through skill acquisition programs and mentorship. The foundation’s inaugural event provided training in areas such as fashion design, hairdressing, and digital marketing to over 200 participants.​

Public Perception and Influence

Ekene’s influence extends beyond her professional endeavors. Her authenticity and relatability have endeared her to fans across Nigeria and the diaspora. She often uses her platform to address societal issues, advocate for women’s rights, and promote cultural heritage. Her skits frequently highlight everyday challenges, resonating with a broad audience and sparking conversations on topics like gender equality and youth empowerment.​

Future Projects and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Ekene has expressed interest in expanding her horizons within the entertainment industry. She is reportedly working on producing her own films, aiming to tell stories that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria. Additionally, she plans to collaborate with international artists to bridge the gap between Nollywood and other global film industries. Her entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, with intentions to launch a line of traditional Igbo attire, promoting indigenous fashion on a global scale.​

Conclusion

Ekene Umenwa’s journey from a young girl with a vision to a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur exemplifies resilience, talent, and dedication. Her contributions to Nollywood, her entrepreneurial ventures, and her philanthropic efforts have solidified her status as a role model for many. As she continues to evolve professionally and personally, Ekene remains a shining example of the potential inherent in embracing one’s passion and heritage.​

References

• Wangethi, Isaac. “Ekene Umenwa’s Biography: Everything to Know About the Actress.” Legit.ng, September 7, 2024. https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1611538-ekene-umenwa-biography-everything-actress/

• “Ekene Umenwa – Biography.” IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12956298/bio/

• “Ekene Umenwa – Age, Family, Bio.” Famous Birthdays. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/ekene-umenwa.html

• “Ekene Umenwa – Simple English Wikipedia.” Simple Wikipedia. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekene_Umenwa

• “Ekene Umenwa: Biography, Family, Husband, Child.” YouTube, uploaded by Naija Fame TV, September 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDNNO6Thyvo

• “Ekene Umenwa: Biography, Family, Husband, Ex Relationships.” YouTube, uploaded by Nollywood Spotlight, August 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7XiBeag_Hk

• “Ekene Umenwa Biography, Net Worth, Ex Boyfriend, Husband, Child.” Facebook, posted by Nollywood Stars, October 2024. https://www.facebook.com/100092532853099/videos/ekene-umenwa-biography-net-worth-ex-boyfriend-husband-child-and-siblings/527405553566232/

• “Ekene Umenwa: Biography, Family, Husband, Pregnancy, Wins, Net Worth.” YouTube, uploaded by African Celebs, July 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzViyU4fMa8

Note: The information provided is based on available sources as of March 17, 2025.

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