Keppy Ekpenyong Edet Bassey-Inyang, born on March 21, 1965 in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian actor and producer renowned for his significant contributions to Nollywood.
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🧔 Early Life and Background
Keppy Ekpenyong Edet Bassey-Inyang was born on March 21 , 1965 in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a distinguished family. He hails from Ikot Antuen, Oku-Iboku, in Itu Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. He is the third child and second son in a family of six. His father, Dr. (Col.) E.E. Bassey-Inyang, was a retired Colonel in the Nigerian Army, which contributed to his early exposure to discipline and excellence.
🎓 Education
Keppy began his education at Corona School’s Crèche in Ikoyi, and later attended Corona School, Victoria Island, both in Lagos. For his secondary education, he enrolled at Government College Ojo, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate.
He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics at the University of Calabar, where he distinguished himself and was named the first-ever Mr. UNICAL. In 1989, he furthered his academic achievements by earning a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.
🧑💼 NYSC and Entry into Broadcasting
During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 1987 and 1988, Keppy was posted to the Programmes Department of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Headquarters in Lagos. There, he worked as an associate producer and was mentored by acclaimed filmmaker Tade Ogidan. Under Ogidan’s guidance, Keppy developed core skills in drama production, scriptwriting, voice-over artistry, presenting, and content creation.
🎬 Acting and Film Career
Keppy’s professional acting debut came with his role in the iconic NTA soap opera “Ripples,” where he played the character Hassan Suleman, an airline pilot. This role catapulted him into the national spotlight and opened doors in Nollywood.
In 1993, he co-produced one of Nollywood’s early feature films, “Unforgiven Sin”, solidifying his role not just as an actor but also as a filmmaker during the industry’s formative years.
🎞 Notable Filmography
- Magic Money (1998)
- Black Mamba (2002)
- Princess Buttem (2003)
- 93 Days (2016)
- Blood Sisters (2022)
His performances are marked by versatility, emotional depth, and professionalism.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Keppy Ekpenyong has received multiple accolades for his contributions to Nigerian cinema, including:
- Commendation Award from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (2018)
- City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award
His legacy is that of a pioneer who has helped shape the modern Nollywood film industry.
👨👩👧 Personal Life
Keppy has been married for over 32 years to his wife, Nyong Bassey-Inyang. The couple has two children. Keppy often praises his wife publicly, affectionately describing her as his “girlfriend, side chick, mistress, and best friend,” a reflection of the playfulness and strength in their long-standing relationship.
💬 Reputation and Legacy
Keppy is widely respected in the entertainment industry for his discipline, humility, and dedication. He has worked alongside some of Nollywood’s most influential figures and remains scandal-free throughout his decades-long career.
Despite not being Igbo, Keppy has frequently collaborated with Igbo creatives and has starred in numerous Igbo-themed or Igbo-language productions, contributing to cultural representation and diversity in Nollywood.
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