Ekene Umenwa Biography: The Nigerian entertainment industry is filled with stars who shine in different ways, but few have managed to balance acting, comedy, business, and faith as gracefully as Ekene Umenwa. She is an actress, content creator, comedian, and entrepreneur who has steadily built her name from the grassroots of Nollywood to becoming one of the most talked-about young celebrities in Nigeria.
As of 2025, Ekene Umenwa’s net worth is estimated at around $200,000. For a woman in her early thirties, this is a remarkable achievement, especially considering how competitive Nollywood and the content creation industry can be. Her income comes from multiple sources: Nollywood films, her comedy skits and YouTube presence, brand endorsements, and her entrepreneurial venture, Ekyevent Confectionery.
Her life story is more than just numbers. The biography of Ekene Umenwa is about a young woman who was guided by faith, driven by determination, and blessed with talent. She represents a new generation of entertainers who are redefining what success looks like in Nigeria.
Ekene Umenwa Biography
Ekene Umenwa was born on August 27, 1991, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Even though she was born and raised in Edo State, her roots are in Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State, and she proudly identifies as a daughter of the Igbo tribe.
She was raised in a Christian home by her parents, Mr. Dozie Umenwa and Mrs. Lucy Ogoamaka Umenwa. Her upbringing was built on strong moral and spiritual foundations, and this has remained a visible part of her life as an adult. Unlike some entertainers who hide their family background, Ekene often talks about how much her family has shaped her character.
She is the second of three daughters. Her older sister, Kate Martins, is an entrepreneur who owns Kayna Fruits and More, a business that specialises in fresh fruit and food distribution. Her younger sister, Somto Umenwa, is a model and creative brand owner. This close-knit family has always supported one another, and Ekene’s success has also been a source of pride for them.
Ekene has often shared that her passion for acting started very early. At the age of 13, she said she had a spiritual encounter where she felt God calling her to use acting as a tool to touch lives and inspire people. This deep sense of purpose gave her courage when many others discouraged her from pursuing Nollywood, which at the time was seen as unstable and full of challenges.
Her family was protective, but they never stopped her from following her dreams. Today, the results speak for themselves, as she has become one of the most consistent young actresses and creators in Nigeria.
Education
Education was a big part of Ekene’s journey. She started her early schooling in Benin City, where she grew up. Later, she gained admission to Ebonyi State University, where she studied Biochemistry.
Studying science did not stop her from pursuing her passion for acting. While in university, she balanced her studies with auditions and movie shoots. Many of her classmates remember her as the student who would often travel for Nollywood work and then return to class to continue with her lectures. This ability to balance multiple responsibilities showed her discipline and resilience.
She successfully graduated around 2014/2015, and her degree in Biochemistry stands as proof that she valued both education and talent.
Ekene Umenwa Career Journey in Nollywood
The Nollywood career of Ekene Umenwa began in 2011 when she appeared in her first movie, King After King, acting in a minor role as a maid. For many new actors, this is the normal path: starting with background or supporting roles. But Ekene saw every role as a stepping stone. She gave her best, no matter how small the part.
Her first breakthrough came in 2013 when she was cast in the film Black Choir. This was the project that introduced her to a wider audience. Even though she was still in school at the time, her performance was strong enough to make people take notice.
From that point, her Nollywood career began to grow. She was cast in multiple films, and her ability to handle both dramatic and comic roles made her stand out. Over the years, she has appeared in many Nollywood titles, including:
- Money and Blood
- Innocent Oath
- The Cab Ladies
- Tears for Money
- The Wolves
- A Taste of Good Life
- Bad Omen
- The Coming
Her versatility is one of her greatest strengths. She can switch from a highly emotional role to a comic one without losing her audience. This makes her one of the most dynamic actresses of her generation.
Rise as a Content Creator
While Nollywood gave her recognition, social media made her a star. Ekene Umenwa embraced platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook to connect with fans in a new way. She created comedy skits that were both funny and relatable.
On Instagram, she has grown to over 1.9 million followers. On TikTok, she has more than 1.8 million followers, with her videos attracting millions of views and likes. On YouTube, her channel, which she launched in 2016, now has over 550,000 subscribers.
Her comedy character, popularly known as Mama Imma, has become a household name. Fans love how she uses humour to portray the realities of everyday Nigerian life — from parenting struggles to relationship dramas. Her content is family-friendly, entertaining, and often infused with messages of faith and hope.
Some of her short films and skits that have gone viral include Set Me Free, One Day Principle, Something More Than Gold, Baby Nanny, and Crazy Daughter.
Her rise as a content creator shows how Nollywood actors can successfully combine film with digital content to stay relevant in the age of social media.
Entrepreneurial Success
The Ekene Umenwa biography also highlights her as a successful entrepreneur. She is the founder of Ekyevent Confectionery, a company that focuses on event planning, catering, and baking services.
This business has become another source of income for her, showing that she is not relying solely on Nollywood or social media. She has used her popularity to attract clients, and her entrepreneurial spirit has given her stability outside the unpredictable world of acting.
She has also worked with several brands as an ambassador, including Nze Venture Homes, further proving her ability to diversify her career.
Ekene Umenwa Personal Life and Spouse
Many fans are curious about Ekene Umenwa’s personal life, especially her marriage. She is married to Alex Ifeanyi Ogbodo, popularly known as Alex Kleanson. He is a film producer, entrepreneur, and realtor.
Their love story began around 2018. After years of dating, Alex proposed to her in 2022. They had their traditional wedding on April 16, 2023, in her hometown, Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State. Later that year, in October 2023, they held their white wedding in Benin City.
In 2024, the couple moved to the United Kingdom, and in September 2024, they welcomed their first child. For Ekene, this marked a new phase in her life as a wife and mother. She has spoken about how marriage has given her stability, while motherhood has made her more responsible and focused.
Net Worth of Ekene Umenwa in 2025
As of 2025, Ekene Umenwa’s net worth is estimated at $200,000. This figure reflects her work across different fields:
- Nollywood acting roles.
- Social media content and YouTube monetisation.
- Comedy skits and online brand promotions.
- Her event planning and catering company, Ekyevent Confectionery.
- Brand ambassador partnerships.
She may not yet be among the top-earning Nollywood actresses, but her steady growth and multiple income streams put her on track to becoming wealthier in the coming years.
Ekene Umenwa’s Age
As of 2025, Ekene Umenwa is 33 years old. She was born on August 27, 1991, in Benin City, Edo State. Later this year, on August 27, she will turn 34 years old. For someone still in her early thirties, she has achieved a lot in acting, comedy, and business. Her age shows that she still has many productive years ahead, and her career will likely continue to grow.
Faith and Public Image
One of the unique things about Ekene Umenwa is her strong faith. She often talks about how she believes her career is connected to her Christian calling. Her content is clean, uplifting, and often includes messages of hope.
At her wedding in 2023, she went viral after kneeling in front of gospel singer Moses Bliss during the reception. This moment created online debates, but it also revealed her deep respect for gospel music and her faith.
Her public image is that of a humble, joyful, and free-spirited young woman. She is admired for being down-to-earth despite her fame. Her colleagues in Nollywood describe her as hardworking, respectful, and passionate about her craft.
Lessons from Ekene Umenwa’s Biography
Her biography is filled with lessons that young people can learn from:
- Follow your calling – even when discouraged, she held onto her dream.
- Education and passion can go together – she completed her degree while acting.
- Diversify your income – she did not rely only on Nollywood.
- Family and faith matter – she has always stayed grounded by these values.
- Consistency pays off – from small maid roles to starring in movies, her growth shows patience and persistence.
Conclusion
The biography of Ekene Umenwa is an inspiring story of determination, faith, and creativity. Born into a loving Christian family, she found her path early and followed it with courage. From her small beginnings in Nollywood, she has grown into a respected actress, a beloved comedian, and a successful entrepreneur.
As of 2025, she is 33 years old, happily married to Alex Kleanson, a mother, and is worth around $200,000. She continues to entertain millions, run her business, and inspire others with her humility and strong faith.