Early Life and Education
Ekene Umenwa, widely known as Angel Palazzo, was born on August 27, 1991, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Although raised in Benin, she is originally from Anambra State and belongs to the Igbo ethnic group. Growing up in a supportive family, she developed a strong bond with her siblings, Kate Martins and Somto Umenwa.
For her education, Ekene attended Ebonyi State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in 2014. Despite her scientific background, her passion for entertainment led her down a different career path.
Ekene Umenwa Biography: Quick Facts
Personal Information
- Full Name: Ekene Cynthia Umenwa (also known as Angel Palazzo)
- Date of Birth: August 27, 1991
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Anambra State
- Ethnicity: Igbo
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Religion: Christianity
Family Background
- Father: Dozie Umenwa
- Mother: Lucy Ogoamaka
- Siblings:
- Kate Martins (Lawyer & Entrepreneur)
- Somto Umenwa (Businesswoman & Model)
Education
- University: Ebonyi State University
- Degree: Bachelor’s in Biochemistry
- Graduation Year: 2014
Career Highlights
- Debut Movie: King After Kings (2011)
- Breakthrough Movie: Black Choir (2013)
- Notable Movies:
- Innocent Oath (2018)
- Money and Blood (2022)
- The Cab Ladies (2021)
- Something More Than Gold (2024)
- One Day Principal (2024)
- My Madam & I (2024)
Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Business Name: Ekyevent Confectionary (Pastry & Event Planning)
- Brand Partnerships: Nze Venture Homes (Real Estate)
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: 2.1M+ followers
- Facebook: 1.2M+ followers
- TikTok: 1.8M+ followers
- YouTube: 550K+ subscribers
Personal Life
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband: Alex Ifeanyi Ogbodo (Filmmaker & Realtor)
- Marriage Year: April 2023
- Children: One (born in 2024)
- Current Residence: United Kingdom
Awards & Recognitions
- Best Comic Actress – Nollywood Entertainment & Leadership Awards
- Entrepreneur of the Year – For contributions to business & event planning
Philanthropy & Community Involvement
- Youth Empowerment: Organizes acting workshops & mentorship programs
- Community Development: Supports initiatives in underprivileged areas
Upcoming Projects
- “The Hidden Truth” – Expected release: Late 2025
- “Laughter and Tears” – Expected release: Early 2026
This concise fact list summarizes all key details about Ekene Umenwa in an easy-to-read format! Let me know if you need any edits.
Family Background
Ekene Umenwa was born into a close-knit family. Her parents, Dozie Umenwa and Lucy Ogoamaka, played a significant role in her upbringing. Her sister Kate Martins is a lawyer and entrepreneur, while Somto Umenwa is a businesswoman, fashion model, and brand ambassador. The strong entrepreneurial spirit within her family likely influenced her own ventures outside of acting.
Acting Career and Breakthrough
Ekene made her debut in 2011 with a minor role in the movie King After Kings, starring alongside Kenneth Okonkwo and Maureen Solomon. However, it was her performance in Black Choir (2013) that gave her widespread recognition. Her ability to embody characters with depth and authenticity quickly made her a favorite among movie lovers.
Over the years, Ekene Umenwa has become one of Nollywood’s prominent actresses, featuring in a range of roles that showcase her versatility.
Notable Movies
Ekene has appeared in numerous Nollywood films, including:
- Innocent Oath (2018) – A gripping thriller starring Yul Edochie.
- Money and Blood (2022) – A drama highlighting the consequences of wealth and betrayal.
- The Cab Ladies (2021) – A film about female taxi drivers navigating life in a male-dominated industry.
- Something More Than Gold (2024) – A heartfelt story about sacrifice and ambition.
- One Day Principal (2024) – A lighthearted comedy about an unexpected school principal.
- My Madam & I (2024) – A drama exploring employer-employee relationships in Nigerian society.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond acting, Ekene Umenwa is also a businesswoman. She runs Ekyevent Confectionary, a pastry and event planning business that specializes in organizing events and catering services. Additionally, she has partnered with brands like Nze Venture Homes, leveraging her influence to promote real estate ventures.
Social Media Influence
Ekene is an active social media personality with millions of followers across various platforms:
- Instagram – Over 2.1 million followers, where she shares lifestyle content, family moments, and skits.
- Facebook – Over 1.2 million followers, engaging fans with entertaining content.
- TikTok – More than 1.8 million followers, where she posts short, engaging videos and comedic skits.
- YouTube – She has a growing YouTube channel with over 550K subscribers, featuring original movies and comedy skits.
Marriage and Personal Life
In April 2023, Ekene tied the knot with Alex Ifeanyi Ogbodo, a filmmaker, realtor, and entrepreneur. The couple later moved to the United Kingdom in early 2024, where they welcomed their first child. Despite her relocation, she remains active in Nollywood and continues to produce and feature in films.
Awards and Recognition
Ekene’s contributions to Nollywood have earned her several accolades, including:
- Best Comic Actress – Nollywood Entertainment and Leadership Awards.
- Entrepreneur of the Year – For her work in event planning and confectionery.
Her ability to balance acting, business, and personal life has made her a role model for many aspiring entertainers.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Ekene is passionate about giving back to society. She has initiated several projects aimed at:
- Empowering young actors and filmmakers through mentorship programs.
- Organizing free acting workshops for aspiring actors.
- Supporting community development initiatives in her hometown.
Future Projects
Ekene continues to push boundaries in the entertainment industry. Some of her upcoming projects include:
- “The Hidden Truth” – A suspenseful thriller set to be released in late 2025.
- “Laughter and Tears” – A drama-comedy expected to hit screens in early 2026.
With her consistency and creativity, fans can expect more outstanding performances from her in the coming years.
Conclusion
Ekene Umenwa has successfully carved a niche for herself in Nollywood. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most sought-after actresses, she has proven that dedication and passion lead to greatness. Whether in movies, business, or social media, her influence continues to grow, making her a true inspiration.
FAQs
1. What is Ekene Umenwa’s educational background?
Ekene holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Ebonyi State University, where she graduated in 2014.
2. Who is Ekene Umenwa’s husband?
She is married to Alex Ifeanyi Ogbodo, a Nigerian film producer and businessman.
3. What are some of Ekene Umenwa’s most popular movies?
Some of her notable movies include Innocent Oath, Money and Blood, Something More Than Gold, and The Cab Ladies.
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