Okechukwu Ukeje, popular as OC Ukeje, is a multitalented Nigerian actor, model, and musician. His journey to stardom began with his triumph on the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show. This stepping stone launched him into the limelight and inspired many aspiring artists.
Over the years, OC Ukeje has garnered impressive accolades, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the film industry. His awards include the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
OC Ukeje’s filmography is a testament to his versatility, featuring a diverse range of critically acclaimed movies. From the romantic comedy ‘Two Brides and a Baby’ to the intense drama ‘Confusion Na Wa,’ and the historical epic ‘Half of a Yellow Sun,’ his performances have consistently earned him recognition and praise for his ability to embody various characters.
OC Ukeje Biography
| Full Name: | Okechukwu Ukeje |
| Stage Name: | OC Ukeje |
| Born: | 15 July 1981 (age: 42 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Abia State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | University of Lagos |
| Height: | 1.78 m |
| Parents: | Mr. & Mrs. Ukeje |
| Siblings: | 2 |
| Spouse: | Senami Ibukun Oluwa Togonu-Bickersteth (m. 2014) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
| Children: | 2 |
| Occupation: | Actor • Model |
| Net Worth: | $2 million |
Early Life
Okechukwu Ukeje (born July 15, 1981). He hails from Umuahia, the capital of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. He was born and raised in Lagos State in the southwest, the second of three children.
Education
He attended Federal Government College Ijanikin, Ojo, Lagos.
Career
OC Ukeje’s journey in the entertainment industry began during his first year at the University of Lagos, Yaba. He took on a lead role in a stage play, marking the start of his dual pursuit of music and acting. For the initial four years of his career, he focused on on-stage performances, showcasing his raw talent and dedication. His breakthrough moment arrived when he participated in and emerged as the winner of the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show.
His first screen appearance was in the film “White Waters” (2007), directed by Izu Ojukwu, where he starred alongside Joke Silva and Rita Dominic. This role earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Most Promising Actor in 2008 and the City People’s Award for Best New Act in 2010.
In addition to acting, OC continued to write music, collaborating with various Nigerian artists and producers, and creating radio jingles for corporate clients. Between 2008 and 2012, he appeared in numerous movies and television projects. He was part of the cast of the TV series “Wetin Dey” (2007), produced by the BBC World Service Trust, which was presented at the International Emmy World Television Festival.
OC’s talent led him to feature in “Black November” (2012) by Jeta Amata, sharing the screen with international stars like Mickey Rourke, Kim Basinger, Sarah Wayne-Callies, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, and Vivica Fox. He also appeared in the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2013).
In 2012, he was part of the repertory team that showcased three stage plays at the Nigeria House during the London Cultural Olympiad. He also starred in the BFI-sponsored film Gone Too Far. He appeared in NdaniTV’s series Gidi Up with Titilope Sonuga, Deyemi Okanlawon, Somkele Iyamah, and Ikechukwu Onunaku. In January 2015, the Nigerian Cinema Exhibition Coalition listed him as one of the highest box office grossers in 2014.
In 2016, OC Ukeje’s talent was recognized on an international stage. He and Somkele Iyamah were invited to attend the Toronto International Film Festival as ‘rising stars,’ a testament to his growing influence in the global film industry.
Personal Life
OC Ukeje’s personal life is as intriguing as his professional one. He is married to Senami Ibukunoluwa Togonu-Bickersteth, and they have a family in Canada. Despite their marriage in November 2014, they live apart, adding a unique aspect to his life.
Filmography
2007: White Waters
2008: Comrade
2011: Black Gold
2011: Two Brides and a Baby
2012: Black November
2012: Hoodrush
2012: Till Death Do Us Part (Short)
2013: Confusion Na Wa
2013: Alan Poza
2013: Half of a Yellow Sun
2013: Awakening
2013: Gone Too Far
2013: The Rubicon
2014: When Love Happens
2014: Gidi Up (TV Series)
2014: A Play Called a Temple Made of Clay (Short)
2015: The Department
2015: Before 30
2016: The Arbitration
2016: Remember me
2016: North East
2017: Potato Potahto
2017: Catch.er
2018: Shades of Attraction
2018: In Sickness and Health
2018: The Royal Hibiscus Hotel
2019: Heaven’s Hell Ahmed
2019: Ashen
2020: Shine Your Eye
2022: Blackmail
2022: Brotherhood
2023: Orah
Media Controversy
Awards
2008: Africa Movie Academy Awards — Most Promising Actor White Waters
2013: Nigeria Entertainment Awards — Best Lead Actor in a Film
2013: Best of Nollywood Awards — Best Lead Actor in an English Movie
2013: Nollywood Movies Awards — Best Actor in a Lead Role
2013: Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards — Best Actor in a Drama
Age
He is 42 years of age. Born on July 15 1981.
Social Media
Follow him on all his social media platforms:
Twitter (X)
Net Worth
OC Ukeje is a multi-talented Nigerian actor, model, and musician with an estimated net worth of $2 million.