Showmax spotlights Uzoamaka Aniunoh: The star who’s not afraid to push the boundaries

It’s not easy to start a career by taking on unconventional roles for one’s age, culture, or sexual orientation, but Uzoamaka Aniunoh has done it all.

Uzoamaka knew she wanted to be an actress since she watched The Sound of Music when she was four years old, but her father had other plans. After compromising and getting a bachelor’s degree in English and History at the University of Nigeria and a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham, it was time to chase her dreams.

She came back to Nigeria in 2017 and, after reaching out to Niyi Akinmolayan for some advice, started to attend several open calls for auditions. First, she landed a role on Ndani TV‘s web series Rumor Has It. However, her role on the critically acclaimed MTV Shuga made her more popular. Though she was already 21 years old, the actress took on and slayed the role of 15-year-old Cynthia. 

Not one to be boxed in or typecast, she soon made a massive turn-around and appeared on Africa Magic’s Riona as the warrior-girl Kumene. Next, she was taking on the role of the sexy superhero The Zipman in one of Nigeria’s foremost superhero flicks, Ananze and The Zipman. Not tired of pushing the envelope, the feminist went on to appear in The Equality Hub‘s Ìfé as a love-struck lesbian.

Uzoamaka is working to create a new version of herself at every point. She takes on fascinating art projects and writes short stories commended by award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She also writes, produces, and directs her monologues. 

Uzoamaka has taken on lead roles in more recent times, first as Abeke on Kayode Kasum’s Ponzi then as Bibi on Africa Magic’s Venge, also available on Showmax. She’s also appeared in movies like Stuck and A Naija Christmas. 

As we wait for the actress’ next brilliant appearance in CJ Obasi’s Mami Wata, let’s take a minute to thank the stars for blessing us with her talent.