Genoveva Umeh has emerged as one of Nollywood’s most promising rising stars, captivating audiences with her powerful performances and earning industry accolades. At the 2024 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), she took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Breath of Life. Her remarkable performances in Netflix’s Blood Sisters and Far From Home have also garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian film industry.
Born in Enugu, Anambra State, Umeh relocated to the UK in 2006, where her interest in acting sparked while she was in secondary school. She honed her skills at the renowned Identity School of Acting and later performed on stage, including her brilliant portrayal of Keisha in the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production of Mind Body Soul in 2016. She also pursued a degree in Law. In 2019, armed with her acting skills and determination, Umeh returned to Nigeria to pursue her dream career in Nollywood.
Upon returning to Nigeria, her first challenge was breaking into the highly competitive film industry. She took the bold step of introducing herself through a self-produced and written one-woman play titled Home, which she successfully performed at the Lagos Fringe Festival, followed by a showcase in South Africa. From there, she went on to secure minor roles in projects such as Love Is War, One Lagos Night, and short films like Monitoring Spirits, which helped her gain industry recognition. Adjusting to the Nollywood system was not without its hurdles, but Umeh remained resolute. She immersed herself in the industry, taking on any opportunity that came her way and further refining her craft at the newly established EbonyLife Creative Academy
At EbonyLife, she caught the attention of ace director Kenneth Gyang, who recommended her for a role in the Netflix drama series Blood Sisters. She auditioned and landed the role of the defiant Timileyin Ademola. When the gripping series premiered in 2022, Umeh became an instant star, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise. That same year, she joined the cast of the coming-of-age drama series Far From Home, delivering another stellar performance as the carefree, no-nonsense Zina. She ended the year with two short films: IJO - A Love Story and A Tune Away, the latter earning her a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV) at the AMVCA.
In 2023, she secured a pivotal role alongside Chimezie Imo and Wale Ojo in Breath of Life. Her brilliant portrayal of the bold and confident Anna earned her the AMVCA’s Best Supporting Actress award in 2024. She was also cast in Funke Akindele’s blockbuster comedy A Tribe Called Judah, where her minor yet significant role as Testimony contributed to the movie’s massive success.
Screennolly is inviting you to A Streaming Weekend with this rising star
Far From Home Netflix
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| Genoveva stars alongside Mike Folarin, Emeka Nwagbaraocha in 2022 drama series directed by Kayode Kasum & Catherine Stewart |
Blood Sisters Netflix
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| Umeh became an instant star with her brilliant portrayal of Timileyin in 2022 drama series directed by Kenneth Gyang and Biyi Bamidele |
Breathe Of Life Netflix
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| Umeh won the 2023 AMVCA 'Best Supporting Actress' for her portrayal in the drama movie directed by BB Sasore - Jimi D Baldheaded Guy |