PATIENCE OZOKWOR: NOLLYWOOD’S MOTHER

Patience Ozokwor or better known as “Mama G-G for General” is a Nigerian Veteran actress, musician, fashion designer. She was born on September 14^th 1958 in Enugu State, Nigeria. She attended Abimbola Gibson Memorial School in Lagos. Ever since primary school, she has had this desire to be an actress, she even engaged in acting different stage plays. She later on attended the “Institute of Management and Technology” in Enugu state. When she got her degree in “Fine and Applied Arts”, she became part of a radio drama.

Before she became an actress, she was first a radio announcer and broadcaster at “Radio Nigeria”. She did a debut in the acting world in 1999, a movie called “Authority”. Her first TV drama won a soap opera titled “Someone Cares” on the “Nigerian Television Authority” (NTA).  She has acted in over 100 movies so far. She has portrayed a wide range of characters in various movies, including both comic and roles of being a villain. With her unique style and governing screen presence, she captivates audiences with her performances. Her ability to convincingly portray wicked and controversial characters has earned her a special place in the hearts of movie admirers. Her memorable roles in movies of old such as “Glamour Girls,” “Blood Sisters,” and “Mother of Truth” have contributed to her immense popularity and the success of these films.

She won the Best Supporting Actress award in 2012 and 2013 at the “10^th Africa Movie Academy Awards”. Mama G, won the “Industry Merit Awards” category of the 2023 edition of the “Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award” (AMVCA9). She joined other veterans like “Olu Jacobs”, the late “Bukky Àjàyí” and so on who have been recognised in this category in the past. Patience’s contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry have been recognised with numerous awards and recognitions.

Apart from her acting career, Patience Ozokwor is also a talented musician. She has released several gospel albums and has demonstrated her vocal skills with soulful performances. Her music often carries messages of “hope”, “faith”, and “inspiration”, reflecting her personal journey and deep religious convictions. She is also a devoted Christian and an Evangelist.

Despite her fame and success, Patience Ozokwor remains down-to-earth, though her on screen personalities can deceive one that she is naturally wicked. She is highly admired for her humility and warm personality. She continues to inspire and entertain millions of fans worldwide, leaving an inerasable mark on the Nigerian film industry and the hearts of her admirers. She acts as a mother to many present actors and actresses in the Nollywood Industry. She is one of those unforgettable veterans that marked and gave a name to Nollywood Industry.

Delia Nyadi