Woman Crush Wednesday: Celebreating Jemima Osunde
Explore the inspiring journey of Jemima Osunde, a talented Nigerian actress, model, and presenter known for her impactful roles in 'Shuga' and 'Lionheart.' Discover how she balances her acting career with her advocacy for social causes and her academic achievements in physiotherapy
Jemima Osunde is a talented Nigerian actress, model, and presenter who has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. Here’s an in-depth look at her life and career:
Early Life and Education
Jemima Osunde (born 30, 1996) hails from Edo State, Nigeria, and grew up in a close-knit family as the youngest and only daughter among her siblings. Her childhood was marked by the loving presence of her parents and older brothers, who played a significant role in her upbringing.
Her academic journey began at Air Force Primary School, and she continued her education at Holy Child College for her secondary schooling. Driven by a strong interest in the medical field, Jemima pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, where she studied physiotherapy at the College of Medicine. She graduated in 2019, successfully earning her degree.
Jemima's foray into acting began in 2014, following encouragement from her uncle. She made her film debut in Jungle Jewel, marking the start of her acting career. In addition to her studies and acting pursuits, Jemima completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation program, proudly sharing her participation with her followers.
Acting Career
Jemima Osunde's breakout role came when she starred as Laila in MTV's hit series Shuga. Her performance in the fourth season garnered widespread attention and acclaim. Although the show temporarily moved to South Africa for its fifth season, leading to her absence, Jemima made a triumphant return in the sixth season when the series came back to Nigeria.
In 2018, Jemima showcased her versatility by co-starring with Linda Ejiofor in the second season of NdaniTV's Rumour Has It, further solidifying her reputation as a talented actress.
Her involvement with Shuga continued into its seventh season, Alone Together, which featured nightly "lockdown" conversations between characters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique format required actors, including Lerato Walaza, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, Mamarumo Marokane, and Mohau Cele, to film themselves, showcasing Jemima's adaptability to new challenges.
In 2020, Jemima joined the cast of Quam's Money, a sequel to the film New Money. The film follows the adventures of Quam, a security guard turned millionaire, adding another notable project to her filmography.
Expanding her creative ventures, Jemima co-launched her beauty brand, "Sanaa Beauty," in October 2023, alongside fellow actress Adesua Etomi.
Modeling and Television Presenting
In addition to her acting career, Jemima Osunde has ventured into modeling and television presenting. Her striking looks and confident demeanor have made her a sought-after model for various brands and fashion shows in Nigeria. She has worked with top designers and appeared in several high-profile campaigns.
Jemima has also taken on the role of a television presenter, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Her charisma and communication skills make her a natural fit for hosting gigs, adding another dimension to her already impressive career.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Jemima Osunde is not only an entertainer but also an advocate for social causes. She uses her platform to raise awareness about issues such as education, health, and gender equality. Her involvement in “Shuga” highlighted her commitment to educating young people about s*xual health and HIV prevention.
Awards and Recognition
Jemima Osunde’s talent and dedication have earned her several nominations in the Nigerian entertainment industry, such as the nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in The Delivery Boy (2018) Her performances have been recognized at prestigious award shows, cementing her status as one of the leading young actresses in Nollywood.
Conclusion
Jemima Osunde is a multifaceted talent whose contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry continue to inspire many. Her ability to balance her education with a thriving acting career is commendable, and her advocacy work demonstrates her commitment to making a positive impact in society. As she continues to take on new roles and challenges, Jemima Osunde remains a rising star to watch in the years to come.
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