Discover Okawa Shaznay biography, an inspiring journey from Cameroon to Nollywood stardom. Learn about her breakthrough in “Iyore,” TV success, awards, and $1.2M net worth achievement.
Okawa Shaznay is a Nollywood actress from Cameroon and the first from her country to successfully break into Nollywood with her role in the blockbuster movie Iyore; starring alongside Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin. Born on May 5, 1986, this talented actress and model from Cameroon has made a remarkable name for herself in the Nigerian film industry through determination, talent, and strategic career choices.
She gained further fame with her performance in the 2016 TV series “Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose,” which won her the 2016 TV Actress of the Year award. Okawa Shaznay has also gained more prominence with her leading role in this hit TV series, establishing herself as a versatile actress capable of carrying major productions and delivering compelling performances.
What sets Okawa apart in the competitive Nollywood landscape is her unique position as a trailblazer for Cameroonian talent in Nigerian cinema. She won the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) award for TV Actress of the year in 2016 for her role in Delilah, cementing her status as one of the industry’s rising stars.
Her journey from Cameroon through American education to Nollywood stardom represents the increasingly international nature of African cinema and demonstrates how talent can transcend national boundaries. Shaznay’s successful acting career has earned her an estimated net worth of about US$1.2 million, reflecting her commercial success and industry impact.
Her story inspires young African actresses seeking to break into Nollywood while maintaining their cultural identity and demonstrates the opportunities available for talented performers willing to invest in their craft and pursue their dreams across borders.
Contents
- 1 Early Life & Background: Cameroon Roots
- 2 Educational Journey: From Cameroon to Texas
- 3 Career Journey: From Cameroon to Nollywood Stardom
- 4 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 5 Personal Life: Privacy and Professional Focus
- 6 Awards and Recognition: Industry Acknowledgment
- 7 Financial Success and Net Worth
- 8 Filmography Highlights
- 9 Conclusion: A Trailblazer’s Continuing Journey
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Early Life & Background: Cameroon Roots
Birth and Childhood in Bamenda
Okawa Shaznay was born on May 5, 1986 in Bamenda, Northwest region, Cameroon. Bamenda, the capital city of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, provided her with a culturally rich environment that fostered her early interest in the performing arts.
Shaznay was born and raised in Cameroon, where she developed an interest in acting from a young age. Growing up in Bamenda exposed her to diverse cultural influences and theatrical traditions that would later enrich her acting career.
Early Interest in Performance
At a very young age she developed interests in performing arts, taking part in stage plays and small film projects in her home country. These early experiences provided her with foundational skills in performance and built her confidence for later professional work.
With the huge influx of Nigerian movies into Cameroon at the time, it introduced her to the world of Nollywood in the 90’s which she grew to love and admire. Okawa was strongly influenced to pursue an acting career in Nollywood after watching classic 90s Nigerian soaps and movies.
Cultural Influences and Inspiration
At that time Okawa was strongly influenced after watching classic 90s Nigerian soaps such as; After the Storm and When the Sun Sets and movies like – Glamour Girls, Scores to Settle and Living in Bondage. These productions sparked her passion for Nigerian cinema and planted the seeds for her future career.
Her passion for acting began in childhood, inspired by Western, Chinese, and Hindi films before she discovered Nigerian movies and found a deep connection with the stories told in these films, which further fueled her desire to pursue acting professionally.
Educational Journey: From Cameroon to Texas
Secondary Education in Cameroon
Okawa Shaznay was born in Cameroon. She began her secondary school education in Presbyterian Secondary School Mankon, Bamenda, Cameroon. This educational foundation provided her with academic skills while allowing her to continue pursuing her interest in performing arts.
She completed her schooling at the Presbyterian Secondary School in Mankon, Cameroon, balancing academic requirements with her growing passion for acting and performance.
American Higher Education
She later moved to the United States in 2005 for higher education where she graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Texas Southern University. This move represented a significant transition that would prove crucial to her career development.
Shaznay later moved to the United States, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas Southern University, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence alongside her artistic pursuits.
Balancing Banking and Acting Passion
Despite their reservations, Okawa completed her degree in accounting and worked at a bank in Houston. However, she eventually decided to leave her banking career behind to follow her passion for acting, making the courageous choice to pursue her dreams.
While studying accounting at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, Shaznay participated in various stage plays and TV productions, maintaining her connection to performance while completing her formal education.
Career Journey: From Cameroon to Nollywood Stardom
Early Career in Cameroon (2004)
Shaznay’s first film was “Master DJ,” a Cameroonian production in 2004 just before leaving to the U.S. Okawa starred in her very first movie titled; Master DJ, produced in Cameroon by Sarabi Pictures in 2004, marking her professional debut in African cinema.
This early experience in Cameroonian cinema provided her with practical film experience and confidence that would prove valuable as she transitioned to larger productions.
American Theater Experience
After moving to the United States, she joined the All Africa Theater Company and acted in an adaptation of the novel “Things Fall Apart.” While in Houston, she joined the All Africa Theater group with whom she moved on the road with for 2 summers performing this acclaimed production.
After then, she went on to do a little over 10 African films in the U.S working alongside some of Nollywood’s biggest stars. In 2010, she began to have a buzz in the African film industry within the US and was cited in UK blog – Dulce Camer’s 2010 top 50 Cameroonians to watch out for.
Return to Africa and Breakthrough
Shaznay later moved back to Africa where she starred in her first big-screen role in the movie titled, Cheaters, directed by the legendary Frank Rajah Arase. This represented her transition from diaspora productions to mainstream African cinema.
In 2014, she starred in her first movie in Nigeria, the hit blockbuster “Iyore” which released in cinemas in 2015, starring alongside Nollywood superstar Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin. This role marked her official breakthrough into Nollywood and established her as a serious actress.
TV Success and Continued Growth
In 2016, she also featured in the TV series “Delilah”, where she played a leading role. The beautiful actress lives in Lagos, Nigeria and has continued to build her career with strategic role selections and professional development.
Her filmography continues to grow, with recent projects including Tarella, an African fairytale selected for the African International Film Festival in November 2023, and other films demonstrating her continued relevance and artistic growth.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Born May 5, Bamenda, Cameroon | Beginning of life journey |
| 2004 | “Master DJ” debut | First professional acting role |
| 2005 | Moved to United States | Educational and career transition |
| 2009 | Texas Southern University graduation | Accounting degree completion |
| 2010 | Listed in top 50 Cameroonians to watch | Industry recognition |
| 2013 | “Cheaters” big-screen role | Return to African cinema |
| 2014 | “Iyore” Nollywood debut | Breakthrough into Nollywood |
| 2015 | “Iyore” cinema release | Mainstream recognition |
| 2016 | “Delilah” TV series | TV success and awards |
| 2016 | ELOY Award win | TV Actress of the Year |
| 2023 | “Tarella” film festival selection | Continued career growth |
Key Takeaways from Shaznay’s Career Journey
Pioneer Status Achievement
As the first Cameroonian to successfully break into Nollywood, she opened doors for other non-Nigerian African talents in the industry.
Educational Investment Value
Her accounting degree from Texas Southern University provided career security while she pursued acting, demonstrating smart career planning.
Strategic Career Building
Her progression from Cameroon to American theater to Nollywood shows strategic career development and international experience.
Award-Winning Performance
Her ELOY Award and multiple nominations demonstrate peer recognition and quality performance delivery.
Personal Life: Privacy and Professional Focus
Relationship Status and Personal Values
Okawa Shaznay is currently single and keeps her personal life private. In a 2019 interview, she mentioned that her ideal partner would be honest, enjoyable to be around, god-fearing, and ambitious.
She is currently not married and maintains focus on her career while keeping personal matters private, demonstrating professional boundaries and personal discretion.
Life in Lagos, Nigeria
The beautiful actress lives in Lagos, Nigeria, having relocated from the United States to pursue her Nollywood career full-time. This move demonstrates her commitment to establishing herself in Nigerian cinema.
Shaznay is active on social media and has a large following on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She has over 90k followers on Instagram @okawashaznay and over 3 million followers on Facebook, demonstrating significant fan engagement.
Awards and Recognition: Industry Acknowledgment
Major Award Win
She won the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) award for TV Actress of the year in 2016 for her role in Delilah, representing her most significant industry recognition.
Multiple Nominations
She was nominated as Most Promising Actress in the 2nd annual 2013 GIAMA awards. In 2014, she was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Award by the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards.
She was nominated in 2015 for Actress of the Year (Africa) Award by Nigeria Entertainment Awards, showing consistent recognition across multiple years and organizations.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth
Shaznay’s successful acting career has earned her an estimated net worth of about US$1.2 million, though some sources estimate it between $200,000 and $1.1 million.
Her financial success reflects her strategic career choices, consistent work in quality productions, and her ability to command significant roles in Nollywood productions.
Filmography Highlights
Notable Films
- Master DJ (2004)
- Cheaters 1 & 2 (2013)
- Iyore (2015)
- Refugees (2016)
- Scars (2015)
- In My Country (2017)
- Tarella: Princess of the Nile (2023)
TV Series Success
Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose (TV series) – Season 1 & 2 (2016), which earned her critical acclaim and industry awards.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer’s Continuing Journey
Okawa Shaznay’s remarkable journey from Bamenda, Cameroon to Nollywood stardom represents the power of determination, talent, and strategic career planning in achieving success in Africa’s entertainment industry. As the first Cameroonian to successfully break into Nollywood, she has not only achieved personal success but has also opened doors for other non-Nigerian African talents.
Her story demonstrates that with education, international experience, and dedication to craft, African actresses can successfully navigate competitive entertainment markets while maintaining their cultural identity. Her success with “Iyore” and “Delilah” shows her ability to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences across Africa.
Looking forward, Okawa Shaznay’s continued success in recent productions and her strong social media presence position her for sustained relevance in Nollywood and broader African cinema. Her journey continues to inspire young African actresses pursuing international careers in entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where was Okawa Shaznay born and when?
Birth Details
Okawa Shaznay was born on May 5, 1986 in Bamenda, Northwest region, Cameroon, the capital city of the Northwest Region.
Early Life
She was born and raised in Cameroon, where she developed an interest in acting from a very young age.
2. What is Okawa Shaznay’s educational background?
Secondary Education
She began her secondary school education in Presbyterian Secondary School Mankon, Bamenda, Cameroon.
University Degree
She later moved to the United States where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas Southern University in 2009.
3. What was Okawa Shaznay’s breakthrough role?
Nollywood Debut
In 2014, she starred in the hit blockbuster “Iyore” which released in cinemas in 2015, starring alongside Nollywood superstar Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin.
Pioneer Status
She is the first from her country (Cameroon) to successfully break into Nollywood with this role.
4. What awards has Okawa Shaznay won?
Major Win
She won the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) award for TV Actress of the year in 2016 for her role in Delilah.
Multiple Nominations
She received nominations from GIAMA (2013), Golden Icons Academy (2014), and Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2015).
5. What is Okawa Shaznay’s estimated net worth?
Financial Success
Shaznay’s successful acting career has earned her an estimated net worth of about US$1.2 million, though estimates vary between $200,000 and $1.2 million.
6. Is Okawa Shaznay married?
Relationship Status
Okawa Shaznay is currently single and keeps her personal life private, focusing on her acting career while living in Lagos, Nigeria.