As tender Thespian, Genoveva Umeh, wins the Best Supporting Actress at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, she has urged those dreaming for the top never to be afraid to try.
An emotional Genoveva noted this as she received the award for her role in ‘Breath of Life’.
Breath of Life is a 2023 Nigerian drama film executively produced by BB Sasore and Derin Adeyokunnu. The film was written and directed by BB Sasore and produced by Eku Edewor. It was released on November 15, 2023, as an Amazon Prime Video original film and the first of the three-part deal between Nemsia films and Amazon studios. It was the closing film at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival.
Narrated by Elijah, the story follows Timi, a young man who excelled academically, spoke 16 languages, and became the first African clergyman in the Church of England. After marrying Bridget and having a daughter, he returns to Nigeria, leading a fulfilling life until tragedy strikes. His family falls victim to Baby Fire, a local thug, leading to a series of tragic events that turn Timi into a recluse. The film later introduces Elijah, who changes Timi’s life and helps him rediscover his faith and purpose.
Meanwhile, Genoveva recalled how she started with a brave heart and pursued her dream, with the support of the family and other mentors.
Genoveva Kenechukwu Umeh (born 8 May 1995) professionally known as Genoveva Umeh is a British–Nigerian Actress. She was nominated for the Best Actress in a drama at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award 2022 for her role in ‘A Tune Away’. She also received critical acclaim for her roles in Nigerian’s first Netflix original crime thriller series ‘Blood Sisters’ and young adult series ‘Far From Home’. One of her major film roles include ‘One Lagos Night’, 2019. She also leads as Shindara in Episode 4 of Showmax‘s Original Drama series ‘Crime and Justice Lagos’ 2022.
Genoveva Umeh was raised both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She was born in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria on 8 May 1995 to computer engineer, Gaius Umeh and Nurse Ifeoma Umeh. She lived in Enugu until age 12 and received her primary education at Command Children’s school, Enugu.
Genoveva had her first year of secondary education at Command Day Secondary school, Enugu but later migrated with her family to the United Kingdom in 2006. She completed her secondary and A level education at St Marys C of E High School in London, United Kingdom.
Genoveva fell in love with acting while she was in secondary school and then pursued the craft by successfully completing a term at part time drama school, Identity School of Acting, UK in 2012. She performed a few plays at the Hammersmith theatre in London during summer holidays. Afterwards, she obtained a degree in LLB Law from the University of Surrey, England, graduating with honours.
Genoveva moved to Lagos, Nigeria in 2018 to pursue her acting career. She wrote and performed a one-woman stage play, HOME, which performed at Lagos Fringe Festival in Lagos, Nigeria and a year later at Bloemfontein, South Africa. She also performed as Lami in Rue14 studios stage Play, ‘High’ to shine a light on substance abuse amongst teenagers in December 2018 and 2019.
