Okawa Shaznay Biography: Age, Education, Family, Career, Movies, Awards, Social Media and Net Worth
Early Life and Background
Okawa Shaznay is a Cameroonian actress and television personality who has made a name for herself in Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood. Born and raised in Bamenda, in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. She developed an interest in acting and performing arts at an early age, participating in stage plays and small film projects. She played a role in the movie Iyore, where she starred alongside Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin. She also gained recognition for her performance in the television series Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose, which earned her the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Award in 2016.
Additionally, Shaznay is known for her versatility, confidence, and ability to portray different characters in African films. Beyond acting, she has an academic background in accounting from Texas Southern University in the United States.
Growing up, she enjoyed watching Nigerian movies, which inspired her interest in Nollywood. Films such as Glamour Girls helped shape her ambition to pursue an acting career.
Her passion for entertainment eventually led her to explore acting opportunities both in Cameroon and internationally.
What is her current age?
Okawa Shaznay is 40 years old, having been born on May 29, 1986.
What is Her Educational status?
Okawa Shaznay attended Presbyterian Secondary School in Mankon, Bamenda, Cameroon, for her secondary education.
In 2005, she relocated to the United States, where she continued her studies in Houston, Texas. She later graduated from Texas Southern University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
While studying and living in the United States, she also participated in theatre productions and independent African films.
How far gone is her career-wise?
Shaznay began her acting journey in Cameroon before expanding her opportunities internationally. Her first movie appearance was reportedly in Master DJ (2004), produced by Sarabi Pictures.
During her time in Houston, she joined the All Africa Theatre Group. She participated in theatrical performances, including an adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, in which she played Ezinne.
She subsequently appeared in several African film productions in the United States before making her breakthrough in Nollywood.
Her breakthrough came through the movie Iyore, in which she starred alongside Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin. Her performance helped introduce her to a wider Nigerian and African audience.
In 2016, she gained further recognition through her leading role in Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose. Her performance earned her the ELOY Award for TV Actress of the Year.
She has since continued appearing in Nigerian and African film productions.
What roles has she played in her various film and television productions?
Some of Okawa Shaznay’s notable film and television appearances include:
| Year | Movie / TV Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Master DJ | Sirri |
| 2013 | Cheaters | Clara |
| 2014 | Sisters at War | Ayah Ampah |
| 2014 | Cheaters Vacation | Tracy |
| 2015 | Iyore | Princess Ajoke / Amenze / Onaiwu |
| 2016 | Refugees | — |
| 2016 | Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose | Delilah |
| 2017 | Crossed Path | Melody |
| 2017 | In My Country | Adesuwa |
| 2021 | For My Eyes Only | Chioma |
| 2023 | Tarella: Princess of the Nile | Tarella |
| 2023 | A Necessary Step | Alice |
| 2024 | Fire Hearts | Cindy |
| 2024 | Jackpot | Vicky |
| 2025 | Love and Sacrifice | Stella |
| 2025 | Locked In | Tiara |
| 2026 | One Last Ride | Suzy |
Has she received any nominations or recognition for her work?
Okawa Shaznay has received several awards and nominations throughout the years for her acting performances.
| Award / Recognition | Organization / Event | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Promising Actress | Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards | 2013 | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actress | Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards | 2014 | Nominated |
| Actress of the Year (Africa) | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | 2015 | Nominated |
| TV Actress of the Year | ELOY Awards | 2016 | Won |
| Best Actress in a Series | Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards | 2017 | Won |
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Africa Movie Academy Awards | 2018 | Nominated |
| Star on the Cameroon Wall of Fame | Cameroon International Film Festival | 2026 | Honoured |
Family, Parents and Relationships
Okawa Shaznay was born into a Cameroonian family and spent much of her childhood in Cameroon. However, she has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Who are her parents, and what is known about her family background?
Shaznay has not publicly disclosed the names of her father and mother. However, in a 2016 interview with The Guardian Nigeria, she spoke about visiting her mother in New York, showing that they maintain a relationship. She has also identified her mother as her role model, crediting her for encouraging her to pursue her dreams and trust God.
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Does she have any siblings, and how many brothers and sisters does she have?
Information about her brothers and sisters has not been publicly confirmed
Is she married or in a relationship, and does she have any children?
What are her official Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (Twitter) handles?
Privacy is her sole desire; therefore, she maintains an online presence where she shares updates about her acting career and personal activities.
Instagram: @okawashaznay
X (Twitter): @OkawaShaznay
Facebook: Okawa Shaznay
YouTube: @okawashaznay
She also has a Linktree page connecting her other social media accounts.
What is Okawa Shaznay’s Net Worth?
Finally, her net worth is estimated to be US$500,000, according to various online entertainment and biography sources. Her wealth primarily comes from her acting career; she has appeared in over 200 Nollywood and African film productions, including Iyore and the television series Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose. In addition to acting, she reportedly earns income through brand endorsements, social media promotions, business investments, and real estate holdings.