Okawa Shaznay biography unveils the journey of a Cameroonian Nollywood star—her age, family roots, education, career milestones, net worth, and intriguing facts behind her rise in African cinema. Explore her story now.
Okawa Shaznay’s biography highlights a trailblazing Cameroonian actress who has carved a niche in Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry. Born on May 5, 1986, in Bamenda, Cameroon, she is 38 years old as of March 30, 2025. Raised in a supportive family, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in the U.S. before embracing her passion for acting. Known for her breakout role in Iyore (2015) and her award-winning performance in Delilah (2016), Shaznay’s career spans over 150 films and TV projects. With an estimated net worth of $300,000-$1.2 million, she remains a single, private figure living in Lagos. This article explores her life, achievements, and captivating details.
Introduction to Okawa Shaznay’s Life
Okawa Shaznay’s ascent began in Bamenda, where her love for performing arts took root amid the influx of 1990s Nollywood classics like Living in Bondage. After moving to the United States and earning an accounting degree, she debuted with Master DJ (2004) in Cameroon, later gaining prominence in Nollywood with Iyore alongside Rita Dominic and Joseph Benjamin. Her lead role in Delilah: The Mysterious Case of Delilah Ambrose earned her the 2016 Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) TV Actress award.
At 38, as of March 30, 2025, Shaznay’s journey blends Cameroonian heritage with global ambition, marked by resilience and a low-key personal life.
Okawa Shaznay Biography Highlights
| Field | Summary of Okawa Shaznay Biography |
|---|---|
| Age | Born May 5, 1986; 38 years old as of March 2025. |
| Family | Born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaznay in Bamenda; parents initially hesitant about acting; private life. |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Accounting, Texas Southern University (2009); secondary at Presbyterian School, Mankon. |
| Career | Actress in 150+ films; starred in Iyore, Delilah; won 2016 ELOY TV Actress of the Year. |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000-$1.2 million USD; from acting and modeling. |
| Interesting Facts | First Cameroonian to break into Nollywood; left banking for acting; resembles Jackie Appiah. |
| Legacy | Pioneering Cameroonian in Nollywood; celebrated for versatility and passion at 38. |
Early Life: Bamenda Beginnings
Okawa Shaznay was born on May 5, 1986, in Bamenda, Northwest Region, Cameroon, to parents who valued stability—her father and mother (names undisclosed) pushed her toward accounting over acting due to her aptitude in math and economics. Growing up in the 1990s, she was captivated by Nollywood soaps like Glamour Girls and stage plays, igniting her artistic spark. She attended Presbyterian Secondary School Mankon, earning her West African Senior School Certificate, before relocating to the U.S. in 2005 with her family, setting the stage for her dual-path journey.
Age: 38 and Flourishing
At 38 years old as of March 30, 2025, Okawa Shaznay radiates Taurus determination—grounded yet ambitious. Turning 39 in May 2025, she’s at a career peak, with recent roles in films like Tarella (2023) showcasing her enduring appeal, her age reflecting nearly two decades in entertainment since her 2004 debut.
Family: A Private Support System
Parents and Upbringing
Shaznay’s parents in Bamenda initially resisted her acting dreams, favoring a “safer” career in accounting. Their Cameroon-rooted values shaped her discipline, though they eventually supported her passion after she proved her resolve. Details about siblings remain undisclosed, reflecting her guarded personal life.
Relationship Status
Unmarried with no children as of 2025, Shaznay keeps romance private. In a 2019 interview, she described her ideal partner as honest, God-fearing, and ambitious, but no public relationships have surfaced, her focus staying on her craft.
Education: From Numbers to Spotlight
Shaznay completed secondary education at Presbyterian Secondary School Mankon, Bamenda, before moving to Houston, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Texas Southern University in 2009, briefly working in banking before pivoting to acting—a leap her parents once doubted but later embraced.
Career Achievements: Nollywood Breakthrough
Early Roles and U.S. Stint
Her debut came with Master DJ (2004) in Cameroon, produced by Sarabi Pictures. In Houston, she joined the All Africa Theater Group, touring with an adaptation of Things Fall Apart for two summers, honing her craft in over 10 U.S.-based African films by 2010.
Nollywood Stardom
Returning to Africa, Shaznay starred in Cheaters (2013), directed by Frank Rajah Arase, earning a 2013 GIAMA Most Promising Actress nomination. Her role in Iyore (2015) alongside Rita Dominic marked her as the first Cameroonian to break into Nollywood, followed by Delilah (2016), winning her the 2016 ELOY award. She’s since featured in 150+ projects, including Refugees (2016) and Tarella (2023).
Awards and Nominations
Nominated for Best Supporting Actress (2014 Golden Icons) and Actress of the Year (2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards), her 2016 ELOY win for Delilah stands out, affirming her rising status.
Net Worth: A Lucrative Craft
Shaznay’s net worth is estimated at $300,000-$1.2 million USD as of March 2025, varying by source (e.g., TheCityCeleb cites $1.1M). Earnings stem from acting fees (averaging $5,000-$20,000 per film), modeling, and past pageant wins like Miss Cameroon USA. Living in Lagos, she drives her own car, though specifics remain private.
Interesting Facts: Shaznay Unraveled
- Nollywood Pioneer: First Cameroonian to crack Nollywood with Iyore, a milestone for cross-border talent.
- Career Switch: Left a Houston banking job to chase acting, defying parental caution.
- Lookalike Buzz: Often compared to Ghanaian star Jackie Appiah, though unrelated.
- Pageant Past: Represented Cameroon in the 2010 African US Beauty Pageant, blending beauty with humanitarian work.
- Private Star: Keeps family and dating life under wraps, prioritizing her art.
Wiki Insights: A Growing Profile
Her Wikipedia page notes her May 5, 1986, birth, Bamenda origins, and Nollywood ascent. At roughly 5’6” (estimated from photos), her elegance shines in romantic roles with stars like Maurice Sam. With 90,000+ Instagram followers (@okawashaznay) and 3 million on Facebook, she’s a social media force.
Okawa Shaznay Biography Comparison Table
| Field | Historical Details (Initial) | Latest Verified Information (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Born 1986; 18 at 2004 debut. | 38 years old as of March 2025. |
| Family | Parents pushed accounting pre-2005. | Same; private about siblings, unmarried, no kids. |
| Education | Secondary in Cameroon; U.S. degree by 2009. | Bachelor’s in Accounting, Texas Southern University. |
| Career | Master DJ (2004); U.S. films pre-2010. | 150+ films; Iyore, Delilah; 2016 ELOY winner. |
| Net Worth | Minimal pre-2013 fame. | $300K-$1.2M; from acting, modeling. |
Conclusion: Okawa Shaznay’s Lasting Impact
Okawa Shaznay’s biography is a testament to passion prevailing over practicality. At 38, her family’s initial doubts gave way to pride as she built a career from Cameroon to Nollywood, with a net worth of $300,000-$1.2 million. Achievements like Iyore and Delilah mark her as a pioneer, while facts—leaving banking, breaking barriers—add depth. As of March 30, 2025, Shaznay’s legacy inspires, bridging African cinema with global appeal through talent and tenacity.
FAQs About Okawa Shaznay Biography
How old is Okawa Shaznay?
She’s 38 years old, born May 5, 1986, as of March 30, 2025.
Who is Okawa Shaznay’s family?
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaznay in Bamenda; details on siblings or relationships are private.
What is Okawa Shaznay’s education?
Bachelor’s in Accounting from Texas Southern University (2009); secondary at Presbyterian School, Mankon.
What are Okawa Shaznay’s career achievements?
Starred in 150+ films, notably Iyore and Delilah; won 2016 ELOY TV Actress award.
What is Okawa Shaznay’s net worth?
Estimated at $300,000-$1.2 million USD, from acting and modeling.
