Osita Iheme, popularly known as Pawpaw, has exceptionally contributed to the success of the Nigerian movie industry with the comedy roles he played alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. He has been tagged the King of Memes for his widely spread memes which has found its way to different corners of the globe and even used by global time celebrities.
The actor has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 20 years and appearing in more than 150 Nigerian movies.
Osita was born in Aba, Abia state on 20th of February, 1982 to Mrs. Augustine Iheme and Mr. Herbert Iheme. He has four other siblings and he spent his childhood days (and education) in the south eastern city of Aba. The family hails from Mbaitoli in Imo state, Nigeria.
Iheme had earlier enrolled in a program in Theatre Arts at the Lagos State University. He has a bachelor’s certificate in computer science from Lagos State University.
Iheme is a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. This is for his contributions to the Nigerian movie industry.
He won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2011. He won the Best Actor category at the 2014 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
The actor and his colleague, Ikedieze, represent the sports betting company Blackbet.
There was a rumor of a new movie featuring Osita (Pawpaw) and his former on screen partner, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) circulating earlier this year (2021). It started when the two engaged in a public twitter chat stating their dream of acting together again. Ikedieze then asked a question about what format the production should take (series or movie). He also asked what it will be titled.
The actor is believed to have a child, this is because of a picture he had with a mixed race child on his Instagram page. The truth as of now is that he does not have a child.
Many have linked Ghanian actress Nana Ama McBrown and Osita in several relationship rumors for long. None of the two celebrities has come out to confirm or disband the rumors. Besides, Nana is happily married to Maxwell Mawu Mensah. Some sources also claim he is married to a lady simply described as Noma.
A 2018 article in the Punch newspaper had Tofarati Ige interview Iheme. Iheme revealed his plan to still enter the music industry and also that his political career is very much alive.
The actor is estimated to be worth approximately $3.5 million. He is suspected to own a 2014 Toyota Corolla. The actor also owns Honda NSX sports car, Toyota Camry, 2018 Toyota Harrier GR sport and a Land Rover Discovery LR3.
He is also called the African Meme King. He has gained global fame through his comic-themed memes. They have even been used by big names like Genius (the digital media company) and 50Cent.
Osita has now established them as a collective on Rarible (the NFTs auction site).
The actor is the chairman of the Resident group which is a group of companies in the beauty and hospitality sector. He also owns record label, Young Boss Records, which we now believe to be defunct.
Iheme is the founder of Inspired Movement Africa. He established the NGO to motivate young Africans to achieve their dreams. He is also the founder of the Osita Iheme Annual Quiz competition.