Uriel Ngozi Oputa
- Born
- 1988-01-24 (age 38)
- Birthplace
- Hammersmith, West London, United Kingdom
- Occupation
- Brand Ambassador, Chef, Content Creator, Entrepreneur, Media Personality, Nollywood Actress, Reality Tv Star, Singer, Television Personality, Fitness Influencer, Model, Musician
- Active
- 2011 - Present
- Alma Mater
- Bedfordshire University
Biography
EARLY LIFE
Uriel Anita Ngozi Oputa, widely known as Uriel Oputa, was born on January 24, 1988, in Hammersmith, West London, United Kingdom. She is the only daughter in a family of five children, growing up with four brothers. Though born and raised in the UK, her roots are deeply Nigerian, her mother hails from Oguta, Imo State, while her father is British. Uriel often describes her upbringing as one that blended both African and Western cultural values, shaping her strong sense of identity and resilience. Growing up in London, Uriel displayed early signs of creativity and self-expression. She was passionate about storytelling, drama, and performance arts, often participating in school plays and creative writing projects. Her multicultural background influenced her artistic curiosity and allowed her to explore a wide range of creative outlets, from writing to music. For her higher education, Uriel attended Bedfordshire University in the UK, where she earned a degree in Creative Writing. Her studies not only honed her literary and communication skills but also nurtured her confidence to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While at the university, she developed interests in music, screen performance, and media, which later became central to her professional journey. Her decision to eventually move back to Nigeria after her studies was motivated by a desire to connect with her cultural heritage and to carve a space for herself in the Nigerian entertainment industry. This transition laid the foundation for her eventual rise to prominence on platforms like Big Brother Naija and in other entrepreneurial and creative ventures.
CAREER
Uriel Oputa’s career is a story of reinvention, versatility, and resilience. From her earliest days as a young creative in the United Kingdom to her establishment as a household name in Nigeria, she has traversed multiple fields; music, acting, reality television, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts, constantly evolving while staying true to her vibrant personality. Her first significant break came in 2016, when she was selected to compete in BET’s Top Actor Africa, a continental reality show designed to scout and groom acting talents across Africa. Although she was the first Nigerian contestant to be eliminated, the exposure introduced her to a broader African audience and gave her a taste of what life as a public figure entailed. Uriel used that experience as fuel, rather than discouragement, to expand her visibility in entertainment. The following year, she stepped into national prominence as a housemate in Big Brother Naija Season 2: See Gobe (2017). Her time in the Big Brother house defined much of her public identity. For 43 days, she entertained viewers with her humorous impersonations, her emotional vulnerability, and her visible culinary passion. Though evicted before the finale, she left the show as a fan favorite, her authenticity and free-spirited character earning her a loyal following. After Big Brother, Uriel explored music under the stage name Urielmusicstar. She released songs such as Desire and Nwoke Oma, where she infused Afrobeat rhythms with English and Igbo lyrics. While her music did not break into the mainstream charts, it was an avenue for her to showcase her creative writing background and her flair for artistic expression. Around this same period, she made forays into acting with small Nollywood appearances, building her portfolio in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Yet, Uriel’s true career breakthrough came not from acting or music, but from her deep-rooted passion for food and lifestyle content creation. Recognizing the strength of her personality and her love for the kitchen, she created the brand UULovesFood, which quickly gained popularity online. She hosted cooking programs such as Uriel’s Kitchen and Glam Africa Kitchen, where she blended entertainment with culinary demonstrations, making cooking a relatable and enjoyable experience for her audience. Her cooking became her signature identity, something that set her apart from her peers in the reality TV circle. At the same time, Uriel ventured into entrepreneurship, launching Uriel London Wigs, a business focused on hair extensions and wigs. This brand catered to her largely female fanbase and became a stable business arm that complemented her media career. Alongside her business ventures, she used her platform to share her personal journey of weight loss and wellness advocacy. By documenting her health transformation, Uriel inspired thousands of women across Nigeria and beyond. She went further to create and sell customized meal plans, recording sales of over 30,000 plans, solidifying her role as not only a media personality but also a lifestyle and fitness influencer. Her boldness in public conversations added another layer to her career. Uriel became known for her candid takes on relationships, female empowerment, and self-care. In interviews and podcasts, she openly discussed topics ranging from her struggles with dyslexia as a child to the complexities of dating in Nigeria. Statements like her assertion that “many Nigerian men don’t date for substance” made headlines, sparking debates and reinforcing her reputation as a woman unafraid to challenge norms. In 2023, Uriel returned to the Big Brother Naija stage for the All Stars edition, reintroducing herself to a new generation of fans. Though her stay in the house was short-lived, it reminded viewers of her charismatic presence and showcased her evolution from the 2017 version of herself into a more confident, business-driven woman. Today, Uriel has firmly positioned herself as a culinary entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and media personality. While she still occasionally dabbles in music and acting, her primary focus has shifted to expanding her food brand, building her wig line, and using her voice for empowerment. In interviews, she has hinted at ambitions to open restaurants across Africa and launch her own line of seasonings and food products. Her career is now less about chasing mainstream fame and more about creating sustainable impact through food, health, and entrepreneurship. Through every stage, whether in music, television, business, or wellness, Uriel Oputa has consistently reinvented herself. Her career reflects a journey of resilience: from a young girl managing dyslexia in the UK to a confident Nigerian-British woman shaping industries across entertainment, culinary arts, and lifestyle advocacy.
PERSONAL LIFE
Uriel Oputa was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents of Igbo origin from Imo State. She grew up as the only girl among brothers, a family dynamic she has often said helped her develop resilience and a strong character. Her late mother was a central figure in her life, and Uriel continues to honor her memory through social media posts and personal reflections. Although she maintains privacy regarding her romantic relationships, Uriel has spoken openly about experiencing heartbreak in the past. She has expressed a desire for a stable and lasting partnership, but prefers to focus publicly on her career, personal growth, and entrepreneurial ventures rather than her dating life. Her lifestyle is deeply rooted in her passions for cooking, fitness, and wellness. Uriel’s dramatic weight-loss journey, which she achieved through consistent dieting and exercise, has become a major part of both her personal and professional identity. She continues to follow a strict diet and workout routine while encouraging others to embrace healthy living. Uriel has also been candid about her struggles with mental health. She has revealed moments of battling depression and loneliness, using her platform to advocate for therapy, self-care, and the importance of openness in dealing with emotional challenges. This transparency has made her a relatable figure for many of her followers who face similar issues. Grounded in her Christian faith, Uriel often attributes her resilience and strength to her belief in God. Her values emphasize authenticity, body positivity, gratitude, and discipline, principles that reflect both in her personal choices and in the way she engages with her audience.
Filmography
No filmography available for this person yet.
Box Office
Weekly Top Grossing3 Cold Dishes
₦5,331,351.00
Gingerrr
₦12,727,775.00
Gingerrr
₦21,139,500.00
The Herd
₦16,977,673.00
3 Cold Dishes
₦15,261,240.00
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Popularity Score
Top 99% of African actors
