Jemima Osunde is one of the brightest and most multifaceted talents to emerge from Nollywood in recent years.
An actress, model, television presenter, and certified physiotherapist, she has defied the conventional boundaries of career paths to carve out a uniquely diverse identity in Nigerian entertainment.
Best known for her role as Leila in the widely acclaimed MTV Shuga series, Jemima has gone on to establish herself as a force to reckon with in African film and media.
Profile
| Full Name | Jemima Osunde |
| Born | April 30, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Edo State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, TV Presenter, Physiotherapist, Entrepreneur |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Osunde |
| Relationship | Single (no publicly confirmed relationship) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
Early Life
Jemima Osunde was born on April 30, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a family originally from Edo State in southern Nigeria. She is the last child and only daughter in a family of five, growing up alongside her parents and older brothers in Lagos. Her family’s Edo heritage has been a source of cultural pride she carries through her public identity.
Growing up in Lagos, Jemima was raised in a loving and supportive household that encouraged her ambitions. During her early years, her family particularly an uncle noticed her natural aptitude for performance and encouraged her to explore acting as a creative outlet. She attended Air Force Primary School for her early education and later moved on to Holy Child College for her secondary school education in Lagos.
From her secondary school years, Jemima was drawn to the arts and performance. By 2013–2014, when her uncle formally encouraged her to audition for a movie, she had already developed the confidence and poise that would define her screen presence. She began her Nollywood journey at the age of 18, and it marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in her life.
Education
Jemima Osunde is one of Nollywood’s most academically accomplished stars. She attended Air Force Primary School for her formative years, then proceeded to Holy Child College for her secondary education. Following this, she pursued an exceptional path by enrolling at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where she studied Physiotherapy. Balancing the rigorous demands of a medical education with an active acting career, she graduated as a certified physiotherapist in 2019. She also completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, proudly sharing a photograph of herself in her NYSC uniform on Instagram in June 2021. Her academic achievement stands as an inspiration to young Nigerians who aspire to excel in both professional and creative fields simultaneously.
Career
Jemima Osunde’s acting career began in earnest in 2013 when her uncle encouraged her to audition for a film. Her first movie role came in Jungle Jewel, produced by actress Ufuoma McDermott, where her debut performance left a strong impression on industry insiders and audiences alike.
The role that truly launched her into the spotlight, however, was her casting as Leila in MTV Shuga a widely watched and highly regarded drama series addressing issues of youth, love, and public health across Africa. Her nuanced portrayal of Leila earned her widespread recognition across Nigeria and beyond. When the show relocated to South Africa for its fifth series, Jemima was written out temporarily, only to return for the sixth series when the show came back to Nigeria. She also featured in the seventh series, titled Shuga: Alone Together.
Her breakthrough on the big screen came with the 2018 film The Delivery Boy, where she delivered a performance that earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the prestigious 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). She further cemented her place in Nollywood with a role in the blockbuster Lion Heart (2018), starring alongside veteran actress Genevieve Nnaji. Other notable works include New Money (2018), NdaniTV’s Rumour Has It (Series 2), and Quam’s Money (2020).
Beyond acting, Jemima has diversified her portfolio into entrepreneurship. She co-founded Sanaa Beauty, a beauty brand, alongside fellow actress Adesua Etomi. She has also taken on presenting roles and brand endorsement deals with several multinational companies, further solidifying her status as a modern African woman of influence.
Awards & Nominations
- Best Actress in a Leading Role – Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2019 (Nominated, for The Delivery Boy)
- TV Actress of the Year – ELOY Awards, 2018 (Nominated)
- Web Series Category – ELOY Awards, 2018 (Nominated)
Social Media
Jemima Osunde has a significant and growing social media following. She is active on Instagram under the handle @jemimaosunde, where she shares updates about her professional projects, personal life, beauty brand, and lifestyle. She also engages with fans on Twitter/X. Her social media presence reflects her personality elegant, thoughtful, and purpose-driven.
Personal Life
As of 2025, Jemima Osunde has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship or marriage. She maintains a private personal life and has consistently deflected questions about her love life in interviews, preferring to let her professional accomplishments speak for themselves. She is known for her warm personality, discipline, and passion for both her acting career and her physiotherapy practice.
Outside her professional work, Jemima is passionate about women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. Through Sanaa Beauty, she and Adesua Etomi aim to celebrate African beauty and inspire confidence in women. Her personal values of passion, discipline, and empowerment are evident in everything she does.
Net Worth
Jemima Osunde’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million. Her income is derived from multiple streams, including her Nollywood acting career, brand endorsements and partnerships with major companies, her co-ownership of the Sanaa Beauty brand, media presenting roles, and her professional practice as a certified physiotherapist. As her career continues to grow, so does her financial influence.
Filmography
- Jungle Jewel
- MTV Shuga (TV Series, multiple seasons)
- New Money (2018)
- The Delivery Boy (2018)
- Lion Heart (2018)
- NdaniTV’s Rumour Has It (Series 2)
- Quam’s Money (2020)
- MTV Shuga: Alone Together (Season 7)
FAQs
Who is Jemima Osunde?
Jemima Osunde is a Nigerian actress, model, TV presenter, and certified physiotherapist known for her role as Leila in MTV Shuga and her performance in The Delivery Boy.
How old is Jemima Osunde?
She was born on April 30, 1996, making her 29 years old as of 2025.
Is Jemima Osunde married?
No publicly confirmed information about her marriage or relationship status is available.
Where is Jemima Osunde from?
She was born in Lagos but is originally from Edo State, Nigeria.
What degree does Jemima Osunde hold?
She holds a degree in Physiotherapy from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
Conclusion
Jemima Osunde is a rare talent who has successfully merged the worlds of medicine and entertainment, proving that excellence in one field need not come at the expense of another. From her debut in Jungle Jewel to her acclaimed role in The Delivery Boy and her growing beauty business, Jemima continues to break barriers and inspire young Nigerian women. Her story is a compelling reminder that talent, discipline, and purpose are a powerful combination.