Acclaimed Nollywood Actress Omowunmi Dada Takes Residency at the University of Michigan

Omowunmi Dada, the esteemed Nollywood actress, presenter, and model, has been appointed for the fall semester as the DAAS/ASC Global Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan.

This prestigious appointment, facilitated by the African Studies Center (ASC) and the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS), marks a significant cultural exchange initiative.

Dada, renowned for her roles in M-Net’s Jemeji and the Netflix Original Film Òlòtūré, brings nearly a decade of experience in captivating audiences on both screen and stage. Her notable performance in Eleshin Oba, an adaptation of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman, received acclaim at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Dada stated,

“

GRACE GRACE GRACE💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

I am absolutely honoured to be named the 2023 Global Artist in Residence at the African Studies Center (ASC) and the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS) of the University of Michigan, USA!

I’ll be working with DAAS language instructors to develop audio-visual materials for teaching African languages, while also engaging with the U-M campus community and local schools.
Can’t wait to share the beauty of the rich African culture and the incredible journey of Nollywood with everyone!”

During her residency, she aims to engage with the University of Michigan community, sharing insights into African culture and the remarkable journey of the Nigerian movie industry.”

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As a global ambassador for Nigeria’s burgeoning film industry, Dada has graced productions on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, elevating the international profile of Nollywood. Beyond her screen presence, she actively supports causes aligned with her values, serving as an Ambassador for Daivyan Children’s Cancer Foundation and the Brian Wotari Foundation.

The Global Artist in Residence program, supported by a Title VI grant from the U.S. Department of Education, is a collaborative effort between ASC and DAAS. Dada will contribute to the development of audio-visual materials for teaching African languages, engaging with U-M campus life, and interacting with students and educators in Southeast Michigan.

Photo: Michigan Photography