Over the years, Sharon Ooja has become known for her ‘baby girl’ roles in Nollywood, from Skinny Girls in Transit, where many came to love her for her embodiment of her character, Salewa, to Showmax’s Flawsome, where her portrayal of Ivie, has had many glued to their seats. Sharon Ooja has written her name in gold amidst a list of upcoming Nollywood stars.
Although she has become known for those roles, she has proved that she can’t be limited to the romantic genre. With her feature on EbonyLife Studio’s Òlòturé, she has showcased her versatility as an actress while refusing to stick to stereotypes created due to the roles she has taken up over the years.
As Sharon continues to prove her prowess in Nollywood, featuring in blockbuster films while pushing beyond stereotypes, here are five movies from the star actress we think you should watch this week.
Flawsome
In a series that follows the lives of four ambitious and dynamic friends – Ifeyinwa, Ivie, Ramat, and Dolapo – Sharon Ooja proves her acting prowess as she fully expresses the struggles of Ivie, an upcoming fashion designer struggling to find balance in her personal life.
Aside from Sharon, the AMVCA-nominated drama series also features Bisola Aiyeola, Enado Odigie, and Ini-Dima Okojie, who masterfully portray the dynamics of their friendship while navigating their careers, societal pressure, and interpersonal relationships.
Their bond particularly shined through during #CrazyAboutUs24, as Bisola Aiyeola was Sharon’s ultimate hype man, crying and making sure every bit of her best friend’s wedding went well.
Flawsome can be streamed on Showmax.
Òlòturé
Premiered in 2019, Òlòturé tells the story of a journalist who goes undercover as a sex worker to expose a human trafficking ring running through West Africa and Europe. In season 2, she struggles to survive with no resources available. The show premiered its second season on June 28, 2024, marking Sharon Ooja’s first departure from the romantic drama genre – showcasing her versatility as an actress.
The Nigerian crime drama directed by Kenneth Gyang and produced by EbonyLife Studios in collaboration with Netflix also features Beverly Osu, Omoni Oboli, Ada Ameh, and Blossom Chukwujekwu.
Òlòturé can be streamed on Netflix.
Dead Serious
Sharon Ooja takes on an exciting role in Dead Serious. The rom-com featuring veteran actor Nkem Owoh and famous content creator Oga Sabinus – centres on Johnny and Amara’s love story. While nursing his loss following Amara’s demise, Johnny eventually makes a questionable decision to take his life.
Unlike her previous roles, Dead Serious leans more towards comedy. Sharon particularly stands out for the childlike innocence and sincerity she masterfully portrays, bringing depth to the love story. Her character laid the perfect foundation for a fairytale.
Dead Serious can be streamed on Showmax.
Still Falling
In the 2021 romantic drama co-directed by Karachi Atiya and Dimbo Atiya, Sharon Ooja plays lead alongside Etim Effiong – in a story that centres around former lovers – Bono Kuku and Captain Lagi Gowon – and how they reunite and find peace after a toxic relationship.
The film, which tells a tale of grace, faith, and forgiveness, was released on February 12, 2021 and is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Glamour Girls
In a world of high-end escorts led by Donna (Nse-Ikpe Etim), there is the promise of wealth and a new life for new entrees like Emma (Sharon Ooja) until a murder and theft threaten to end it all. In this film, Sharon Ooja proves she’s beyond a pretty face as she bodied her role while channelling the right amount of exuberance needed to pull off her role.
The Glamour Girls, directed by Bunmi Adesoye and produced by Abimbola Craig, is a remake of a 1994 Nollywood classic.
Glamour Girls can be streamed on Netflix.