Ummi Ibrahim Usman, popularly known as Zee Zee or Ummu Zee-zee, is a former Kannywood and Nollywood actress who reached the limelight after starring in the Hausa movie Jinsi. Aside from being famous in Kannywood, the actress was known as a singer and businesswoman as well.

Biography

Early Life and Family

Born in 1987 to Shuwa/Kanuri parents in Borno State, Nigeria, Ummi Ibrahim Usman has sparked a lot of controversy in the media for a variety of reasons.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Ummi Ibrahim Usman last starred in a movie in 2006, and when asked for the reason, she said that the film producers may not be able to afford her for a role. Despite her exit from the movie industry, she has called upon current Kannywood actresses to keep honoring and respecting her because she has left an indelible mark in the industry that none of them can erase. This was evident in the controversial interview with Premium Times Paper, where she said in Hausa, “nafi duka ‘yan matan Kannywood Aji,” which translates as “I have surpassed the status of all the [current] Kannywood actresses.” In response to Ummi Zee Zee’s self-acclaimed supremacy, another popular Kannywood actress, Umma Shehu, strongly denied the claim and said she was nothing but a ‘small fly’ in the industry.

Career Highlights

Significant Roles and Films

Ummi Ibrahim Usman, once a household name in Northern Nigeria and beyond, has starred in several blockbuster movies such as Jinsi, Flag of Love, Gender, Gambiza, and Yan uwa.

Major Achievements and Awards

She gained her nickname Zee Zee from her role in the movie Jinsi, where she also received an award. Despite her early retirement from acting, her contributions to Kannywood remain significant.

Personal Life

Controversies and Relationships

The Nigerian actress was rumored to have dated General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian head of state, the likely reason behind her expensive lifestyle, which included moving around in a convoy of several exotic Jeeps. In an interview, she confirmed the rumor that she was once in a relationship with him, but it has ended; however, they are still friends.

Ummi Zee Zee was said to have been previously in a relationship with the Benue-born musician, Timaya, when she was in Lagos State. A relationship she has since described as one filled with regrets. Furthermore, there were speculations of her leaving Islam to make her relationship work with the artist; however, she denied it and described it as mere allegations because she loves practicing her religion and nothing will make her convert to another.

In 2021, rumors had it that she contemplated suicide after she was duped by a fraudster of a huge sum of money amounting to about 500 million Naira who posed as a business partner in a supposed crude oil deal. However, she later cleared the air and confirmed being duped but denied that she had contemplated suicide as a result.

Ummi proudly said she doesn’t need to wear make-up as she was beautifully created and her natural beauty needed no artificial improvement. She often flaunts her long natural hair as seen in many of her photos online; however, she said it doesn’t translate to her being unserious with her religion.

Net Worth

While specific figures about Ummi Ibrahim Usman’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, her association with high-profile individuals and her luxurious lifestyle suggest significant wealth. Her ventures in acting, singing, and business likely contributed to her financial success.

Conclusion

Ummi Ibrahim Usman, also known as Zee Zee, has made a lasting impact on Kannywood and Nollywood. Despite stepping away from acting, her legacy and influence continue to be felt in the industry. Her personal life, marked by high-profile relationships and controversies, keeps her in the media spotlight.