Actress, corporate MC, blogger, photographer, artist manager and humanitarian, Sarah Owatemi, known as Owatz007, has shared her journey through different fields. She is determined to use her platforms to make a difference in people's lives.
Owatemi calls herself a “multi-graced” person. She believes her different career paths do not clash but support each other, helping her learn skills useful in her various jobs.
She remembers how her foundation started. She said, “I saw a widow with three kids. She had nothing to eat in her house, but she still offered me water with a smile. That moment broke and built me at the same time.
“I looked at her and said to myself, ‘If people with so little can still give, what am I waiting for?’ That night birthed the Owatemi007 Foundation. Not for clout or social media likes, but as a calling from God.”
Owatemi mentioned that her dedication to humanitarian work started before her foundation. She is a member of the Lions Club in Nigeria and currently volunteers with the British Heart Foundation in the United Kingdom.
She talked about one recent work from her foundation, saying it paid the school fees of 12 children who were sent home because their parents could not afford their education.
Owatemi has also made a name for herself in entertainment, featuring in productions with actors like Rotimi Salami, Ayo Olaiya, Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod, Jumoke Otedola and the late Allwell Ademola.
She said her time on film sets taught her the value of discipline, humility, punctuality and professionalism. “Working with actors such as Saidi Balogun, Kunle Afod, Rotimi Salami, Ayo Olaiya, Jumoke Otedola and the late Allwell Ademola, taught me that talent is not enough. You must be professional, humble, punctual and prepared,” she said.
Owatemi has produced a movie called ‘Iru Kileyo’. She said her experience both in front of and behind the camera helps her as a corporate MC and Alaga Ijoko.
As a blogger, Owatemi focuses on domestic violence awareness. She believes entertainers and public figures should use their influence to tackle social issues.
Recently, she trained in professional photography in the UK. She hopes to use photography to showcase African women, their culture, resilience and daily lives to audiences worldwide.
Owatemi is also managing a rising artist. She said her style of artist management focuses on character and long-term growth instead of quick fame. “My philosophy is simple: build the person before you build the star. In this industry, everybody is looking for a quick hit, a viral song and quick fame. But, I am looking for longevity and legacy.
“Talent will open the door, but character will keep you inside the room. That is the kind of artist I want to raise; a star with substance, not just sound.”
Owatemi plans to host a free mega show with Kayefi in the UK later in September. She calls the event an opportunity to entertain, inspire and give back to the community.
She believes women should work together and support each other instead of competing.
Owatemi explained the meaning of “Owatz007”. She said “Owatz” comes from her surname, while “007” is a name she chose for herself.
She added that the brand also honors her late father and the legacy she wants to keep alive through her work.
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