Tochukwu Lorenzo Uzonna Menakaya, widely known as Lorenzo Menakaya born on April 4, 1986, is a prominent Nigerian media personality, actor, filmmaker, event host, and singer. He is widely recognized for his engaging work in radio broadcasting and Nollywood, as well as for hosting major events such as the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2019 and 2020.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Tochukwu Lorenzo Uzonna Menakaya |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Enugu, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Anambra State (Umunya) |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Radio personality, actor, filmmaker, event host, singer |
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Lorenzo Menakaya hails from Umunya in Anambra State and was born in Enugu, Nigeria.
He completed his secondary education at the University of Nigeria Secondary School in Nsukka before earning a degree in Religion from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Furthering his expertise, he trained in broadcasting at the PANOS Institute West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, and the Institute for Media and Society in Lagos.
Career
Starting his professional journey around 2006, Menakaya has built a diverse career as a radio presenter, actor, filmmaker, and singer.
He earned nominations for On-Air Personality of the Year at The Future Awards Africa in 2011 and 2012, and won the Outstanding Radio Presenter award at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards in 2016.
His filmmaking credits include the short film Sundown Tale (2015) and the feature film Ordinary Fellows (2019), which won Best Director at the African World Film Festival in Michigan, USA.
In 2021, he produced Other Side of History, a film about the life of Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. As an actor, he has appeared in various Nollywood productions, notably playing Ubong in the series Crazy, Lovely, Cool on Trace TV/Netflix.
Additionally, he has lectured at Spelman College in the United States and was awarded the James Currey Writing Fellowship at Oxford University in 2022.
Personal Life
He is related to Chichi Menakaya, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon practicing in the United Kingdom.
Details regarding his marital status and children remain private.
Lorenzo Menakaya Net Worth
Lorenzo Menakaya’s net worth is estimated to be between $200,000 and $500,000 USD, reflecting his successful career as a Nigerian media personality, actor, filmmaker, and event host.
Selected Filmography
- Sundown Tale (2015) – Producer, Director
- Ordinary Fellows (2019) – Producer, Co-director
- Other Side of History (2021) – Producer
- Crazy, Lovely, Cool (2019) – Actor (Ubong)
- Various other roles in Nigerian films and TV series since 2010
Awards and Recognitions
- Nominated for On-Air Personality of the Year, The Future Awards Africa (2011, 2012)
- Winner of Outstanding Radio Presenter, Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (2016)
- Best Director, African World Film Festival (for Ordinary Fellows)
- Phoenix Global Awards winner (2012)
- Radio Personality of the Year, Nigeria Fashion & Style Awards (2015)
