Raheem Abike Halimah, popularly known as Papaya Ex, is set to transform her digital stardom into cinematic success with her highly anticipated film debut. The vibrant content creator is preparing to make her mark in the Nigerian film industry with “Owambe Thieves,” a project that promises to showcase her versatility beyond the realm of social media comedy.
Papaya Ex’s journey from social media sensation to silver screen actress represents a significant milestone in her career. Sharing her excitement on Instagram, she revealed the behind-the-scenes moments of her collaboration with established actress Eniola Ajao, marking a pivotal moment in her professional trajectory.
The upcoming film, “Owambe Thieves,” is scheduled for a nationwide cinema release on April 18th, 2025. Papaya Ex will portray the character FIFI, a role she secured after a personal invitation from Eniola Ajao herself. This unexpected opportunity has clearly ignited a fresh passion in the content creator, who confidently proclaimed her entry into the acting world.
Her Instagram announcement buzzed with enthusiasm: “Officially in my Actress era, @eniola_ajao called to act as FIFI in her CINEMA movie: OWAMBE THIEVES. Out this April 18th, 2025, in all cinemas. Can’t wait for y’all to see me on the big screen.”
The social media response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and followers flooding her comment section with messages of support and excitement. Supporters celebrated her bold step, with comments ranging from playful encouragement to genuine admiration for her professional growth.
Fans like Ciliapeaches humorously noted the natural fit of Papaya Ex in an “Owambe” themed movie, while others like Maku_Chukwu expressed direct support by pledging to watch the film. The comments section became a testament to her popularity and the anticipation surrounding her cinematic debut.
Styled by @armonicapel for her film appearance, Papaya Ex seems prepared to make a striking impression both on and off the screen. Her transition from creating viral skits to starring in a feature film represents a significant career evolution that many digital content creators aspire to achieve.
“Owambe Thieves” appears to be more than just a movie for Papaya Ex—it’s a declaration of artistic ambition. By stepping into acting, she joins a growing trend of social media personalities expanding their creative horizons and challenging traditional entertainment industry boundaries.
The film’s premise and Papaya Ex’s role remain shrouded in mystery, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding the project. Audiences are eagerly waiting to see how her comedic timing and digital charisma will translate to the big screen.
As the cinema release approaches, Papaya Ex’s fans and the broader entertainment community will be watching closely. Her journey from a popular skit maker to a cinema actress demonstrates the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian entertainment, where talent can emerge and flourish through multiple platforms.
With “Owambe Thieves” set to hit cinemas nationwide, Papaya Ex is not just making a film debut—she’s making a statement about the limitless potential of digital creators in contemporary Nigerian entertainment.
