For Imoh Eboh, who prefers to be called Imoh, the path from a minor role in Funke Akindele’s Return of Jenifa II to leading a major Africa Magic series has been influenced by patience, faith, and steady commitment to her craft.
After years of supporting appearances across film and television, the actress now takes centre stage in Daughters of Water, where she plays Aniefiok, a disgraced journalist who arrives in the fictional town of Ikot Ndem to cover a major traditional festival. What begins as a professional assignment soon draws her into a web of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to upend both her career and the community she encounters.
The 39-episode series, which premiered on December 29, 2025, and runs through March 25, 2026, is set in Akwa Ibom State, Imoh’s state of origin. Directed by Femi Ogunsanwo, the urban-rural drama blends cultural traditions with contemporary social concerns, marking a significant milestone in her career.
“It was a few days after I got the script that I realised I would be playing a lead role,” Imoh says. “Contrary to what people think, I haven’t actually done many Africa Magic productions. Excluding Daughters of Water, I’ve only appeared in two. This is my first time leading a series, and the fact that the story is centred on where I come from, Akwa Ibom State, made it even more special.”
Imoh’s screen credits include supporting roles in King of Boys (2018), where she played Bunmi, Riona as Ebitomi, and Masquerades of Aniedo as Urenna. She has also appeared in the Prime Video short film Listen, as well as Wildflower and In Her Shoes.
In an interview with The Nollywood Reporter, the actress speaks about becoming Aniefiok, her affinity for culturally grounded stories, and what she hopes audiences will take away from the series.
Asked why she is consistently drawn to epic narratives rooted in tradition, Imoh offers a perspective shaped by her personal experience. “In all honesty, I believe God picks my scripts for me,” she says. “Most of the roles I’ve played don’t require heavy glam, and that works for me. I get to exist in my natural state, and people relate to those characters, especially women who aren’t interested in glam. It has helped me connect with a wide range of audiences.”
Her connection to African culture extends beyond her work on screen. “I’m pan-African and I love travelling across the continent,” she explains. “I’ve played and carried different cultures; Itsekiri, Igbo, and Ibibio and that reflects who I am. I enjoy nature, hiking, and exploring. I’ve crossed Lion’s Head and Table Mountain off my list, and I still hope to climb Kilimanjaro someday. My glam moments will come, but this is where I am right now.”
Playing a lead character who is also from Akwa Ibom added an extra layer of familiarity to the role. “There were things that felt very relatable,” she says. “Because I’m African and Christian, I pray about everything, including my work. Throughout the production, I prayed constantly for the story, the effort everyone put in, and for the project to touch people positively. I never imagined that my first lead role would be one so closely tied to my roots, and I’m grateful to House Gabriel Studios and Africa Magic for the opportunity.”
Becoming Aniefiok, however, required her to consciously separate herself from the character. “To get into the role, I had to leave Imoh behind,” she explains. “Although I’m over 30, I often play characters in their twenties because of how I look. Aniefiok is a young woman trying to rebuild her career as a journalist, and I had to fully inhabit that space. I drew from my own experiences and from people around me, especially in terms of behaviour and mannerisms. Everyone on the team gave their best, and I believe audiences will respond to that.”
On what viewers should expect, Imoh keeps it straightforward. “It’s a compelling story told across 39 episodes,” she says. “There’s mystery, tension, and enough twists to keep people guessing. I’m excited for audiences to experience it.”
Reflecting on her relationship with Africa Magic, the actress highlights the platform’s reach and influence. “Africa Magic is family television,” she notes. “Growing up, it was normal for families to gather after a long day to watch shows like Tinsel. That sense of shared viewing still exists. The recognition that comes with it is subtle but wide-reaching. There are places I go where people recognise me because of these series, even if I’m not considered mainstream.”
She adds that the exposure has brought her closer to a long-held goal. “I’ve always wanted to be a household name,” Imoh says. “With the projects I’ve done and the ones ahead, I believe I’m moving in that direction. What matters most to me is that the stories make sense and connect with people.”
Daughters of Water stars Imoh alongside Teniola Aladese, Ade Laoye, Bobby Ogbolu, and Allison Emmanuel. The series is currently airing weekly on Africa Magic and streaming on Showmax.