Umez grew up in Lagos and completed his education at the University of Lagos, earning a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in international law and diplomacy. His journey into acting began during his secondary school days, participating in stage plays and dramas.

In 1993, Umez entered Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, but faced initial challenges, receiving no payment for his first two movies. This led him to step away from the industry for a period. He made a comeback in 1997 with a role in "The Princess." However, it was the 1998 release, "Died Wretched," that propelled him to fame, marking a turning point in his career.