A Star is Born: From Music Dreams to Acting Reality
Chioma Chukwuka didn’t begin her journey with acting in mind. As a young girl growing up in Surulere, Lagos, her heart beat for music. “There was a recording studio just across from our house, and I would spend evenings singing along to oldies,” she recalls. She envisioned herself on stage, captivating crowds with her voice. But fate had other plans.
Her interest in performance grew during her secondary school years when she joined a drama group. Inspired by Nollywood legends like Liz Benson and Stella Damasus, and captivated by the storytelling of Bollywood films, she found another passion—acting. After enduring countless failed auditions, a chance encounter with a producer on her way to school landed her first acting job. It wasn’t an overnight success, though. “After that first role, I waited almost a year for the next,” she remembers. Still, her perseverance paid off, laying the foundation for a career that has spanned over two decades.
The Power of Representation: Her Role in Seven Doors
Chukwuka’s recent performance in Seven Doors earned her critical acclaim and emotional resonance with audiences. The film, directed by Femi Adebayo, features her as an Igbo woman navigating a complex cultural shift.
“I was initially sent the script in Yoruba,” she says, laughing. “I didn’t understand much, but once I read the translated version, everything clicked.” What drew her in was more than just the plot—it was the opportunity to authentically represent her Igbo heritage. “I love roles that let me express my roots. It wasn’t just about acting—it was about living the character’s truth.”
Despite language and cultural differences on set, Chukwuka embraced the challenge. With the support of the cast and crew, she fully immersed herself in her character’s emotional journey. “I internalized the feeling of being a stranger in a new world,” she explains. “That authenticity made the performance more impactful.”
Friendship in the Spotlight
In an industry known for competition and rivalries, Chukwuka has cultivated enduring friendships with fellow actresses like Uche Jombo, Omoni Oboli, and Ufoma McDermott. She describes their relationship as more of a sisterhood than a circle of friends.
“We understand each other. We support one another, and we prioritize our friendship above the noise of the industry,” she shares. Their bond is built on mutual respect, love, and the understanding that success isn’t a zero-sum game. “If a role suits Uche better, I’ll recommend her. We celebrate each other’s wins.”
Reinvention and Relevance
With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Chukwuka has seen Nollywood evolve from VHS tapes to streaming platforms. How does she stay relevant?
“I move with the times but stay true to my essence,” she says. “It’s like switching from an analogue clock to a digital one—it’s still a clock.” She acknowledges the influx of new talent, but instead of viewing them as competition, she focuses on building a lasting legacy.
Her biggest lesson? “Adapt without losing yourself.”
Giving Back Through Advocacy and Mentorship
Outside acting, Chukwuka is a dedicated advocate for women and children. She served as a goodwill ambassador for USAID, focusing on nutrition and well-being. Her passion also extends to mentoring through her initiative, Master Class with Chioma, where she grooms aspiring actors and provides them with industry insights.
“I find joy in guiding the next generation,” she says. “That’s part of the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Life Beyond the Camera
Chukwuka keeps her wellness routine simple—hydration, peace of mind, and portion control. “And minding my business,” she jokes.
She also finds peace in solitude. “People think I’m extroverted, but I’m more of an introvert. I relax by staying home and spending time with loved ones.” She also expresses her creative energy through her cooking channel and her new venture, The Chioma Chukwuka TV on YouTube, which she launched in December. “It gives me a platform to tell stories without being boxed into a certain role.”
So far, the channel has released When Love Spins (with over 4 million views), The Joneses, and Trapped Flames, with more projects in the pipeline.
On Love, Marriage, and Domestic Violence
Chukwuka doesn’t shy away from discussing sensitive issues. On troubled marriages, she advocates for mutual understanding and, where needed, amicable separation—especially when children are involved. “When God is at the center, reconciliation is always possible.”
Regarding domestic violence, she emphasizes early intervention. “People ignore the signs. Therapy and counseling can help before things get out of hand. There are government resources, especially in Lagos, that people should utilize.”
Final Reflections
Looking back, there’s no decision she regrets. “God had it all mapped out. I walked the path laid out for me, and I have no regrets.”
As for the legacy she wants to leave behind, it’s simple: “I want to be remembered as someone who stayed true to her journey and achieved everything she set her heart on.”
And if a biopic were ever made about her life? She laughs before responding thoughtfully, “Jemima Osunde comes to mind. She reminds me of my younger self.”
Chioma Chukwuka is not just a Nollywood star—she is a storyteller, a mentor, an advocate, and a woman on a mission to inspire through her art and her heart.