{{short description|Nigerian actress and movie producer|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Infobox person | image = | image_size = | name = Chioma Chukwuka - Akpotha | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1980|03|12}} | birth_place = Lagos State | education = Lagos State University | alma_mater = | occupation = Actress, Filmmaker | years_active = 2000–present | spouse = {{Marriage|Franklyn Akpotha|2006-2022}} | awards = 2007 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for best Actress in a leading role. }}
'''Chioma Chukwuka{{IPAc-en|audio=Ig-Chioma_Chukwuka.ogg}}''' (born March 12, 1980, also credited as '''Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha''' or '''Chioma Akpotha''') is a Nigerian actress, director and movie producer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Chukwuani |date=2021-03-11 |title=Fans react as Actress Chioma Chukwuka unleashes 'Mad energy' on social media |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/entertainment/fans-react-as-actress-chioma-chukwuka-unleashes-mad-energyon-social-media |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2007, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for "Best Actress in a leading role" for her performance in the movie "Sins of the flesh", and the Afro Hollywood award for best actress in a lead role in 2010.<ref name="amaa2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.ama-awards.com/winners2007.html|title=Nominees & Winners of AMAA 2007 @ a glance|publisher=The Africa Movie Academy Awards|accessdate=11 September 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210070846/http://www.ama-awards.com/winners2007.html|archivedate=10 December 2007}}</ref><ref name="mshale">{{cite news|url=http://www.mshale.com/article.cfm?articleID=1407 |title=Africa Celebrates Film Industry at AMAA 2007 |last=Coker |first=Onikepo |date=4 May 2007 |work=Mshale Newspaper |publisher=Mshale Communications |accessdate=5 September 2010 |location=Minneapolis, USA |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303204433/http://www.mshale.com/article.cfm?articleID=1407 |archivedate=3 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=The Nation Newspaper |title=Chioma Akpotha: I was shy as a young girl |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/chioma-akpotha-i-was-shy-as-a-young-girl/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|accessdate=9 May 2020 |newspaper=The Nation}}</ref>
== Early life == Chioma Chukwuka was born in Lagos State,<ref name="IMDB">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.me/chiomakpotha|title=Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha|date=9 April 2019|publisher=IMDB|accessdate=9 April 2019}}</ref> on March 12, 1980. She hails from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, located in the southeast region of Nigeria.<ref>{{cite news |last1=NJOKU |first1=CHISOM |title=Chioma Chukwuka: The Method Actress |url=https://guardian.ng/life/chioma-chukwuka-the-method-actress/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|accessdate=9 May 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> She completed her primary education at Onward Nursery and Primary School in Lagos State and then proceeded to Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Onitsha, Anambra State for her secondary education. Chioma then headed to Lagos State University, where she studied Banking and Finance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gloworld.com/gloambassadors.asp |title=Glo Ambassadors - Chioma Chukwuka |publisher=Globacom |accessdate=21 February 2011 |location=Lagos, Nigeria |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926204345/http://www.gloworld.com/gloambassadors.asp |archivedate=26 September 2011 }}</ref><ref name="sunnews1">{{cite news|url=http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/celebrityfashion/2005/june/14/celebrityfashion-14-06-2005-001.htm|title=Nigerian men are worth dying for –Nollywood star, Chioma Chukwuka|last=Amatus|first=Azuh|date=14 June 2005|newspaper=The Sun|accessdate=12 September 2010|location=Lagos, Nigeria|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514163907/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/celebrityfashion/2005/june/14/celebrityfashion-14-06-2005-001.htm|archivedate=14 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="Nigeria 2023">{{Cite news | last= | first= | title=Spotlight on leading stars of Gangs Of Lagos |newspaper=The Guardian| date=2023-04-14 | url=https://guardian.ng/life/spotlight-on-leading-stars-of-gangs-of-lagos/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| access-date=2023-06-02}}</ref>
== Career == Chioma Chukwuka's acting career began with her debut in the movie "The Apple" in 2000.<ref name="konnectafrica">{{cite news|url=https://www.konnectafrica.net/chioma-chukwuka-akpotha-actress-producer-and-nollywood-sweetest-heart/|title=Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha; Actress, Producer and Nollywood’s Sweetest Heart|work=Konnect Africa|accessdate=4 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-07 |title=Crown Premium Pasta signs Actress, Chioma Akpotha, as Ambassador |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/12/07/crown-premium-pasta-signs-actress-chioma-akpotha-as-ambassador/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |newspaper=This Day|language=en-US}}</ref> Chioma also acted in the film ''The Handkerchief'' in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |last1=NJOKU |first1=CHISOM NJOKU |title=Chioma Chukwuka: The Method Actress |url=https://guardian.ng/life/chioma-chukwuka-the-method-actress/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|accessdate=9 May 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> In 2007, she received the "Best Actress in a Lead Role" award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for the movie ''Sins of the Flesh''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha clocks 42 – P.M. News |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/03/12/nollywood-actress-chioma-akpotha-clocks-42/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-07-28 |language=en-US|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> She was also nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award for "Best Actress" in the movie "Accident" in 2014. With 20 years of experience, she has starred in more than 350 Nollywood movies, produced 6 movies and has many awards to her credit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2098764/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm |title=Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha Biography |date=9 April 2019|publisher=IMDB|accessdate=21 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha Biography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2098764/bio |website=IMDb |accessdate=9 May 2020}}</ref> As a film maker, Chioma has produced/co-produced over 8 movies including the award-nominated blockbuster ''On Bended Knees''. Chioma Chukwuka is also a public speaker and mentor.
== Masterclass With Chioma == In January 2019, she announced the launch of a capacity-building platform called Masterclass With Chioma, where aspiring talents, especially actors, are taught by seasoned filmmakers, screenwriters, actors and other industry professionals on what it takes to make it in the film, TV, and theatre industries.<ref name="iDonSabi">{{cite news|url=https://idonsabi.com/chioma-akpotha-to-train-intending-actors-and-actresses/|title=Chioma Akpotha To Train Intending Actors And Actresses|work=I Don Sabi|accessdate=9 April 2019}}</ref>
==Endorsement deals== Chioma Akpotha became the brand ambassador for Erisco Foods in November 2018.<ref name="Erisco">{{cite news|url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/brand-unveils-nollywoods-chioma-chukwuka-as-ambassador/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Brand unveils Nollywood’s Chioma Chukwuka as Ambassador|date= 22 November 2018|accessdate=4 February 2019|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Chioma Chukwuka has served as a brand ambassador for a number of Nigerian and international commercial brands, including Globacom Nigeria,<ref name="glo">{{cite news|url=http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2013/05/17/glo-drops-monalisa-chinda-chioma-chukwuka-as-ambassadors/|location=Port Harcourt, Nigeria|title=GLO Drops Monalisa Chinda, Chioma Chukwuka As Ambassadors|date= 17 May 2013|accessdate=21 November 2017|newspaper=The Tide}}</ref> a telecommunications company, Omo Detergent<ref name="Omo">{{cite news|url=https://thenet.ng/funke-akindele-chioma-chukwuka-ali-nihu-unveiled-as-ambassadors-for-omo/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Funke Akindele, Chioma Chukwuka, Ali Nuhu unveiled as ambassadors for OMO|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032811/http://thenet.ng/2014/06/funke-akindele-chioma-chukwuka-ali-nihu-unveiled-as-ambassadors-for-omo/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live|newspaper=The NET}}</ref> and Harpic Cleaner.<ref name="Harpic">{{cite news|url=https://theeagleonline.com.ng/helen-paul-replaces-chioma-chukwuka-as-harpic-ambassador/|title=Helen Paul replaces Chioma Chukwuka as Harpic ambassador|first=Funsho |last=Akinwale|work=The Eagle Newspaper|date=11 July 2015|accessdate=21 November 2017}}</ref>
==Personal life== Chioma Chukwuka married Franklyn Akpotha in 2006.<ref name="pulse">{{cite news|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/chioma-chukwuka-5-things-you-should-know-about-stellar-actress-id4622306.html|title=Chioma Chukwuka: 5 things you should know about 'Stellar' actress|first=Chidumga |last=Izuzu|date= 29 January 2016|accessdate=21 November 2017|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Nollywood actress, Chioma Akpotha clocks 41 - P.M. News |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/03/12/nollywood-actress-chioma-akpotha-clocks-41/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-25 |language=en-US|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> She has three children. Since her marriage the actress has tried her best to keep her marriage and other personal details away from the spotlight. Regardless, the actress says her husband is wonderful and both of them are best friends. He supports her in the family and in her career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-03 |title=All About Chioma Chukwuka’s Husband and Children |url=https://buzznigeria.com/revelations-about-chioma-chukwuka-husband-children-and-why-she-keeps-them-to-herself/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Filmography == === As actress === * 2000: ''The Apple'' * 2000: ''Three Musketeers'' * 2000: ''Handkerchief'' * 2002: ''Sunrise'' * 2002: ''The Final Clash'' * 2003: ''Cry No More - as Jane'' * 2003: ''Disguise'' * 2003: ''Handsome'' * 2003: ''Real Love (part 1-3)'' * 2003: ''Romantic Attraction'' * 2004: ''Foul Play'' * 2004: ''Unbroken Promise'' * 2004: ''Two Become One'' * 2004: ''Promise & Fail'' * 2004: ''Legacy'' * 2004: ''Home Sickness - as Chiamaka'' * 2004: ''Heavy Rain - as Ateph'' * 2004: ''Circle of Tears - as Carol'' * 2005: ''War for War'' * 2005: ''Years of Tears'' * 2005: ''Sins of the Flesh'' – Chukwuka won the Africa Movie Academy Award in 2007 for Best Actress for her role in this movie * 2005: ''Second Adam'' * 2005: ''Sacred Tradition - as Ugomma'' * 2005: ''Moment of Truth - as Evelyn'' * 2005: ''Knowing You'' * 2005: ''Golden Moon - as Nnenna'' * 2005: ''Azima'' * 2005: ''Fake Angel - as Jane'' * 2005: ''Eagle's Bride - as Ugomma'' * 2005: ''The Bridesmaid - as Eliza'' * 2006: ''Wisdom of the Gods'' * 2006: ''Zoza'' * 2006: ''Traumatized - as Bianca'' * 2006: ''Total Crisis - as Clara'' * 2006: ''Tears in My Heart - as Lilian'' * 2006: ''Strange Love'' * 2006: ''Sound of Love - as Akwugo'' * 2006: ''Serpent in Paradise'' * 2006: ''Saviour - as Adaora'' * 2006: ''The Saint'' * 2006: ''Royal Insult'' * 2006: ''Royal Doom'' * 2006: ''Naked Sin'' * 2006: ''On My Wedding Day - as Ngozi'' * 2006: ''Last Dance - as Melisa'' * 2006: ''Holy Family'' * 2006: ''Games Men Play'' || Directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen * 2006: ''End of Discussion'' * 2006: ''Desperate Ambition - as Lisa'' * 2006: ''Dead in Faith - as Faith'' * 2006: ''Chinwe Okeke'' * 2006: ''Asunder'' * 2006: ''Ass on Fire'' * 2007: ''Battle for Battle- as Mariam'' * 2007: ''Double Game'' * 2008: ''Red Soil'' * 2008: ''World Of Our Own'' * 2008: ''Wind Of Sorrow'' * 2009: ''Odum Na Akwaeke - Princess Akwaeke'' * 2011: ''The Throne Is Mine'' * 2011: ''Nne Ifedigo'' * 2012: ''Cry No More'' * 2013: ''On Bended Knees - as Kemi'' * 2013: Finding Mercy - as Rita * 2013: Accident - as Chy * 2014: ''Heart Of Gold'' * 2014: ''Warrior Sisters'' * 2014: ''Aziza'' * 2014: ''Sabina Makosa'' * 2014: ''Magic Dragon'' * 2014: ''Musical Whispers'' * 2014: ''Unforgiven'' * 2014: ''Police On Duty'' * 2014: ''Village Commando'' * 2014: ''Nwaogo The House Maid'' * 2015: ''Agbaranze'' * 2015: ''Ezi Nwa Di Uko'' * 2015: ''Rain Of Hope'' * 2015: ''Chinasa My Love'' * 2015: ''Nwanyi Nnewi'' * 2015: ''Kamsi The Freedom Fighter'' * 2015: ''The Lioness'' * 2015: ''Amarachi - as Amarachi'' * 2015: ''Coffin Business'' * 2015: ''Anelka'' * 2015: ''Udu Bundle'' * 2016: ''Rain Of Hope'' * 2016: ''Evil Coffin'' * 2016: ''Genesis Of Love'' * 2016: ''The Flute Boy'' * 2016: ''Marriage Crisis'' * 2016: ''Sister Maria'' * 2016: ''Akwaeke - as Akwaeke'' * 2016: ''Wives On Strike - as Madam Vera'' * 2017: ''Evil Culture'' * 2017: ''2nd Coming Of Christ'' * 2017: ''Innocent Murderer'' * 2017: ''My Mother My Pain'' * 2017: ''All For Love'' * 2017: ''Heart of Ulimma'' * 2017: ''King Uremma'' * 2017: ''Reign Of Truth'' * 2017: ''God Of Liberation'' * 2017: ''My Mother'' * 2017: ''Jehovah Witness'' * 2017: ''Local Queen'' * 2017: ''Somto'' * 2017: ''Christmas Is Coming - as Lola Makinde'' * 2017: ''Choked'' * 2017: ''Bird Watcher'' * 2017: ''Village Champion'' * 2017: ''The Unforeseen Truth'' * 2017: ''Dangerous Confession'' * 2017: ''Innocent Murderer'' * 2017: ''The Tradition'' * 2017: ''Broken Vow'' * 2017: ''Beyond Trust'' * 2017: ''Tender Heart'' * 2018: ''Sound of Wisdom'' * 2018: ''Let Me Love You (part 1-2)'' * 2018: ''Deeper Than Pain'' * 2018: ''Desperate Twins'' * 2018: ''In Love Again After Heartbreak (part 1-2)'' * 2018: ''My Drum of Love (part 1-2)'' * 2018: ''Life After Marriage'' * 2018: ''Immortal Love (part 1-2)'' * 2018: ''Cause for Love (part 1-6)'' * 2018: ''The Ghost and the Tout - as Ejika'' * 2018: ''Lara And The Beat - as Aunty Patience'' * 2019: ''Void - as Mirabel'' * 2019: ''For Want Of A Queen'' * 2019: ''In Your Dreams'' * 2019: ''The Street Kid'' * 2019: ''Rain of LOVE'' * 2019: ''Dark Cloud'' * 2020: ''Nneka The Pretty Serpent - Chinonye Nzegwu Ejike'' * 2020: ''Omo Ghetto: The Saga - as Chummy Choko''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha: Biography & Career – Nigerian Finder |url=https://nigerianfinder.com/chioma-chukwuka-akpotha-biography-career/ |access-date=2024-10-18 |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2021: ''Collision - as Ekaete'' * 2021: ''Charlie Charlie'' * 2022: ''Single Not Searching - as Jumoke'' * 2023: ''The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi - as Sister Silence, TV Series - 2 episodes'' * 2023: ''Gangs of Lagos''<ref name="Ayodele 2023">{{Cite news | last=Ayodele | first=Racheal | title=We settled area boys to allow us shoot 'Gangs of Lagos' in ghetto |newspaper=Daily Post| date=2023-04-18 | url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/04/18/we-settled-area-boys-to-allow-us-shoot-gangs-of-lagos-in-ghetto-chioma-akpotha/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria| access-date=2023-06-02}}</ref> - as Mama Ify * 2023: ''No Way Through - as Deaconess Rebecca'' * 2023: Understanding Girlfriend * 2024: ''Shining Star - as Endurance'' * 2024: ''All of Us - as Ijeoma Benson'' * 2024: ''Seven Doors - as Amaka''
=== As producer === * 2013: ''On Bended Knees'' * 2016: ''Cry of the Dead'' * 2017: ''Choked'' * 2017: ''Bird Watcher'' * 2019: ''For Want Of A Queen'' * 2019: ''In Your Dreams'' * 2019: ''Rain of LOVE'' * 2019: ''Dark Cloud''
==Awards and nominations== {{Incomplete list|date=June 2015}} {|class="wikitable" !Year !Award Body !Category !Nominated work !Result |- |2007 |Africa Movie Academy Award |Best Actress in a Leading Role |Sins of the Flesh |{{won}} |- |2010 |Afro Hollywood award |Best Actress in a Leading Role |Herself |{{won}} |- |2012 |Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards <ref>{{cite web|title=The 2012 Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards – Ty Bello, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Toolz, Ini Edo, Tiwa Savage, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie & Other Powerful Women Make the Nominees List|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/11/the-2012-exquisite-lady-of-the-year-eloy-awards-ty-bello-omotola-jalade-ekeinde-toolz-ini-edo-tiwa-savage-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-other-powerful-women-make-the-nominees-list/ |website=Bella Naija |date=7 November 2012|accessdate=17 April 2019}}</ref> |Brand Ambassador of the Year |Harpic |{{nom}} |- |2013 |Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards <ref>{{cite web|title=ELOY Awards 2013 Set For November 24, Performances From Banky W, Emma Nyra & More|url=http://onobello.com/y-w-emma-nyra-more/|website=Onobello|date=1 November 2013|accessdate=17 April 2019|archive-date=17 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417220233/http://onobello.com/y-w-emma-nyra-more/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |Film Actress of the Year |On Bended Knees |{{nom}} |- |2013 |Best of Nollywood Awards |Best Lead Actress in an English Movie |On Bended Knees |{{nom}} |- |rowspan=3|2013 |rowspan=3|Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards |Best Drama |rowspan=3|On Bended Knees |{{nom}} |- |Best Cinematography |{{nom}} |- |Best Actress | {{nom}} |- |2014 |Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards <ref>{{cite web|title=Seyi Shay, Toke Makinwa, Mo’Cheddah, DJ Cuppy, Others Nominated|url=https://pulse.ng/events/exquisite-lady-of-the-year-eloy-awards-seyi-shay-toke-makinwa-mo-cheddah-dj-cuppy-others-nominated-id3211248.html|website=Pulse Nigeria|first=Chinedu |last=Adiele|date=20 October 2014|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref> |Brand Ambassador of the Year |Omo |{{nom}} |- |2014 |Africa Movie Academy Award |Best Actress in a Leading Role |Accident |{{nom}} |- |2014 |Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards |Best Actress |Accident |{{nom}} |- |2014 |Nollywood Movies Awards<ref>{{cite web |title=Mercy Johnson Battles Chioma Akpotha, 6 Others For Best Actress Award |url=https://stemarsblog.com/ |website=Stemarsblog |date=24 September 2013 |accessdate=17 April 2019 |archive-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328114605/http://www.stemarsblog.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |Best Lead Female |Accident |{{nom}} |- |2014 |Nigeria Entertainment Awards |Best Actress in a Lead Role |Accident |{{nom}} |- |2014 |City People Entertainment Awards |Best Actress of the Year (English) |Herself |{{nom}} |- |2015 |City People Entertainment Awards |Best Actress of the Year (English) |Herself |{{nom}} |- |2016 |City People Entertainment Awards |Best Actress of the Year (English) |Herself |{{nom}} |- |2017 |Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards |Best Actress in a Comedy |Wives on Strike |{{nom}} |- |2018 |Ghana-Naija Awards <ref>{{cite web|title=Organizers unveil nominations for 2018 Ghana-Naija Awards |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Organizers-unveil-nominations-for-2018-Ghana-Naija-Awards-685699 |website=GhanaWeb |date=17 September 2018|accessdate=17 April 2019}}</ref> |Actress of the Year |Herself |{{nom}} |- |2022 |Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards |Best Supporting Actress |''Omo Ghetto: The Saga'' |{{nom}} |- |2025 |Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards |Best Lead Actress |Seven Doors |{{won}} |- |}
==See also== * List of Nigerian actors * List of Nigerian film producers * List of Nigerian film directors
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
== External links == * {{IMDb name|id=2098764}}
{{Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chukwuka, Chioma}} Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:Actresses from Anambra State Category:Best Actress Africa Movie Academy Award winners Category:Igbo actresses Category:21st-century Nigerian actresses Category:Lagos State University alumni Category:Participants in Nigerian reality television series Category:Nigerian film directors Category:Nigerian film producers Category:Nigerian television personalities Category:Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards winners