Chika Okpala

Last updated
Chief
Chika Okpala
MFR
Born (1950-06-10) 10 June 1950 (age 74)
Ahoada, Rivers State.
Nationality Nigerian
Other namesZebrudaya
Citizenship Nigerian
Alma materEnugu State University of Science and Technology
Occupation Comedian
Years active1983 — present
Known for New Masquerade

Chief Chika Okpala MFR (born 10 June 1950) is a Nigerian comedian. [1]

Contents

He is popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya a sobriquet he got from his role as Chief Zebrudaya in a TV comedy series, New Masquerade , which aired from 1983 to 1993. [2] [3]

He is considered a veteran the entertainment industry because of his consistency and contribution to industry. Which he was awarded for in 2017,where he won the African magic viewers choice award ( AMVCA) , presented by MultiChoice through Africa Magic for lifetime contribution to the industry. [4]

He holds the traditional titles of Ezeonunekwuru ora of nnobi, Ezekwesili of Akabo Mbaise and Ezeonunekwuru Oha of Aba. [4]

Personal life

Chief Chika Okpala was born in Ahoada in present day Rivers State into a family of nine children in a Polygamous family, who lived in harmony. He was tutored by his fathers friend who he served as a houseboy. His father wanted him to be a banker and did everything possible to keep him on that track to achieve his goals. This plan for his son can be associated to the fact that he was a businessman. And part of the bigger plan was the plan to send the young Chika and his siblings back home to stay with their paternal grandmother in their hometown Nnobi in Idemili South local government area of Anambra State to be embedded in their origin.

He is married and blessed with two children who are both married and has children of their own. Although he initially had 3 children but lost his eldest daughter some years ago. [4] [5] His Son Henry Okpala is married and has a daughter. He lives and works in Nigeria. [6]

Early Life

Chika started formal education journey from standard 1-3 in his hometown nnobi, before he was brought back to Ahoada to continue his standard 4. But he became a handful and often playing truancy with his peers. He would sneak out at night to go to cinemas to see films without his parents knowledge. On one of those occasion ,one of his friends got injured while trying to sneak into the cinema house without paying.in turn his friends parents confronted his parents and because of this incident. His father decided to take him to another village called Joinkarama, where he stayed with his father's friend who worked at a Baptist hospital and needed someone to stay at home and take care of his son when the wife is at the farm.

Education

[7] He later proceeded to take his common entrance examination and was accepted at the Baptist day school, Port Harcourt. He also attended Prince Memorial High School at Onitsha, a city in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria, between 1964 and 1972. [8] He later obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Mass Communication from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 1996. [9] [10]

In 2014, he was among the 700 students that matriculated at National Open University of Nigeria,Enugu state where he enrolled for the masters program in business management at the age of 64. [11]

Career

Chika Okpala became popular playing "Chief Zebrudaya alias 4.30" in the popular 80s sitcom "The New Masquerade". His character portrays a pompous, half-educated champion of the elite who spoke in a characteristic blend of wrong grammar and witty proverbs. The sitcom uses humour to navigate complex societal issues and was a cultural touchstone that helped people with their everyday lives [12]

Achievements

On March 4, 2017, Chika Okpala won Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) 2017 Industry Merit.

He has also been honored with a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic [MFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria for his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is an ambassador of Malaria in Nigeria, an ambassador of lepers in Nigeria, and an ambassador of the National Open University of Nigeria of Nigeria. [13]

Filmography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anambra State</span> State of Nigeria

Anambra State is a Nigerian state located in the South-eastern region of the country. The state was created on 27 August 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The state's capital is Awka, while the state’s largest city is Onitsha which is regarded as one of the largest metropolis in Africa. Nnewi is the second largest commercial and industrial city in Anambra State, and also a known automobile hub within Nigeria and Africa.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is a university in Nigeria that was founded as Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) on 30 July 1980, by the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. The creation of Enugu State out of Anambra State in 1991 by the then Military President General Ibrahim Gbadamasi Babangida, transformed ASUTECH into Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Ogidi is an Igbo speaking town and the headquarters of Idemili North Local Government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. It has an estimated population of 70,000 people and share boundaries with neighbouring towns like Abatete, Eziowelle, Ṅkpọr, Ụmụnnachị, Ụmụoji, Ogbụnike and Ụmụdiọka.

Christopher Uchefuna Okeke, also known as Uche Okeke, was an illustrator, painter, sculptor, and teacher. He was an art and aesthetic theorist, seminal to Nigerian modernism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeff Unaegbu</span> Nigerian writer (born 1979)

Jephthah Elochukwu Unaegbu is a Nigerian writer, researcher, freelance journalist, actor, and documentary film maker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inyi, Nigeria</span>

Inyi is a town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, approximately 60 kilometers from Enugu City and 35 kilometers from Nnewi. The name "Inyi" refers to a metaphor, which is an essential component in the creation of proverbs. It is the Igbo name for the red water tree. Due to historical events connecting the tree and the town's founder, he was given the name, which subsequently became the town's name. Inyi has several tourist attractions, including the Nwachighi stream, Ajala Inyi shrine, Okpu-ogho spring, Oji Alum Rapids, and the Sacred Heart Church. The town is also known for its pottery and traditional crafts. Visitors can also enjoy the hospitality of the Inyi people, who are known for their love of traditional music and dance. They also have a rich tradition of pottery and traditional crafts. The people of Inyi are primarily farmers, wine tappers, and petty traders. Women are skilled in pottery and the making of abacha varieties. Inyi people believe in God, the other gods, ancestors, and reincarnation. A popular festival in Inyi is the Ajala Inyi festival, which is held every year in October. Christmas and Easter are also celebrated in Inyi.

Umunya is an Olu Town and one of the five communities that make up Oyi Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State Nigeria. It is bordered by six neighbors: Ifite-Dunu, Awkuzu, Nteje, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ogbunike, and Umudioka. In the south lies Umudioka and Ifite-Dunu, both in Dunukofia LGA. In the north, Nteje and Nkwelle-Ezunaka. In the east, Awkuzu and in the west, Ogbunike. The boundaries are naturally demarcated by streams except at the border with Nkwelle-Ezunaka where an expanse of Umunya heath namely, Oli-Omoto, Ogwugwu-Obo, Ugwueze, etc. crossed the Kpokili River. Nearly all ten villages of Umunya have their own fresh water springs. The town has fertile lands; hence, its economy is based on agriculture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaku Town</span> Place in Anambra State, Nigeria

Anaku is one of the administrative divisions of Anambra State, South-Eastern Nigeria. The town lies 6°15' North of the Equator and 6°44' East of the Greenwich Meridian. It is bordered by "Omabala," the native name of the Anambra River, which is a tributary of the River Niger (North), Aguleri, Ezu River (South), Omor and Umuerum communities (East).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muma Gee</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress (born 1978)

Gift Iyumame Eke, professionally known as Muma Gee, meaning "do good Gift", is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality and politician. She was born, raised, and resides in Port Harcourt. Uwame's first taste of stardom came through her song "Kade", which became the title track of her first official album, released in 2006. The single's accompanying music video directed by Wudi Awa, received five nominations, including two from the AMEN Awards and one each from the Nigerian Music Video Awards, the Headies Awards, and the Sound City Music Video Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimoh Aliu</span> Nigerian dramatist (1939–2020)

Jimoh Aliu, , also known as Aworo, was a Nigerian dramatist, sculptor, film writer, playwright and director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blossom Chukwujekwu</span> Nigerian actor

Blossom Chukwujekwu is a Nigerian actor, who made his professional acting debut in 2009. In 2015, he won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

Okechukwu Oku, also known as Okey Oku and nicknamed "the Oracle", is a Nigerian film producer, director, cinematographer and occasional musician. He is best known for directing the movies Love and Oil (2014), Burning Bridges (2014) and Bambitious (2014) which featured Belinda Effah and Daniel K Daniel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queen Nwokoye</span> Nigerian actress (born 1982)

Queen Nwokoye is a Nigerian actress. She is best known for starring as the lead character in a 2014 film titled Chetanna which earned her a "Best Actress" nomination at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

The New Masquerade was a Nigerian sitcom that aired on the Nigerian Television Network on Tuesday nights from 8:30pm – 9:00pm during the mid-1970s until the mid-1990s. It was created and written by James Iroha who also acted in the sitcom. It is one of Nigeria's longest running sitcoms. The TV show started out as radio program known as The Masquerade transmitted on the East Central State Broadcasting Corporation, Enugu.

The AMVCA Industry Merit Award is an honorary award presented by MultiChoice through Africa Magic for lifetime contribution to the development of African cinema.

Lizzy Evoeme, also known as Ovuleria, was a Nigerian actress who was active from 1982 to 1993 prior to the advent of Nollywood.

Chibunna "Funny Bone" Stanley is a Nigerian Nollywood actor and stand-up comedian from Anambra state. At a show in Anambra, he employed the then Anambra Governor, Obiano to invest in youth and he tasked the political appointees of the state to be active.

Emeka Patrick Nwabueze is the first Emeritus Professor of Theatre and Film Studies of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, southeastern part of Nigeria. He is also a former dean of Faculty of Arts and ex- director of African studies of the institution.

Godwin Ubaka Okeke also known as GUO is a Nigerian businessman from Adazi-Ani Anambra State. He is the chairman, board of directors, G. U. OKEKE & SONS LTD, a transport company. He is also the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO).

References

  1. ↑ Njoku, Benjamin. "How destiny brought Giringori and I together - Zebrudaya". Vanguard . Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  2. ↑ "Chief Zebrudaya Chika Okpala Studying Business Management at Age 64". nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  3. ↑ Ubabukoh, Ozioma. "People Think I'm an Illiterate – Chika Okpala, aka Chief Zebrudaya". The Punch . Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "Chika 'Zebrudaya' Okpala: An artiste as a moral compass by Uche Ugboajah". Ikenga Online. 2022-04-25. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
  5. ↑ Okere, Alexander (2022-07-10). "Dad introduced 99 ladies to his parents before marrying – Zebrudaya's son". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  6. ↑ Okere, Alexander (2022-07-10). "Dad introduced 99 ladies to his parents before marrying – Zebrudaya's son". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  7. ↑ "Chika 'Zebrudaya' Okpala: An artiste as a moral compass by Uche Ugboajah". Ikenga Online. 2022-04-25. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  8. ↑ "Chika Okpala aka Chief Zebrudaya Goes Back To School At Age 64yrs". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  9. ↑ Adibe, Tony. "Nobody can manage me - Zebrudaya". Weekly Trust. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "PEOPLE THINK I'M AN ILLITERATE – Chika Okpala, aka Chief Zebrudaya". 2015-02-08. Archived from the original on 2015-02-08. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  11. ↑ "Chief Zebrudaya Chika Okpala Studying Business Management At Age 64 - nigeriafilms.com". 2015-02-08. Archived from the original on 2015-02-08. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  12. ↑ Itunu, Azeez Kareem (November 5, 2023). "Exploring the Legacy of the New Masquerade". Guardian Life.
  13. ↑ Buchi, Blessing (2022-06-05). "Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) Biography: Wife, Age, Songs, Net Worth, State Of Origin, Comedy, Movies, Wikipedia, Children". TheCityCeleb. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.