In a quiet Lagos café, Nollywood actress Chioma Okafor sits with a warm smile, her passion for storytelling evident in every word.
Known for roles like Kaira in The Choirmaster’s Wife and Ogechi in My Crazy Ex and Girlfriend, the 30-year-old from Idemili South, Anambra State has become a rising star in Nigeria’s film industry.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Okafor reflects on her journey, craft and vision for Nollywood.
How did your journey in Nollywood begin, and what was it like landing your first major role?
Chioma: “I started acting in 2018 while studying Business Administration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. My first big break was playing Monica in Superstory: Monica in 2019, alongside Zack Orji and Tina Mba.
It was nerve-wracking but exciting. I was a student with no acting experience, and suddenly I was on set with veterans. That role taught me how powerful stories can be in connecting with audiences.”
Q: You’ve worked in diverse films, from Aki and Pawpaw to Domitilla: The Sequel. How do you choose your roles?
Chioma: “I look for scripts that feel authentic and reflect real Nigerian experiences. For example, playing Samantha in Aki and Pawpaw (2021) with Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze was fun because it captured our humor and camaraderie.
But I also love roles like Uchenna in Domitilla: The Sequel (2023), which tackled tough issues like sex work. I want my roles to spark conversations or celebrate our culture, like in Adaife with Nancy Isime.”
Q: You’ve worked with Nollywood icons like Kanayo O. Kanayo and younger stars like Maurice Sam. How have these collaborations shaped you?
Chioma: “Working with legends like Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor is like attending a masterclass.
They bring so much wisdom to the set. With younger actors like Maurice Sam in My Crazy Ex and Girlfriend or Scarlet Gomez in Almost a Virgin, there’s this fresh energy that pushes me to grow. Each collaboration teaches me something new about timing, emotion, or storytelling.”
Q: Your role in my crazy ex and girlfriend sparked discussions about relationships. How do you prepare for such impactful roles?
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Chioma: “For Ogechi in My Crazy Ex and Girlfriend, I spoke with people who’d been through toxic relationships to understand their emotions.
It was heavy but necessary to make her real. I try to immerse myself in the character’s world, whether it’s Valerie in Turning Tables or Kiki in Almost a Virgin. It’s about bringing truth to the screen.”
Q: You’ve been recognized with awards, like the 2022 Nigeria Women Achievers Award. How does that feel?
Chioma: “Winning the Nigeria Women Achievers Award for Nollywood New Actress in 2022 and being named a Box Office Breakthrough Actress by FilmOne Nigeria for Aki and Pawpaw in 2021 was humbling. It’s validation, but it also reminds me to keep working hard. Awards are great, but connecting with audiences means more.”
Q: You’re active on social media and mentor young actors. Why is giving back important to you?
Chioma: “My Instagram, with over 260,000 followers, lets me share my journey honestly, and I love connecting with fans. Mentoring, like my recent workshop in Lagos, is my way of giving back. I was inspired by others, and I want to help young actors find their voice in Nollywood.”
As Okafor prepares for her next project, her focus remains clear: telling stories that resonate. “Nollywood is growing, and I want to be part of stories that matter,” she says, her eyes bright with purpose.