Chika Okpala is a veteran Nollywood actor and comedian who is famous for his role as Chief Zebrudaya in the NTA comedy series of the 80s titled “New Masquerade” (1983-1993).
Early Life and Education
Chief Chika Okpala MFR was born between 1964 and 1972 in Onitsha, Anambra State, on June 10, 1950. He was schooled by his father’s friend in Ahoada, Rivers State, where he worked as a domestic servant. He went to Prince Memorial High School in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He later earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Mass Communication from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in 1996.
Career
Chika Okpala is regarded as a pioneer of Nollywood. In 1983, he made his formal acting debut as the lead in the well-known NTA sitcom “New Masquerade.” His character in the show, which aired from 1983 to 1993, earned him the nickname “Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogo aka 4.30.”
He frequently played a comedic part, and his language was full of misspelled and incorrect words.
Other cast members of “New Masquerade” include Lizzy Evoeme (Ovuleria), James Iroha (Giringory Akabogu), and Claude Eke (Prince Jegede Sokoya).
Before making his stage debut in 1983, Chika Okpala was a member of the traveling theater ensemble “Two Cities.” He founded a drama group with his friends, and the two of them performed throughout the state of Anambra. Chief Zebrudaya has performed in a number of Nigerian states as well as internationally. He also appeared on the 1980s television show “Cockcrow At Dawn.” Siaka Stevens, Sierra Leone’s former leader, invited him to perform on stage in 1986.
Among the many films in which he has appeared is “New Masquerade,” his most notable. He stated that the bulk of his “New Masquerade” co-stars are still in good health and would be eager to start another series if given the opportunity.
Chika Okpala is a writer as well as an actress. He also wrote “Ogologo Ndu-Long Life,” which was submitted for the John Hopkins Awards, in addition to “Aim Ike Di Mkpa.”
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) has received various honorary awards and recognitions, including Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for his role and contributions to the development of Nigerian theatre. He is also a POCACOV national ambassador.
Personal Life
Nothing is known about Chika Okpala’s wife or family at this time. However, it is widely known that the veteran actor is married and has children. He and his family are currently in Nigeria. He does, however, write scripts in both the United States and Nigeria. He is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, but in a Vanguard interview, he lamented the lack of sponsors in Nollywood, which he claims has hampered the industry’s growth.
Filmography
- New Masquerade
- Professor Johnbull
Discography
- Dike N’Agha audio
- Ihe Naga N Uwa
- Ihe Naga N Uwa
- Ihe Naga N Uwa
- Dike N’Agha
- Chukwu Cheta Nigeria
- Omeghewo Onu Uzo
- Echi Eteka Latest Nigerian Gospel Song
- Chineke Nke Igwe
- Uka Na Omenala
- Omeghewo Onu Uzo
- Uka Na Omenala
Awards and Nominations
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) has won several honorary degrees and honours. He was first named an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and then, in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigerian theater, he was named a Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR) (CFR). He also represents POCACOV on a national level.
On March 4, 2017, he also appeared to win the biggest industry honor of his life, a prize previously held by Olu Jacobs and Pete Edochie. As part of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) 2017 Industry Merit Award, he received a brand-new car.
Net Worth
Corporate organisations, significant businesses, and governmental organisations all throughout Nigeria have endorsed Chika Okpala’s promotional efforts. Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogo has achieved considerable success. His current estimated net worth is more than $500,000.
