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Chika Okpala, MFR (born 10 June 1950), is a professional and experienced Nigerian comedian, actor and musician.
He is best known as Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, also known as 4:30, a title derived from his role as Chief Zebrudaya in the television comedy series The New Masquerade (1983-1993).
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is one of the founders of the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood. Apart from his acting prowess, he is also known for his sense of humour.
With the help of friends, he founded the Twin Cities theatre group, which was formed in the aftermath of the infamous Biafran War in Nigeria (1967-1970).
The Twin Cities Theatre Group is a touring theatre group that performs in various towns in Anambra State.
Nigerian comedians
Zebrudaya |
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 Chief Zebrudaya: History • Biography • Photos |
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| Wiki facts and figures | |
| Real Name: | Chika Okpala |
| stage name: | Zebrudaya |
| Date of Birth: | June 10, 1950 (74 years old) |
| place of birth: | Nnobi, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| country of origin: | Anambra State |
| Country of Citizenship: | Nigeria |
| high: | not applicable |
| parents: | not applicable |
| Brothers and sisters: | not applicable |
| Wife • Spouse: | Married |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | not applicable |
| Profession: | Comedian • Actor |
| net worth: | $500,000 |
Early life and education
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) was born in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria on June 10, 1950. He is a native of Nnobi town in Anambra State and belongs to the Igbo tribe.
He was tutored by his father’s friend in Ahoda, Rivers State, where he worked as a domestic servant.
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) attended Prince Memorial High School, Onitsha, Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria from 1964 to 1972. In 1996, he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Profession
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is one of the founders of the Nigerian film industry. He made his official film debut in 1983 in a hit Nigerian Film Board sitcom called The New Masquerade.
The series aired for more than a decade between 1983 and 1993. In the show, he acquired the nickname of Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogo, also known as 4.30, and was an interesting character in the show.
His role in the series New Masquerade is hilarious as always, with his vocabulary full of staccato, incorrect words. Other cast members of New Masquerade include James Iroha as Giringory Akabogu, Liz Ewomi as Ovuleria, Claude Eck as Prince, Jegede Sokoya as the other actors.
Before making his debut in 1983, Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) was part of a travelling theatre group called Twin Cities. He formed the group with the help of his friends and together they performed in various towns in Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria.
He has performed in various states of Nigeria and other countries. He also performed with Cockcrow At Dawn in the 80s. In 1986, he was invited by the former President of Sierra Leone, Seka Stevens, to perform on his stage.
Apart from acting, Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is also a writer. He has written many shows including Ogologo Ndu – Long Life and Aim Ike Di Mkpa, for which he participated in the Johns Hopkins Award.
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) has received many honours, awards and recognitions. Firstly, he was awarded the Order of the Niger (OON).
He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) for his role and contribution to the development of theatre in Nigeria. He is also the National Ambassador of POCACOV.
Apart from this, he has received a lot of advocacy support from business groups, major corporations and government agencies across Nigeria.
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) has been awarded the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria for his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry. Many media organisations have described him as a living legend.
Awards and Honors
It’s no surprise that the legendary Bro. Chika Okpala, aka Chief Zebrudaya, is one of the most recognizable actors in Africa. The comedian has received several awards for his role and contribution in the development of the Nigerian film industry.
The Anambra State-born comedian received the highest industry honour of his lifetime on March 4, 2017. He received the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2017 Industry Merit Award, which included a brand new car.
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) was also recognised for his efforts in the development of the Nigerian entertainment industry, an award previously received by the likes of Olu Jacobs and Pete Edochie.
He was also awarded the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Federal Government of Nigeria for his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Many media organizations have described the New Masquerade star as a living legend. Chika Okpala (Chief Zibudaya) is the Nigerian Ambassador for Malaria, Nigerian Ambassador for Leprosy and the Nigerian National Open University Ambassador.
Social Media
Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is not currently active on social media and does not have a personal social media account. In other words, he (Chief Zebrudaya) is not active on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and other popular social platforms.
Personal life
Currently, there is no information about Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya)’s wife and family members. However, it is known that the veteran comedian is married and has children.
net worth
The legendary Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya) is a fairly successful actor.
His net worth is currently estimated to be over $500,000 (about N250 million). Most of his income comes from stage performances and acting.
Filmography
- The New Masquerade (1983-1993) played Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogo, also known as 4.30.
