Chinonso Arubayi

Chinonso was born in Warri, a town in Delta state, in southern Nigeria. She grew in up in Lagos, and is of Igbo heritage, from Awka, in Anambra state, where she graduated with a degree in Mass communication from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.[4] While at the university, she was a presenter on the campus radio station.[5] In 2005, Chinonso won the Miss Teen Nigeria title.[6]

Chinonso began her acting career as a day player on M-Net television series, The Johnsons in 2014.[6] She then began writing and producing for Consolidated Media Associates, owners of Sound city, Trybe Tv and Spice Tv on the shows, On The Couch, Project Swan, You’ve Got Issues and a few others.[1]

In 2018, Chinonso enrolled in the School of Media studies, at the Pan Atlantic University, where she studied the Business of Film Making for film producers.[1] She had a big break in 2020, when she played a lead role in Mary Remmy Njoku's feature film production, Beyond Pardon.[7] She has since featured in several notable films and television series, including, NDANI TV's Rumour Has It,[8][9] My Flatmates, Crazy Grannies,[10] Lockdown, Loving Amanda,[11] Survivors[12] and others.

In 2018, she began hosting the Filmhouse TV Show[6] and was later unveiled as the host of the popular cooking show, Urban Kitchen, which she hosted for two seasons.[6][4][3]

In April 2022, Chinonso released her debut film production, I Am Nazzy.[13][14] The movie was directed by Kayode Peters and featured notable Nigerian actors including, Jimmy Odukoya, Denrele Edun and IK Ogbonna.[15]

Her performance, as the lead character on Africa Magic TV's original series, Sisi Eko received commendation from fans and critics.[16]

Chinonso was married to Nigerian gospel singer Eric Arubayi in 2014 until his death in 2017.[17][18] They have a son together named Jayden.[19]

In August 2021, she received a nomination for Next-Rated Actress of the Year at the Africa Choice Awards, alongside other nominees from Ghana and South Africa.[20] In February 2023, she received the award for Distinguished Actress of the Year at the Nigerian Women Achievers Awards.[21]