Chinonso Arubayi

Chinonso Arubayi 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, Arubayi won the Miss Teen Nigeria title.^[6]

Arubayi 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 Soundcity, Trybe TV and Spice TV on the shows, On The Couch, Project Swan, You’ve Got Issues and a few others.^[1]

In 2018, Arubayi enrolled in the School of Media Studies, at the Pan Atlantic University, where she studied the business of filmmaking 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, Arubayi released her debut film production, I Am Nazzy.^[13][14] The film was directed by Kayode Peters and featured 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]

Arubayi 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, Arubayi 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]