Chief Chika Okpala, aka, Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4:30, is one of Nigeria's greatest comedians and my all time favourite Nigerian comedian. His TV comedy series 'New Masquerade' is probably the funniest of all TV comedies in Nigeria. It ran from 1983-1993. This man became famous for using incorrect English in his role as chief Zebrudaya and continued with that style years after New Masquerade was rested. He gave new meaning to the word comedy and I remember not being able to take my eyes off the TV whenever he was on. He made those years really memorable...Thought to pay him a little tribute.
Here's all you need to know about him...
Personal DataFull Names: Chika Chukwunonso Okpala, Mon. Mfr
Place & Date of Birth: Ahoada, June 10, 1950.
Marital Status: Married With Two Children.
Education
Primary: St. Paul’s CMS School, Ebenisi-Nnobi 1956-60 1961. Government School Ahoada Rivers State Baptist Day School Join Karama Rivers State. (1962-3).
Secondary: Prince Memorial High School Onitsha 1964-1972.
University:
U.N.N Nsukka 1989-91
ESUT (Enugu State University of Science And Technology Enugu) (1989-1996).
Awards/HonorsBest Actor Runner-Up 1959-84 – BON.
Best Male Entertainer 1985 – Palm Beach.
Traditional Chieftancy Conferment “Eze Onu Nekwuru-Ora of Nnobi. 1981
Traditional Chieftancy Conferment “Eze Onu Nekwuru-Ora of Aba. 1981
Traditional Conferment of Chieftancy Title of: “Eze Odenigbo of Akabo – Mbaise” 1993.
Fellow Institute of Journalism Enugu.
Afro Hollywood Award London 1999.
National Honours
Member of The Order of Federal Republic (MFR) – 1999
Member of The Order of The Niger (MON) – 2000.
National/Merit Award For Arts & Culture (NAMAC) – 1997.
Working Experience
Commercial/Traffic officer NTA Aba 1977-1980.
Production Manager NTA Cock Crow At Dawn 1980-82.
Producer New Masquerade Comedy TV Show On NTA 1983 To 1993.
Chief Executive officer Zodiak Brains Films Ltd, Enugu. 1990 – Date.
Stage Performances
Man of Character By Ene Henshaw.
Sons And Daughters By J.C. Degraphat.
Dance For The Dead By James Irohaoon.
Life Everlasting By Pat Maddy.
Through A Film Darkly By Pat Maddy.
Cock Crow At Dawn – Ist Ever Movie On NTA Net Work.
NTA Longest Lasting Comedy Series “New Masquerade TV Comedy”
The New Broom.
Counselling Video On Family Planning For Ppfn, Jhu/Pcs.
Over 500 TV Commercials And Radio Ads.
Favourite Food: Pounded Yam With (ofe Onugbu)
Hobbies: Driving, Swimming, Reading, Lawn Tennis.
Star: Gemini.
If you love this man, drop him a line...he just might see this some day...let's show him we appreciate his contribution to art in Nigeria. I blow you a thousand kisses Chief Zebrudaya. You are the greatest of them all!
