Chief Chika Okpala Aka Zeburudaya alias 4;30 was a household name in Nigerian entertainment industry in the 80s and 90s.The name was on the lips of average Nigerians.
Chika Okpala’s comedy TV series called “New Masquerade” aired on NTA from 1983-1993. He is a veteran actor and comedian who was amongst the founding fathers of movie Industry in Nigeria now known as Nollywood. He started theatre in Igbo land immediately after the war before others. Immediately after the war, He founded a theatre group known as Two Cities, through the help of his friends.
They performed in different places in old Anambara State and beyond. In the New Masquarade Comedy on NTA, he performed a funny character who always speaks pidgin and incorrect English grammar in a funny way.
Chief Okpala starred alongside; 1. James Iroha = Giringory Akabọgụ. 2. Lizi Evoeme = Ovuleria 3. Claude Eke = Prince Jegede Sokoya, etc. He had performed in different parts of Nigeria and abroad. In the 80s, he was part of Cockcrow At Dawn. The former President of Sierra Leone, Siaka Stevens invited him in 1986 to perform on stage in his country
.Chika Okpala has written several scripts for programs. One of his works called Ogologo Ndụ— Long Life was entered for the John Hopkins Award. He has received several National Awards such as Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for his role and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. He won African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award, 2017 Industry Merit Award on March 4, 2017. He has been the ambassador of Malaria drugs in Nigeria and an ambassador of the National Open University of Nigeria. He has other corporate endorsements. He’s an ambassador to isiagụ brand.
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