Chinonso Arubayi (born Chinonso Ngozi Ijomah) is a Nigerian actress, television presenter, film producer, model and entrepreneur.
She is widely known for her roles in television series such as My Flatmates, Rumour Has It, and for producing the film I Am Nazzy.
Over the last decade she has built a reputation not only as an on-screen talent but also as a media entrepreneur and mental health advocate.
Profile Data
- Full Name: Chinonso Ngozi Ijomah Arubayi
- Born: May 24, 1987
- Age: 38 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Delta State (though her heritage is Igbo from Awka, Anambra State)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Actress, Television Presenter, Film Producer, Model
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Religion: Christianity
- Spouse: Eric Arubayi (married 2014 – his death in 2017)
- Children: One son, Jayden Arubayi
- Relationship Status: Widowed
- Net Worth: Approximately US$ 300,000
Early life and education
Chinonso was born in Warri, Delta State, and grew up largely in Lagos. She is of Igbo heritage and her family roots trace to Awka in Anambra State. She studied Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where she was actively involved in campus radio and early media work — experiences that shaped her interest in TV presenting and production. As a teenager she also won the Miss Teen Nigeria title, an early sign of her on-camera talents.
Break into media and TV presenting
After university Chinonso cut her teeth behind and in front of the camera. She worked with media houses and began hosting entertainment and lifestyle shows. Her early TV presenting roles included work on entertainment platforms and food/cooking shows like Urban Kitchen, where she earned wider recognition as a warm, engaging host. These presenting gigs helped her transition into acting and film production.
Acting career — notable roles and breakout moments
Chinonso’s acting career gained momentum after she began appearing in television series and Nollywood films. She had parts in TV productions such as The Johnsons (as a day player) and later secured leading and supporting roles in projects including Beyond Pardon, Rumour Has It, My Flatmates, Lockdown, Crazy Grannies, and Survivors. Her performance in Africa Magic’s Sisi Eko also received praise from critics and viewers. Her steady presence across TV and film helped cement her status in the industry.
Producer & entrepreneur — “I Am Nazzy” and beyond
In April 2022 Chinonso made a bold move into film production with her debut production I Am Nazzy. The film, directed by Kayode Peters, featured notable Nollywood names and showcased her ability to work behind the camera as a producer. Beyond film, she has entrepreneurial interests in beauty and media — including involvement with skincare/beauty ventures and creative studios aimed at supporting content production and talent.
Personal life — marriage, loss and advocacy
Chinonso married gospel singer Eric Arubayi in 2014. The marriage tragically ended when Eric died in 2017; the couple had one son together, Jayden. In interviews she has spoken candidly about the psychological and emotional aftermath of losing her husband and how that experience led her to become a vocal mental health advocate. She has shared how societal expectations and grief shaped her healing journey and public work.
Awards, nominations and recognition
Chinonso’s work has attracted industry recognition. She was nominated for Next-Rated Actress of the Year at the Africa Choice Awards and has received awards such as the Distinguished Actress of the Year at the Nigerian Women Achievers Awards. Her nominations and wins reflect both her rising star power and the respect she has garnered from peers.
Style, influence & public image
Known for her warm screen presence, stylish public image and professional versatility, Chinonso blends mainstream Nollywood acting with hosting and brand work. Fans often praise her authenticity on-screen and off, and she leverages her platform to talk about mental health, maternal life and the challenges of rebuilding after personal loss.
Selected filmography (highlights)
- My Flatmates (TV series)
- Rumour Has It (TV series)
- Lockdown
- Survivors
- Crazy Grannies
- Beyond Pardon
- I Am Nazzy (producer)
(These titles represent standout projects and are available on streaming platforms and African TV outlets.)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When and where was Chinonso Arubayi born?
Chinonso was born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, and grew up in Lagos. She is of Igbo heritage from Awka, Anambra State.
What is Chinonso Arubayi’s educational background?
She studied Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and was active in campus radio before moving into television and film.
Is Chinonso Arubayi married?
She was married to gospel singer Eric Arubayi; he passed away in 2017. They have one son together named Jayden.
What was Chinonso’s first major production?
Her debut film production is I Am Nazzy (released April 2022), which marked a significant step into producing for Nollywood.
Where can I watch Chinonso Arubayi’s movies and TV shows?
Her works appear on Nigerian TV channels (e.g., Africa Magic), streaming services that carry Nollywood titles, and selected online platforms. Availability varies by region and platform.
Conclusion
Chinonso Arubayi has built a multi-faceted career that stretches from campus radio to TV hosting, from acting in popular series to producing her own film. Her journey has been shaped by talent, resilience and public candor about personal hardship — particularly the loss of her husband and her advocacy for mental health. As she continues to act, produce and expand her brand, Chinonso remains one of Nollywood’s engaging and rising talents — a storyteller on-screen and an advocate off it.