Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha Shines Bright at AMVCA 2025 with Best Lead Actress Win
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, a stalwart of Nollywood, has once again captivated audiences and critics alike. At the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held in Lagos on May 14, 2025, she was honoured with the Best Lead Actress award for her riveting portrayal of Queen Amaka in Seven Doors. This accolade not only cements her place among the industry’s elite but also highlights a remarkable journey defined by talent, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to her craft.
Born on March 12, 1980, in Lagos State, Chioma hails from Oraifite in the Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. She began her education at Onward Nursery and Primary School in Lagos and continued to Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha. She later obtained a degree in Banking and Finance from Lagos State University, balancing her academic pursuits with a growing passion for performance.
Chioma’s professional acting career took off in 2000 with her debut in The Apple. Her natural charisma and emotive strength quickly set her apart, earning her early roles in films like The Handkerchief and Three Musketeers. These performances laid the foundation for a career that would see her appear in over 350 Nollywood productions.
Her rise to prominence was solidified in 2007 when she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Sins of the Flesh. This milestone was followed by the Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress in 2010. She continued to show remarkable range in projects such as Accident (2013), which won Best Nigerian Film at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards, and the wildly successful Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), where she played the fan-favourite character Chummy Choko.
In Seven Doors, Chioma took on the role of Queen Amaka, an Igbo queen married to a Yoruba king portrayed by Femi Adebayo. To authentically portray the character, she learned a more traditional Yoruba dialect, paying close attention to tone and pronunciation. “The Yoruba in the movie was not the regular one people in Lagos speak, so I had to be very intentional about the tone,” she explained. Her commitment to authenticity and excellence resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike, earning her the prestigious AMVCA 2025 Best Lead Actress award.
Chioma’s contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond acting. As a producer and director, she has been involved in the making of over eight films, including On Bended Knees, which received critical acclaim. In 2011, she launched Oma World Company, a production house focused on developing local talent and quality storytelling. Her commitment to mentorship took a new form in 2019 with the introduction of “Masterclass with Chioma,” a training platform for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
Her impact also reaches into advocacy and humanitarian work. In June 2024, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition in Nigeria by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This role recognised her efforts in promoting maternal health and child welfare through public campaigns and community outreach.
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha’s journey from a budding actress to a multi-award-winning performer reflects the very best of Nollywood’s evolution. Her talent, work ethic, and dedication to storytelling continue to inspire and elevate the industry. With her latest recognition at the AMVCA 2025, Chioma stands as a beacon of excellence in African cinema, with a legacy that will influence generations to come.
