Biography
Chidi Geoff Azubuike Mokeme Jnr., born March 17, 1972, is a Nigerian born, USA-based actor, producer, and director who has enjoyed success in radio, television, film and fashion. Mokeme is one of the most recognizable African faces, and has been consistently named one of the best and most talented actors on the continent. He has been nominated for, and has won various local and International awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, including, Hollywood & African Prestigious Award (HAPA) 2021 'Best Actor In An Independent Film Award' (Winner); 2023 AMVCA 'Best Actor In A Drama, Movie or TV Series' (Nominee); 2023 EMY AFRICA 'African Best Actor Of The Year' (Nominee); 2023 BON Awards 'Best Actor In An English Movie' (Winner); 2023 AFRIFF 'Special Honors Recognition Award'; 2023 Africa Choice Awards Male Movie Star of The Year' (Nominee); Ebony Life 'Nollywood 100 Award' 2023 (Recipient); 2024 AMAA 'Best Actor In A Leading Role' (Nominee), and most recently, Silverbird Man of The Year 'Trailblazer Award' 2025, and many more.
In the late 80s to early 90s, Mokeme started his career as a commercial, photography, promotional, fashion and runway model, where he achieved modest fame before transitioning to the screen as an actor. In 2004, his popularity increased exponentially when he hosted the popular reality television series, The Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS). The show ran for eleven seasons (2004-2014) on MNET African Magic cable TV and syndicated on various networks. After the series was rested, Mokeme moved from television back to film, where he continues to dominate the screens from one memorable performance to another.
Mokeme is one of the most bankable actors in Nollywood, the world's second largest movie industry. Films in which he has had leading roles have accumulated great reviews and opened to record box office earnings and top ten spots on global streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. One of his many memorable performances was as the antagonist in the period movie '76, which was the official country selection at The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF'16) and went on to earn an unprecedented 8 nominations at AMAA'16 and unprecedented 14 nominations at the AMVCA'16 both of which are Africa's biggest entertainment awards. The movie is available on Netflix.
Mokeme was born in Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria, the son of Angelina (Nwokolo), a school teacher and administrator, and Geoffrey Azubuike Mokeme Snr., an insurance broker. He grew up in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, and was raised Anglican. He has four siblings, sister Uche, Ebele (deceased), Anugo, and Chioma. Mokeme attended Salvation Army Primary School, a public elementary school in Lagos.
Mokeme attended Federal Government College, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, from 1983-89. He was later admitted at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Nigeria, where he obtained a National Diploma in Computer Science Technology before proceeding to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria, for his Higher National Diploma (HND). It was while pursuing his Higher National Diploma that he took the plunge, choosing his passion, and embracing it fully, beginning his professional career in acting.
Mokeme's first major roles were in the Nollywood dramas of the early 90s. His early film credits include: Body of Vengeance(1996), Silent Night 3 (1996), Goodbye Tomorrow (1996), Not My Will (1996), Stroke of Fate (1996), Since arriving on the scene, Mokeme has not looked back, and has featured in over one hundred and fifty films and counting. Through the 1990s and early 2000s, Mokeme also co-starred in many memorable productions such as Another Campus Tale (1997), Desperate and Dangerous (1997), Destined to Die (1997), Full Moon (1998), Secret Goldmine (1998), Rapture (1998), Igodo (1999), Visa To Hell (1999), Onwa (1999), Izaga (1999), Prisoner of Love (1999), First Lady (2000), Desperadoes (2001), Married To A Witch (2001), The Kids Are Angry (2001), Fire Dancer (2001), Black Sheep (2001), Agony Of A Mother (2002), Sharon Stone (2002), Society Lady (2003), Moving Train (2003), Honey (2003), Cross of Love (2003), Armageddon King (2003), Player (2003), Love You Forever (2003), To Love Forever (2003), Saved By Grace (2003), Oil Money (2003), Gulder Ultimate Search Season 1 (2004), His Majesty (2004), The Substitute (2004), Promise Me Forever (2004), Abuja Connection (2004), Working Class Lady (2004, Chameleon (2004), Sweet Love (2004), Love And Pride (2004), Paradise (2004), Goodbye New York (2004), Indulgence (2004), and so many more. Mokeme's filmography is a testament to his range and versatility.
In 2004, Mokeme pivoted, and reinvented himself, appearing on television as the no-nonsense host of the Gulder Ultimate Search Reality Show (GUS). After multiple auditions and screen tests involving numerous actors, and tv personalities, Mokeme was unanimously selected as host. The show, which was Nigeria's first 100% local content reality show, was an instant success. Mokeme delivered an excellent performance with his unique voice, style, sarcastic humor, diction, mastery, and suspense. His national appeal led the organizers of the show, Nigerian Breweries Plc., to extend his contract for another season. The show, syndicated on national free-to-air television nationwide and cable networks, immediately established him as a household name and shot Mokeme into revered superstardom status.
Mokeme has received much critical acclaim for his work since the 1990s, including his portrayals of real-life figures such as daredevil cop killer and armed robbery kingpin Monday Osunbor in the movie Anini. Straight from hosting Season 2 of the Gulder Ultimate Search to embodying his new villainous character like he never left.
The Movie Anini, released in 2005, saw Mokeme playing the Character Monday Osunbor in the crime thriller that is based on a true story about the notorious armed robber Anini and his gang. The success of Anini cemented Mokeme's reputation as a true thespian and method actor with a lot of depth, earning him leading roles in all the major films of the year 2005 and beyond, including, Power Brokers (2005), Backdrop (2005), Test of Manhood (2005), Tight Corner (2005), Crazy Passion (2005), The Seed (2005), Pretty Angels (2005), Guys On The Line (2005), Never Too Far (2005), Land of Dwarfs (2005), Golden Axe (2005), Blood Battle (2005), Goodbye Another Day (2005), To Love And Cherish (2006), Crime Planner (2006), Last Kobo (2006), Saviour (2006), Boiling Point (2006), High Stakes (2006), Who Will Tell The President? (2007), Ultimate Warrior (2007), Minority Tension (2007), My Story (2008), Critical Condition (2008), Sweet Pain (2008), Omotara Johnson (2009), Keep My Love (2009), Conflicting Passion (2009), The Professionals (2011). In 2012, after seven years away from the show, Mokeme was returned, by popular demand, to salvage the dwindling ratings of the Gulder Ultimate Search reality show. His return on Season 9 (2012), immediately brought the show back to the spotlight to the delight of millions of fans. For the next three years, Mokeme juggled between hosting the show and filming projects like To Live Again (2013), Carpe Diem (2013), Gulder Ultimate Search Season 10 (2013), The Exquires (2013), Cobra (2014). In 2014, Mokeme hosted the eleventh and final Season of the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS11).
Later that year, Mokeme starred in Raging Passion (2014) A story of a naive secretary who is horribly betrayed by her cousin and fiance who are having a torrid affair behind her back. In her devastation she falls for her playboy boss who has been secretly attracted to her for a long time and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
In Hitch (2015), Mokeme plays the lead character in this story about a man who is recently fired from his job and resorts to desperate measures to procure funds for his son's surgery.
In 2016, Mokeme starred in the cross-cultural movie Our Differences, followed by the Zeb Ejiro directed advocacy movie Yellow Cassava as Daniel. It is an entertaining and informative movie aimed at enlightening Nigerians about the health benefits of Yellow Cassava. The movie was nominated for the AMVCA Best Movie Award.
In 2016, '76, a historical drama fiction film, in which Mokeme starred as the antagonist 'Major Gomos', had its global premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The Izu Ojukwu directed film, was the official country selection at TIFF and went on to clinch all the major awards in the country including best Film, best director, best actor, best actress and more. Mokeme starred alongside veteran actors Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah. According to Mokeme, Izu Ojukwu is one of his favorite directors, and they have done many collaborations together.
2017 saw Mokeme played the role of Kobi, teaming up once again with Nollywood's leading actress Rita Dominic on Mr. & Mrs. 2 Chapter 2, a hugely successful sequel to the original movie of same title.
In 2018, Mokeme starred as the titular character in the movie Francis.
Mokeme starred opposite Hollywood's Hakeem Kae Kazeem in the 2019 drama Pillars of Africa. The movie also starred Sola Sobowale, Sam Dede, Segun Arinze and other A-list actors. The movie was released in 2021 and earned Mokeme a well deserved 'best actor in an independent film award' at the 2021 Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPA)
The movie 'Akachi' released in 2020, had Mokeme playing the lead character Gozie, in a story chronicling the travails of a promising young man as he spirals into impoverishment.
Mokeme played the lead character Charlton, a broken yet charming writer seeking restitution, in the movie Entangle. Charlton finds the peace he seeks, but it comes at a price. Entangle was released in 2021.
That same year, Mokeme starred as Rotimi Bankole, alongside Rita Dominic and Toyin Abraham, in the Kayode Kasum directed drama The Therapist. A story chronicling the travails of domestic violence and abuse in marital life. The film was released in March 2021.
In October 2021, Chidi Mokeme added another feather to his cap, by pivoting behind the camera and taking on a new role as producer and director. 'Bamboozler', which also has Mokeme in the lead role, is his directorial debut, and scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2022.
In 2022, Mokeme starred in the independent drama Half Heaven, which was shot on location in Douala, Cameroon. Mokeme played the antagonist, Grand Tita, who is on the run from the law for multiple murders. The movie is available on Prime Video.
In 2023, Mokeme struck gold again, when he starred in the lead role as Scar, leading an ensemble cast, (including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Ini Edo, Sola Sobowale etc) in Dimeji Ajibola's Shanty Town. The film was an instant success and became one of the most streamed television series on Netflix. The pundits were right in their predictions, as Shanty Town re-established Mokeme as a prime box office draw. With Shanty Town, Mokeme re-claimed his spot as the King of villains. Critics have described his performance as the greatest comeback ever in the history of Nollywood. The movie earned Mokeme a 'Best Actor' Nomination at the AMVCA Awards amongst multiple local and international nominations and awards. Shanty Town is a Netflix Original Series available to stream globally.
Later that year, Mokeme led an ensemble cast, costarring with Chioma Chukwuka and Funke Akindele, in No Way Through (2023) as the antagonist Man of God leading a double life as a drug kingpin. His depiction of The Apostle, the pious and influential faith leader was critically acclaimed. The movie is a production by InkBlot and is available on Prime Video.
In Love and Life, released in 2023, Mokeme starred as Dekunle, a misunderstood husband in this story that follows the lives of three women as they navigate the uncertain water of love and relationships. He costarred with Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe Etim, and Michelle Dede. Love and Life is available to stream on Prime Video.
In Merry Men 3: Nemesis, a sequel to the highly successful Merry Men franchise, Mokeme plays the role of Dafe, a friend turned foe from the past, pursuing revenge against those he holds accountable for his loss. Merry Men also features Ramsey Noah, Ayo Makun, Nadia Buhari, and It was released in 2023 and is available on Netflix.
In 2024, Mokeme co-starred with Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, and Toni Tones in Deafening Silence, a movie exploring Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in its many forms. This project was a joint initiative of the EU, UN, and Spotlight Initiative. Deafening Silence is available to stream on Prime Video.
Mokeme starred as Ogundu in Ekpebiwo'm, a 2024 movie about the origin of the legendary 'I have decided to follow Jesus' hymn. The movie is said to be Nigeria's first wholly pidgin English language film. This historical movie can be seen on Prime Video and Tubi.
Out of Breath is the first feature film in Nigeria to be shot entirely in Igbo language. Appearing as Izu, It was also Mokeme's first fully Igbo language film. In this 2024 film, an ancient evil custom meets a new hero as an elder must challenge custom as he attempts to stop the ancient tradition of burying elders with servants. Out of breath directed by multiple award winning director Obi Emelonye, was selected as the closing film of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2024, and earned Mokeme a nomination for the Best Actor in a Leading Role at African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2024. This movie is available on Mubi.
In this West Africa's first ever MMA action film, Ruthless, released in 2024, Mokeme plays Raptor, a former professional fighter now running an underground fighting club. Story follows a brave young woman's fight for her life and freedom. Ruthless also features Kate Henshaw, Sandra Okonzua, and others, and is available on Circuits tv.
Life and Dirt is a 2024 movie about the dangers of unchecked ambition. Mokeme plays Ajazi, a manipulative benefactor in this movie about how a man's desire to make it quick leads him to a race against time to preserve his life while hiding dirt. The movie is available to stream on Prime Video.
Tòkunbò is a fast paced action thriller released in 2024. Mokeme delivers a memorable performance as underworld boss Gaza, in this movie about an ex car smuggler who is given three hours to deliver a government official's daughter to her captor. Tòkunbò, directed by Ramsey Nouah, is a Netflix original series available to stream on Netflix.
Mokeme led an ensemble cast in One Night Guests, which happens to be his first comedy and first Christmas themed film. It was released in 2024 and showed a totally different side of Mokeme and his range and versatility.
In Sin, Mokeme makes a cameo appearance, and portrays the character called Lil' Baz in this gripping crime drama that explores the intricate layers of power, deception, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Lagos's vibrant social scene. Sin is a Prime Video original limited series released in 2025.
In 2025, Mokeme delivers another master stroke performance as Teacher, cementing his position as the ultimate villain, in the Netflix original series, To Kill A Monkey. Teacher will be remembered as one of Mokeme's most memorable characters. Produced and directed by Kemi Adetiba, the series was on the top ten charts of most viewed television series in many countries. It is available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
After thirty years of consistency, there is still no signs of slowing down as Mokeme is staying booked and busy with a full slate of upcoming projects that include leading roles and performances in various films across different genres. With many projects in different stages of development from preproduction to postproduction, and full calendar, Mokeme promises his fans and movie lovers many more years of dominating the big screen with outstanding performances.
Mokeme, now affectionately called 'The King Of Originals' by his fans, has proven himself to be one of the most bankable actors, with more 'Originals' on Netflix and Prime Video than his contemporaries. With 'Best Actor' nominations and wins in every major award show on the continent, he continues to redefine his onscreen persona as the tough, no nonsense action hero and ultimate villain, and remains consistently listed as one of the most talented top five leading actors.
In 2023, he was selected as the recipient for the AFRIFF Special Honors Recognition Award. Also, in 2023, he was selected as a recipient for the Ebony Life Nollywood 100 Award. In 2025, Mokeme was selected as the recipient of the Silverbird Man of The Year Trailblazer Award.
Mokeme promises that there's plenty more to come as he now has his eyes set behind the camera as he prepares to take on new roles as producer and director.
Mokeme, in addition to volunteering, also continues to carry on his advocacy, humanitarian, and philanthropy work through his Chidi Mokeme Foundation.
Mokeme is married and lives with his wife, Dr. Jean Mokeme and family in Maryland, USA.
