Chioma Umeala
Chioma Umeala | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 July 1996 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Alma mater | AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy Indigo View Advanced Actors Academy, |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2017- |
Chioma Antoinette Umeala (born 17 July 1996) is a South African-Nigerian actress and model. She is known for her roles in Isono: The Sin (2020), The Woman King (2022), and One Piece (2023).
Biography
Umeala was born on 17 July 1996.[1] She has a Nigerian father and South African mother,[2][3] and is of Xhosa and Igbo heritage.[4][5] She is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.[4][6]
Umeala studied acting at AFDA, The School for the Creative Economy[3] and the Indigo View Advanced Actors Academy in South Africa.[4] She attended audition technique classes with held by the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA).[4] She worked as an assistant to the executive producer on The Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ).[7]
Umeala made her her film debut on the student film Look Closer (2017).[8] She made her stage debut at Joburg Theatre in the production Scene (2018).[8][9]
Umeala played medical student Ayo Demi in 19 episodes of BET Africa's multilingual scripted and English subtitled daily drama series Isono (2020);[2][5][10] her breakout role.[11][12] In 2020, she also featured in the music video for South African rapper AKA's "Caiphus Song" as a bridesmaid.[2][9] In 2021 she was photographed for Vogue Italia.[9]
Umeala played Tara in The Woman King (2022).[5][13][14] She had a supporting role in The First Last Tour.[8]
Umeala played Nojiko, the adoptive sister of Nami (played by Emily Rudd), in Netflix's live-action series One Piece (2023).[6][15][16][17] The character was originally Japanese in the comics and Umeala had advocated for black representation in anime.[13][14][18][19] She has spoken at Comic Con panels and on the One Piece podcast about her role in the show.[4][19]
In 2025, Umeala starred in Novocaine (2025).[11] She has collaborated with Starbucks South Africa and appeared in commercials for MTC Namibia and Dark and Lovely.[7]
References
- ^ Ratshetlha, Mirian (26 April 2023). "10 Facts About Isono's Chioma Umeala who played Ayo Demi". All Business ZA. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b c Dayile, Qhama (12 April 2021). "Isono actress Chioma Umeala on her international acting dream". News24. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Venge, Tinashe (8 March 2024). "Chioma Umeala's Acting Journey: A Story of Triumph". Front Page. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Khumalo, Thandolwethu (25 October 2023). "Meet the Multicultural and Multitalented Chioma Antoinette Umeala". Nounouche. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b c Mngadi, Phindile (16 June 2023). "The Next CHIOMA UMEALA". Actor Spaces. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Ontong, Joel. "Spotlight on SA talent: Chioma Umeala takes the world stage with Netflix's One Piece". News24. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Mag, Startup (15 April 2021). "Chioma Umeala empowers aspiring actresses to chase their dreams". StartUp Magazine South Africa. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b c Meisterkhan Pod (10 April 2025). Too Opinionated Interview: Chioma Umeala. Retrieved 9 February 2026 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c "Chioma Umeala Is A Work Of Art In Images Featured On Vogue Italia". Just Trimmings. 26 April 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ Manuel, Marilynn (29 March 2021). "Chioma Umeala: BET Africa's 'Isono' Actress Holds Exciting Q&A Session". Briefly. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Nhlangothi, Lethiwe (19 August 2024). "Women in Charge: Meet Nigerian-South African actress, Chioma Umeala". Glamour South Africa. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "'Isono' to introduce Nigerian family to viewers". IOL. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Esene, Shalom (2 May 2024). "From Anime to Comic Con, Chioma Umeala Dreams of Black Representation and Diverse Stories". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Newzroom Afrika (27 April 2024). Chioma Umeala champions the representation of black girls in anime. Retrieved 9 February 2026 – via YouTube.
- ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (6 June 2022). "Netflix 'One Piece' Live-Action Series Adds Six To Cast; Star Iñaki Godoy & Showrunners Tease Epic Sets". Deadline. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Who plays Nojiko in One Piece live-action? – Chioma Umeala". Capital. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "How Chioma Umeala navigates racism, xenophobia and anime fans who love her spit". TimesLIVE. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ "Representation in Film SA actress stomps on critics and shoots for the stars". eNCA. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
- ^ a b Seemela, Masego (26 April 2024). "Chioma Umeala pushes for more diversity in animé". The Sowetan. Retrieved 9 February 2026.