10 Facts About Isono’s Chioma Umeala who played Ayo Demi

Chioma Umeala is a 26-year old Nigerian — South African based actress. Umeala was born on the 19th of July 1996 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, in South Africa. She is best known for playing the role of Ayo Demi in etv’s drama series Isono: The Sin. Moreover, she has also appeared in Woman King as Taira and Nojiko on One Piece which streams on Netflix. Here are some intriguing facts about the actress.

Chioma Antoinette Umeala is a 26-year old Nigerian — South African based actress
Chioma Antoinette Umeala is a 26-year old Nigerian — South African based actress

Early age of Chioma Antoinette Umeala.

Chioma Antoinette Umeala simply known as Chioma Umeala was born 19 July 1996 to a Nigerian Igbo father and a South African mother of Xhosa descent. Umeala was raised in Johannesburg by both her parents. Growing up in Joburg, the young Chioma developed interest in acting and music. At the age of 10 years old, she could confidently play musical instruments such as the piano, percussion instruments, and the guitar. She was very precocious child and a prodigy in arts. While much is known of her and her parents. Not much is known about her siblings or if she has any.

She played Ayo on BET Isono
She played Ayo on BET Isono

Her father played the guitar and this is where she inherited the interest in arts but she took a broader approach. When she reached high school, she took drama as a subject and according to her, it resonated with her. However, her parents were skeptical about her dream of becoming an actor. And as a result nearly became a barrier to her destiny. But, she didn’t allow any of that to stand in her way.

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The Education of Chioma Umeala

According to Umeala she received all the training she needed at Indigo View. “I received a lot of the training | needed at Indigo View in a short space of time because they train actors who are already working,’ Chioma says. The course was on weekends and on weekdays. So she was able to work.

Ayo Demi from Isono
Ayo Demi from Isono

After dropping out of college she started to go for auditions. And she got jobs into adverts, small acting roles, and got featured in a few music videos. In the mean time she was receiving further training from Indigo View. She appeared as one of the bridesmaids at the wedding ceremony in AKA’s music video Caiphus’ Song, alongside Warren Masemola and Jessica Nkosi.

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Chioma Umeala Personal life

Her personal life is a bit cryptic. So, we don’t know who her boy friend. But she is dating a white male whose name is Kieran. She only ironically revealed his face in one picture on her Instagram talking about how he had convinced her to wear a certain nail polish. In another photo in which he commented, his name could be seen as Kieran. His surname isn’t known nor what he does.

An Image of Chioma Umeala
An Image of Chioma Umeala

Moreover, we do know that Chioma looks up to Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o, and Zendaya Coleman. Moreover, she has revealed that she would like to see herself acting internationally one day. She has learnt to keep her friends few and keep those who add value to her life close.

Height

While her actual self confirmed height is unknown. Estimates seem to suggest she’s somewhere between 1.58m to 1.62m. Aside from acting, her well averaged height has allowed her to model and appear in some international magazines.

Being featured on Vogue magazine.

On the 22nd of April 2022. The actress was featured by Vogue magazine on an African Royalty cover. She was the cover of the magazine that day. Her pictures were captured by award winning photographer Bonna. One of pictures was selected as the picture of the day. And according to Umeala, the picture was inspired by Beyonce. Moreover, she revealed how happy she was revealing that she may have teared a bit.

Career beginning.

Chioma made her film debut on a student film, “Look Closer”. Which was released in 2017. Moreover, her stage debut was at the Joburg Theatre with the production “Scene” in 2018. Thereafter, Chioma can be seen appearing on three episodes of the American produced discussion show “The Grapevine”.

Chioma made her film debut on a student film, “Look Closer”
Chioma made her film debut on a student film, “Look Closer”

After that Chioma landed her television debut role on the etv drama series Isono: The Sin. She also appeared on David Kau’s film The First Last Tour in 2021. In which she was playing a supporting role. Moreover, she worked in collaboration with Starbucks SA. As the host for an initiative to empower aspiring actresses on their journey.

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Her character on Isono the sin.

She plays the role of Ayo Demi, a young Nigerian woman who leaves her family to study medicine. Her brother passed away due to mental issues and her strict religious father, Pastor Abiola believes that depression could be easily prayed away.

This upsets Ayo Demi and motivates her to study medicine in order to deal with the stereotypes around mental health and help people like her brother. Before she finishes her studies she fell inlove with Gabriel, played by Bohang Moeko which was uturn in her life.

On Social media.

Chioma is on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. She posts mostly about her personal and career life. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @chioma_umeala and @ChiomaFans respectively. Her Instagram account is still growing and has currently 10.7k followers.

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