Chidozie Nzeribe

Born

1987-02-14 (age 39)

Place of Birth

Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria

Occupations

Actor, Model, Poet, Entertainer

Years Active

2011 - Present

Alma Mater

St. Jude Nursery and Primary School, Sacred College, University of Lagos

Also known as

Sambasa Nzeribe

Connect

Instagram

Biography

EARLY LIFE

Chiedozie Nzeribe Siztus, professionally known as Sambasa Nzeribe, is a Nigerian actor, model, poet, and entertainer best known for his powerful performances in Nollywood films. He is one of the most dynamic and expressive talents in the Nigerian movie industry today. With a story rooted in loss, resilience, and purpose, Sambasa has become an inspirational figure and a standout performer, known for his raw intensity and emotional depth on screen. Early Life and Education: Sambasa Nzeribe was born on February 14, 1987, and raised in Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria, although he hails originally from Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. He was born into a Christian family and exposed to music and drama from an early age—his mother was both a choir instructor and drama teacher. This early immersion in the performing arts would later become the foundation for his career. Tragedy struck early in his life. He lost his father during childhood and later lost his mother to complications from fibroid-related illness. After her death, life became extremely difficult for Sambasa and his siblings. To survive, he hawked items like fufu, vegetables, and puff-puff on the streets of Lagos. However, help came from the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in his local church, who, through the Orphans’ Scholarship Scheme, sponsored his education and supported his upbringing. This act of kindness changed the trajectory of his life. Sambasa eventually went on to study Creative Arts at the University of Lagos, where he honed his skills in performance and deepened his passion for storytelling through drama.

CAREER

Acting Career: Sambasa Nzeribe’s love for acting began around the age of nine, when he regularly participated in church drama performances and choir events led by his mother. His official breakthrough in Nollywood came in 2013 with the critically acclaimed movie “A Mile from Home”, directed by Eric Aghimien. His gripping performance in the action-drama caught the attention of the Nigerian film industry and audiences alike. Since then, Sambasa has delivered stellar performances in numerous Nollywood films, including: A Soldier's Story, Out of Luck, Just Not Married, Hotel Choco, The Wedding Party, Slow Country, Elevator Baby, Kasala, The Ghost and the Tout. In these roles, Sambasa has played everything from street-smart hustlers to hardened criminals and charming romantic leads. His versatility and intense screen presence have made him one of the most sought-after actors in Nollywood.

PERSONAL LIFE

Meaning Behind His Name: The name “Sambasa” is more than just a stage name—it is a personal philosophy and acronym that reflects his life’s journey: “Sambasa” stands for Surviving and Maintaining Balance Against Societal Aggression. It symbolizes his mindset of perseverance and triumph over life’s adversities, a mantra that has guided him through both personal challenges and professional pursuits. Personal Life and Interests: Though Sambasa is relatively private about his personal life, it has been reported that he is married and has a daughter named Chiemela Ejiroghene. He also expresses himself through poetry and often shares motivational and reflective messages with his audience. On Instagram, he is known for his charismatic energy and entertaining content. His fans frequently commend his creativity, confidence, and passion for performance. Many aspiring actors look up to him, not just for his talent but also for the story of how he rose from adversity to success. Public Image and Controversies: As of now, Sambasa Nzeribe has no known public controversies. He has maintained a clean and respectable reputation in the entertainment industry, earning admiration for his humility, strong work ethic, and faith-driven outlook on life. Legacy and Inspiration: Sambasa Nzeribe’s journey from a street hawker and orphan to an award-winning Nollywood actor is an inspiring story of grit, grace, and gratitude. Through his performances and personal story, he continues to uplift and inspire a new generation of Nigerians to believe in the power of dreams, resilience, and authenticity.

Filmography

No filmography available for this person yet.

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