Cjay Nwoks

Cjay Nwoks was regarded as a rising talent in contemporary Nollywood, known for consistent screen work across drama and romance projects in the early-to-mid 2020s. His sudden death on 30 September 2026 prompted widespread tributes from colleagues (including Nkechi Blessing Sunday and Ruth Kadiri) and fans. As of the initial reports, funeral arrangements and an official cause of death had not been publicly detailed.

EARLY LIFE

Chijioke Temidayo Nwokafor, known professionally as Cjay Nwoks, was born on 30 May in the 1980s and hailed from Awka in Anambra State, Nigeria. He had an Igbo father and a Yoruba mother and was raised in a Christian family. He was based in Lagos for his professional career.

CAREER

Cjay Nwoks began his professional Nollywood acting career around 2021 and built a steady presence as a versatile supporting and lead actor in English-language and some Yoruba productions. He appeared in more than 20 credited films and projects, often in drama and romance genres. Notable credits include: Larry Cold (2021) Doctor Lanre Godly Escort (2024) Mum Overnight (2024) Fond of You Bestbet / BestBet Escape From Vows 365 Days Couple A Day To My Wedding (2025) The Lies She Tell (2025) What Time Left (2026) MI O JEBi (2025, Yoruba film produced by Nkechi Blessing Sunday) Other titles such as Shared Apartment, Scarlet, Valentino, Entangled Game, Run Fast, The Stranger, Scripted In The Stars, Pair, Along Came Sanity, Land of Gold, Boss Down, Storm & Jerry, Uptight, Downhill, and more recent 2024–2026 releases including Perception, Christmas Chaos, Trapped, Betting On Love, Duty Bound, Working Class Lady, Dawn, Love After Loss, Sister’s Cry, The Queen’s Head, More than Silver, Hope Given, and Bound. He worked alongside established Nollywood names including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Ruth Kadiri, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Nuella Njubigbo, Nosa Rex, Okey Uzoeshi, Georgina Ibeh, Ayo Adesanya, Sandra Okunzuwa, Eddie Watson, Yvonne Jegede, and others. At the time of his death he was the lead actor in Nkechi Blessing’s completed film, which was scheduled for release at 5 p.m. on the day he died; the premiere was cancelled out of respect.

PERSONAL LIFE

Nwoks was reported as single and without children. He kept much of his private life out of the public eye. He was described as tall (approximately 6′3″ / 190 cm). In addition to acting, he ran a food business named Jaylish. He died suddenly on 30 September 2026 in Lagos (reported at a hospital in the Badore area). The cause of death was not publicly disclosed by family or medical officials at the time of the announcements. Actress and producer Nkechi Blessing Sunday, a close colleague, publicly announced the news, stating she had spoken with him that morning (around 8 a.m.) before learning of his passing hours later. She shared emotional tributes and photo collages of their shared moments and plans.