From humble beginnings in Kwara to establishing a film village, Ibrahim Chatta’s journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and cultural pride in Nollywood.
Early Life, Background, and Family
Ibrahim Abiodun Chatta was born on 13 October 1970 in Bachita, Edu Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. He comes from a large polygamous family and is one of fourteen children. His ethnic background is Tapa (Nupe) on his father’s side, while his mother hails from Modakeke in Osun State.
His parents have since passed away. His mother reportedly died after battling diabetes.
Education
Chatta began his education at St. Bridges Catholic Primary School in Bachita. He later attended Government Secondary School, Bachita, and Dende Secondary School, Aggies. However, he did not complete his secondary education.
Early Struggles and Entry into Acting
Growing up, Chatta had several odd jobs to support himself and his family, including working as a bus driver/conductor before making it fully in the entertainment industry. He began in theatre in 1985 under Joseph Laoye (also called Uncle Joe), which helped him hone his craft.
Career Highlights
His breakthrough acting role came in Aiyekooto (2012), a film which brought him wider recognition.
Over the years, he has starred in many notable Yoruba-language films including Mafi Wonmi, Atini O’go, Olokiki Oru: The Midnight Sensation, Ifa Iwa, King of Thieves, Jagun Jagun and others.
Chatta has also contributed as a writer, producer, director, and singer; he has created soundtracks and engaged in multiple facets of entertainment.
Entrepreneurial Venture: Africhatta Film Village
Ibrahim Chatta is the founder of Africhatta Film Village in Oyo State, Nigeria. This facility is a film village and resort that provides infrastructure and environment for film productions.
Age, Personal Life and Recognition
As of 2025, Chatta is 54 years old, born in October 1970. He is a Muslim.
He has been married multiple times. His current wife is Olaide Aishat (Lizzy Berry). He also has children — his son Malik (born 2008) is often mentioned.
Chatta has received several awards, including Best Supporting Actor (BON) (2012), Best Supporting Actor in a Yoruba Film BON (2013), Best Actor of the Year (Yoruba) at City People Movies Awards (2019), among others.
Legacy
Ibrahim Chatta’s story is one of perseverance and versatility. Despite dropping out of formal education, his talent and resilience propelled him into stardom. His founding of Africhatta has added to his legacy by creating opportunities and spaces for filmmaking beyond just acting. His identity — as someone of mixed ethnic lineage, deeply connected to Yoruba cinema, but also Tapa (Nupe) by blood — adds to his unique standing in Nigerian entertainment.
References: NewsWireNGR & Historical Nigeria
