What you should know about the Screen goddess called Tonto Dikeh

Tonto Charity Dikeh popularly known as Tonto Dikeh is a household name that resonates within Nollywood and beyond. She is a Nigerian actress, singer, songwriter, philanthropist and humanitarian. She was born on June 9, 1985, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. She is the founder of “The Tonto Dikeh Foundation“~ A life-changing foundation centered on supporting underprivileged women, children, and youths in Nigeria. 

Early Life and Education

Tonto Dikeh was born into a family of seven and she happened to be the third among five children. She lost her mum at the tender age of 3 and was raised by her stepmother. Her family hails from Obio-Akpor, a LGA in Rivers State,  Nigeria, and is of the Ikwerre tribe. 

She attended the Nigerian prestigious University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, where she earned a degree in Petrochemical Engineering. Even though her academic background was in the science department, her passion for acting was a driving force that led her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and she thrived so well at it.

Career (Acting and Music) 

Tonto Dikeh’s career as an actress began in 2005 when she participated in the reality TV show “The Next Movie Star”

Her breakthrough in the movie industry came with the film “Dirty Secret” in 2010, where she played a controversial role that sparked global attention and controversy. 

Since then, Tonto has become known for taking on bold and diverse roles, earning her a reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actresses. 

Following a successful acting career, Tonto Dike pursued a music career. She made her music debut by releasing the singles “Hi” “Itz Ova and “Crazically Fit”

She is a hard-working independent woman who has received brand ambassador deals from many brands including the brand ambassador for Amstel Malta in 2019. 

Politics 

Tonto Dikeh took everyone by surprise in 2022 when she was announced as the Deputy governor candidate under the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial election in Rivers State 2023. 

Personal Life 

Tonto Dikeh has always lived a controversial life which gained the media attention. She was married to Oladunni Churchill, a Nigerian businessman in 2015 and got divorced in 2017. They both have a son together named Prince Andre. 

Tonto has been a support system to countless lives through her foundation as she provides financial assistance, educational scholarships, and empowerment programs aimed at improving the lives of those in need. 

Her nicknames are Poko, Tontolet, Mama King, and King Tonto.

List of some movies she has featured in:

The Terror of a Widow (2013)

Battle of the Queens (2014)

Throne of War (2014)

15 Years of Slavery (2015) 

Dance of Grace (2016) 

Celebrity Marriage (2017)

Net worth 

Tonto Dikeh is one of the most successful and wealthy actresses in the Nollywood industry. She boasts of having an estimated net worth exceeding $1.5 million in US dollars.

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