By Rita Okoye
Winnie Chukwuemeka is a fast-rising actress and content creator who has won over audiences with her striking presence and her popular role as the on-screen wife of comedian Sabinus.
Born 23 years ago, Winnie, who hails from Delta State, is the first daughter in a family of six. She is currently a final year student of Philosophy at the University of Port Harcourt.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, the dark-skinned beauty opens up about her Nollywood journey, the hurdles she’s had to overcome, and why, beyond the spotlight, she dreams of settling down with a wealthy and successful partner.
Enjoy.
You just celebrated your birthday a few days ago, how do you feel turning 23?
I feel overwhelmed. A lot has changed about me; maturity is setting in little by little. I’ve been through a lot that does not align with my age at all. I know I’m headed somewhere. I’m calm, open to learning new things. I just want to keep on acting. I want to continue being on big screens, experiencing new things and good films as the year goes by.
What makes this year’s birthday different from other ones you celebrated?
This year was a visibility year. I have never been so celebrated all around like this. Sabinus made it possible. He has always been there in the background, doing this in his own time and making it perfect and worth it. I enjoyed every bit of it, even though I got dragged a lot about my age.
You portray the Sabinus’ onscreen wife character so well, how do you get inspired?
My mother inspires me so much. The way I act, talk, dress is just her. I also look like her. People mistake us for siblings. I watched her while growing up. I saw how jovial and interesting she is. Even the way she shouts like a true African mother, but at the end of the day, she has a heart of gold. My father died in 2014, I didn’t get to see him as a grown-up girl, but my world revolves around my mother. I could mimic her for 20 years.
How does she react seeing you act like her?
She says I exposed her online; that a lot of her extended family members call her asking when she started acting. No one believes it’s not her. I look so much like my mother. She’s currently one of my biggest fans. She posts all my jobs on her timeline. She supports and prays for me. Those days when I’d go to act in movies, and come back with tears because I knew I did so well and not even transport was given to me, my mother would ask me to tell her what I thought my role was worth, and when I told her, she sent me the money.
What has been the most challenging part of your acting career?
The most challenging part of my acting career has been managing the emotional highs and lows, not just within the roles I take on, but also in the industry itself. There’s a lot of uncertainty, rejection, and long periods of waiting. Early on, it was hard not to take that personally. But over time, I’ve learned how to separate my self-worth from external validation. I’ve developed rituals and routines that ground me in the work because ultimately, I act because I love storytelling, not for approval. That mindset shift has been both the hardest and most rewarding part of the journey.
Aside from skits with Sabinus, what other popular jobs have you done?
I have featured in some other movies like Zimaana, Playing Lutore, A mother’s heart, EGO and Obi Bobo.
Do you see yourself marrying an entertainer?
No oh. I can’t. I can get married to a lover of the craft, not the craft.
Is Winnie single and ready to mingle?
I am not ready to mingle oh (laughs).
What kind of man fits your definition of ‘Mr. Right?’
First, he must be very wealthy. I mean wealthy in every aspect; in kindness, love, patience, understanding, growth, and also heavy on loyalty. He must not be a talkative but an intentional spender.
Can you become a second wife to a very wealthy man?
No, never! I don’t share.
Behind the glamour, content creation can be brutal, with sleepless nights, harsh comments, and even burnout. What’s the darkest side of your journey that people don’t see?
The isolating, the loneliness it comes with, making other people sad when you, yourself, are sad and depressed. Being happy outside and dying inside. But Sabinus helped me. One day, I was almost in tears, complaining so bitterly to him about the gossip I heard about myself, and a lot of other things. He just told me one thing that changed me: “Winnie, make I tell you, eh, if you want to go far in this industry, close your ears.”
Social media has made stars out of many, but it also destroys just as quickly. What’s the one scandal you fear could ruin everything you’ve built?
Honestly, what I fear most isn’t something I’ve done — it’s being misunderstood or misrepresented in a way that spirals out of control online. In a world where a clip can go viral without context, it’s easy for narratives to be created that don’t reflect the truth. That kind of thing can damage a reputation overnight, even if it’s not grounded in fact; Allowing Nigeria to happen to me.
You’re young, talented, and ambitious but in an industry where sex appeal often overshadows skill, have you ever been asked for sex for a movie role?
I’ve definitely encountered situations where lines were blurred, and the energy shifted in a way that felt uncomfortable. While I haven’t directly been propositioned in exchange for a role, there have been moments where it was clear that the expectation wasn’t just about talent. That kind of pressure is real, and it’s something many actors, especially women and young talent, are forced to navigate quietly. I’ve learned how to protect my boundaries, trust my gut, and lean on people who have my back.
When the cameras stop rolling and the phone goes silent, who is Winnie Chukwuemeka?
When things go quiet, that’s when I dream the loudest. I’m a builder at heart — always thinking about the next project, the next evolution of myself. But I’m also learning how to just be still. Winnie is a work in progress — grounded, curious, and hungry for more than just fame. I want a legacy.
How do you cope with studies and the hurdles of your career?
I won’t lie — sometimes it’s overwhelming. There are days when I feel like I’m being pulled in too many directions. But I’ve learned not to chase perfection. I just try to stay organised, communicate with my lecturers when I need flexibility, and remind myself why I’m doing both. I want a career with depth, and I know education plays a role in that.
Would you at some point dump acting to pursue a career in your field of study?
No oh. I will stick to acting. It gives me joy way more than anything on earth apart from God. The kind of joy it gives me is unbeatable. I know what people go through, so I like making people happy. I like it when people are happy around me. I love to see them smile and ease even if it’s for a bit. I enjoy it so much and want to be on bigger screens, Netflix, Cinemas, Tyler Perry studios and a lot more.
Who are some actors you still look forward to working with?
Mercy Johnson, Nancy Isime, Ireti Doyle, Sola Shobowale, Viola Davies, Kemi Adetiba, Bucci Franklin, RMD, Toyin Abraham, Uche Nancy, Funke Akindele, Regina Daniels, Ruth Kadiri and the likes.
In the next five years where do you see the Winnie brand?
In the next five years, I see the Winnie brand having a deeper presence beyond acting — expanding into producing, possibly directing, and definitely being involved in projects that explore new storytelling formats. I’d love to be involved in projects that blend African narratives with global audiences, making space for diverse perspectives and opening doors for the next generation of creators. On a personal level, I envision building a community, whether it’s through fashion, tech, or social impact, that encourages people to take ownership of their stories and ambitions.
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