Multi-talented actor, Chiedozie ‘Sambasa’ Nzeribe made his debut in the Nollywood movie scene in 2013. And barely three years after, he won the prestigious 2016 AMVCA in the Best Supporting Actor’ category in the movie, ‘A Soldier’s Story’. Since then he has gone on to win several awards in his chosen field. This amiable actor, model and poet, who grew up in Oshodi-Isolo area of Lagos State, speaks with CHIOMA BLESSING on his journey to stardom.
Tell us about growing up?
I GREW up in Isolo, Lagos. I lost my father at a very young age; I recall as a child that he went to work one day and never made it back home. But years later we felt the impact of growing up without a father figure. My mother was a primary school teacher and her 
income was not enough to feed five of us her children. So, she went into petty trading. There is nothing we didn’t sell to make some money. I hawked fufu, vegetables and puff-puff on the streets of Isolo. My mother was also a drama teacher and choir instructor in the church at St. Mary Catholic Church in Isolo. And I was part of the drama and music group in church. There I developed love for music and drama. But sadly, she died of fibroid when I was about rounding off my secondary school education. As a youth, the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), then took up the responsibility to train me and my siblings through its orphans’ scholarship scheme. They saw me through secondary school; I then did my O’ levels, wrote JAMB and gained admission to study Creative Arts at the University of Lagos.
Is Sambasa your real name?
My real name is Chiedozie Sixtus Nzeribe. ‘Sambasa’ is a name that grew with me because of the tough things I was experiencing. It is an acronym for my philosophy of life, and it means ‘Surviving and Maintaining Balance against Societal Aggression’. It simply means that whatever odd life throws; brace it with the belief that you would survive it.
Being trained by the church, was there any complaint when you went into acting?
Yes. Many wondered where I would end up with my course- Creative Arts. But winning the AMVCA awards both in 2016 and 2017 has changed their impression and gave meaning to my career.
Would you encourage your children to go in the creative industry?
I would if they are interested. It’s because of my late mom that I got into acting. After my father died, she took refuge in the church and she was a primary school teacher teacher. So, joining the Jesus Cares Charismatic group in St. Mary’s Catholic church, she became the teacher for the children ministry, she taught drama and music and I always tagged along especially because of the refreshments. That was how I got hooked and I took it through the Catholic youth organisation and then to the University of Lagos and here I am.
Who are your role models?
I like Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ramsey Noah and Desmond Elliot. In the female category, I like Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Mercy Johnson.
most challenging role?
I would say it is the ‘Soldier Story’ by Martin Gbados. Also ‘A mile from Home’ challenged me. What’s fashion for you? Fashion can be uncomfortable if you don’t like what you’re wearing. I have to like what I’m wearing to put it on. I have to feel comfortable in whatever I’m wearing at home or outside. What do you miss now as a public figure? I love mingling with people and being an actor
