Chacha Eke

Charity Chinonso Eke, professionally known as Chacha Eke Faani, is a prominent Nigerian actress celebrated for her compelling performances in Nollywood films. Born on July 17, 1987, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, she has become a household name in the Nigerian film industry. Beyond her cinematic achievements, Chacha’s personal life, including her battles with mental health and marital challenges, has been a subject of public interest.

Early Life and Education

Chacha Eke was born to Professor John Eke, who served as the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education. She grew up in a family of four children, with three siblings: Justice, Peace, and Ikechukwu Eke. Her early education was at ESUT Nursery & Primary School in Ebonyi State, followed by secondary education at Our Lord Shepherd International School in Enugu State. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Ebonyi State University .

Career in Nollywood

Chacha’s acting career took off in 2009, but she gained significant recognition in 2012 with her role in the drama film “The End is Near.” Since then, she has featured in over 250 Nollywood movies, showcasing her versatility in various roles. Some of her notable films include “Commander in Chief,” “Clap of Thunder,” “Two Hearts,” “Bridge of Contract,” and “Palace of Sorrow” .

In addition to acting, Chacha is an entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Print-Afrique Fashion Ltd, a fashion company that reflects her passion for African-inspired designs .

Personal Life

Chacha Eke’s personal life has been marked by both professional success and significant personal challenges, particularly concerning her marriage and mental health.​

Marriage and Family

Chacha Eke’s marriage to filmmaker Austin Faani Ikechukwu has been one of the most publicly discussed relationships in Nollywood, marked by moments of love, family, turmoil, and resilience. The couple tied the knot on Saturday, June 1, 2013, in a lavish white wedding ceremony held in Asaba, Delta State—a city often referred to as the “home of Nollywood.” The wedding attracted numerous figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry and was widely reported in the media as a union between two Nollywood powerhouses: Chacha, a rising star in acting, and Austin, a respected director and producer.

Together, they built what seemed like an ideal family. The couple is blessed with four children: three daughters—Kamarachukwu, Kaira, and Diamond Faani, and a son—Nazareth Faani. Chacha often referred to her family as her “greatest blessing,” frequently posting pictures and videos of family life on Instagram and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones with heartfelt captions. Her first daughter, Kamara, even became somewhat of a child celebrity, featured in cute videos and tagged in family brand promotions.

Throughout the early years of their marriage, Chacha and Austin presented a unified and loving front, often collaborating professionally. Austin directed several films in which Chacha starred, including Bridge of Contract and Clap of Thunder, cementing them as a creative and romantic duo. Many fans admired their chemistry on and off-screen, often describing them as “Nollywood’s most inspirational couple.”

However, cracks began to appear publicly in 2020, when Chacha announced that the marriage was over, citing “irreconcilable differences.” While she initially gave no reasons, she later blamed her mental health condition—bipolar disorder—for the abrupt announcement and reconciled with Austin soon after. In a follow-up video filmed from a hospital bed in Delta State, Chacha explained:

“My husband has never laid hands on me. Austin Faani is not a violent man. I’m sorry for the confusion. My outburst came from a place of mental instability.”
— (Source: Premium Times, 2022)

Despite the 2020 retraction and subsequent reaffirmation of their love, their marital challenges persisted. In June 2022, Chacha once again announced a split from Austin. This time, she cited more alarming concerns:

“I don’t want to die or go inexplicably missing while living in my paradise.”
— (Source: Global Upfront, 2022)

The public reaction was swift and divided. While some expressed concern and support, others questioned the repeated patterns of separation and reunion. Austin Faani responded with a statement of denial regarding any form of domestic violence, asserting:

“I have never raised my hands on any woman in my life, including my wife.”

Despite the highly publicized marital instability, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in 2023, with Chacha sharing a collage of their wedding photos and stating that love and forgiveness had kept them together. However, the celebration turned out to be a temporary calm before the storm.

On May 1, 2025, Chacha finally confirmed what many had suspected: the marriage was over for good. In a deeply emotional Instagram post, she wrote:

“I’ve watched the life I built fall apart in front of me and still got up the next morning to keep going. I’ve lost my parents suddenly to death, I’ve said goodbye to the man I thought would grow old beside me.”

This post not only served as a formal declaration of the end of her marriage but also captured the emotional exhaustion Chacha had endured, balancing fame, motherhood, mental illness, and marital crisis under the relentless scrutiny of the public.

Her children remain a core part of her identity. In various interviews and posts, she described motherhood as her grounding force, helping her stay strong in the face of emotional and psychological turmoil. She continues to shield them from media glare while occasionally offering glimpses into their lives.

Family Ties and Public Perception

Chacha’s familial roots also play a role in her story. She is the daughter of Professor John Eke, a respected academic and former Commissioner for Education in Ebonyi State, giving her a foundation of discipline and education. Her family’s visibility and reputation added to the scrutiny she faced throughout her marital issues.

Despite the divorce, Chacha has committed to co-parenting with Austin, expressing hope for a respectful relationship for the sake of their children. While their love story may have ended, their legacy as co-creators in Nollywood and parents to four young children continues.

Mental Health Struggles of Chacha Eke

Chacha Eke’s battle with mental health has been one of the most public and poignant stories in Nollywood. Her challenges came to the forefront in October 2020, when she shocked fans by abruptly announcing the end of her marriage to filmmaker Austin Faani. In a widely circulated video posted on social media, a visibly distressed Chacha declared, “I’m done with the marriage,” without offering specific details. The announcement generated intense speculation, with many assuming domestic violence or marital infidelity.

However, just days later, Chacha retracted her statement, clarifying that her outburst was a symptom of a mental health crisis. In a subsequent video, she stated:

“Five days ago, I made a video saying that my marriage to Austin Faani is over. That video came from a troubled mind… I am here at First Delta American Hospital receiving treatment for my mental illness known as bipolar disorder.”

This public admission was unprecedented in Nigeria’s entertainment space, where mental health issues are still largely stigmatized. Chacha’s transparency not only changed the narrative around her marriage but also introduced a much-needed conversation about bipolar disorder in Nigerian society.

In a 2022 interview, Chacha went into harrowing detail about her struggle, recounting an intense manic episode in 2021. She described how she woke up in the early hours of the morning and ran away from home barefoot, completely convinced that her husband planned to sacrifice her in a ritual. She said:

“I ran out of our house in Asaba by 4am and took off barefoot. I was convinced that he wanted to kill me for rituals. I left my kids, my home, everything… and ran to a motor park. I eventually ended up in a hotel where strangers helped me. I had no luggage, no phone—just my delusions.”

This episode, according to Chacha, lasted several days and caused deep concern for her family and friends, who had to launch a frantic search for her. It was only after medical intervention and hospitalization that she was stabilized and properly diagnosed.

Chacha further revealed that her mental health crisis had resulted in the destruction of household property, strained family ties, and repeated hospital visits. In another moment of reflection, she disclosed that she had smashed televisions, mirrors, and furniture, often while her children watched. She admitted:

“We didn’t keep any valuable furniture at home because during an episode, I would destroy everything. I’ve broken several phones and TVs. At some point, my kids started thinking it was normal.”

She also confessed that her condition led her to attempt suicide on more than one occasion, but her faith, medical support, and children were reasons she kept fighting. (Vanguard, 2022)

Despite the distressing episodes, Chacha Eke chose to become an advocate for mental health awareness. She began to use her platform, which includes over 3 million Instagram followers, to discuss her diagnosis, treatment, and daily challenges. She encouraged fans and the public to seek help, urging Nigerians to take mental health as seriously as physical health.

In 2022, she launched an online initiative titled “Stop the Silence”, aimed at encouraging people suffering from mental disorders to speak out and seek help. The campaign emphasized that mental illness is not spiritual or a curse but a medical condition that can be treated. Through her advocacy, she worked to destigmatize mental health conditions, particularly in African societies where such topics are often seen as taboo or linked to supernatural beliefs.

Chacha has credited her recovery and resilience to a strong support system, particularly her husband (despite the controversies), her children, medical practitioners, and her religious faith. However, the journey remains ongoing. In May 2025, during the announcement of her final separation from Austin, Chacha alluded again to the profound emotional impact of her struggles, stating:

“I’ve watched the life I built fall apart in front of me and still got up the next morning to keep going… I’ve said goodbye to the man I thought would grow old beside me.”

Her story is one of raw vulnerability, strength, and ongoing healing. It reflects not only the challenges of living with a chronic mental health condition like bipolar disorder but also the pressure of being a public figure under intense scrutiny.

Marital Challenges and Public Announcements

In June 2022, Chacha once again announced her separation from Austin, expressing concerns for her safety. She wrote, “I don’t want to die or go inexplicably missing while living in my paradise.” Austin Faani denied the allegations of domestic violence, stating, “I have never raised my hands on any woman in my life.” ​

On May 1, 2025, Chacha publicly announced her separation from her husband, marking a significant development in her personal life. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared:​

“I’ve watched the life I built fall apart in front of me and still got up the next morning to keep going. I’ve lost my parents suddenly to death, I’ve said goodbye to the man I thought would grow old beside me. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” ​

This announcement follows previous public disclosures about challenges in their marriage. In 2022, Chacha had announced a separation citing domestic violence but later retracted the statement, attributing it to her struggle with bipolar disorder. Her recent statement underscores the emotional toll of her experiences, including the loss of her parents and a child.

The actress emphasized that love without mutual respect cannot thrive, highlighting the importance of respect in relationships. Her candidness has sparked conversations about mental health and the complexities of personal relationships in the public eye.​

Chacha Eke’s openness about her struggles continues to resonate with many, shedding light on the importance of mental health awareness and the challenges faced by public figures in their personal lives.

Awards and Recognition

Chacha Eke’s talent has earned her several accolades in the Nigerian film industry. Notably, she won the 2013 City People Award for Best Supporting Actress of the Year (English) . Her performances continue to captivate audiences, solidifying her status as one of Nollywood’s leading actresses.

Collaborations and Associations

Throughout her career, Chacha has worked alongside various notable Igbo actors and actresses, including Patience Ozokwor, Chika Ike, and Yul Edochie. These collaborations have contributed to the richness and diversity of Nollywood productions, especially those highlighting Igbo culture and narratives .

Mental Health Advocacy

Chacha’s openness about her bipolar disorder diagnosis has sparked conversations about mental health in Nigeria. By sharing her experiences, she aims to destigmatize mental illness and encourage others to seek help. Her advocacy underscores the importance of mental well-being, particularly in the entertainment industry, where pressures can be immense.

References

• Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Chacha Eke. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chacha_Eke
• Premium Times. (2022, December 4). How mental illness struggles almost destroyed my marriage – Chacha Eke. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/568013-how-mental-illness-struggles-almost-destroyed-my-marriage-chacha-eke.html
• Punch Newspapers. (2022, June 28). I don’t want to die, actress Chacha Eke-Faani announces marriage crash. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/i-dont-want-to-die-actress-chacha-eke-faani-announces-marriage-crash/
• Daily Post. (2022, June 29). I’ve never raised my hands on any woman – ChaCha Eke’s husband, Austin. Retrieved from https://dailypost.ng/2022/06/29/ive-never-raised-my-hands-on-any-woman-chacha-ekes-husband-austin/
• Nairaland. (2017, January 1). The Amazing Life Of Nollywood Actress, Cha Cha Eke. Retrieved from https://www.nairaland.com/3576457/amazing-life-nollywood-actress-cha (How mental illness struggles almost destroyed my marriage, I don’t want to die, actress Chacha Eke-Faani announces marriage …, I’ve never raised my hands on any woman – ChaCha Eke’s husband …, The Amazing Life Of Nollywood Actress, Cha Cha Eke – Celebrities)

Chacha Eke’s journey reflects the complexities of balancing a public career with personal struggles. Her resilience and transparency continue to inspire many, making her a significant figure in both Nollywood and mental health advocacy. (The Amazing Life Of Nollywood Actress, Cha Cha Eke – Celebrities)

Views: 4