Actress, singer, humanitarian and fashionista are some of the words that could easily be associated with Tonto Dikeh. Tonto Charity Dikeh is one of the most outspoken, straightforward celebrities you will ever meet.
Although Tonto has a degree in Petrochemical Engineering, her first love has always been acting. She took part in the reality show, Next Movie Star which although she didn’t win, it opened a new world of opportunities for her.
Starting with an acting career, Tonto started with Holy Cross with Pete Edochie and Jim Iyke. Her performance made her one of the most sought after actresses at that time. She went on to play more intense roles like her character in Dirty Secrets. She gained a lot of popularity and controversy due to the movie’s explicit adult scenes. She went on to appear in more movies like Wild and Dirty, Tea or Coffee, Family Disgrace, Blackberry Babes, and several other movies.
Next, Tonto tried her hand in music. She released a few singles such as ‘Hi’ and ‘Itz Ova’ which received mixed reactions with some loving her songs, and others saying she should stick to acting. That did not deter her, she went further and signed to DB Records, a music label owned by D’banj, but left the label in March 2015.
On 27 August 2000, Tonto Dikeh set up The Tonto Dikeh Foundation. The Foundation was established with a clear vision of making life better for all displaced and underprivileged women, girls, youth, and children in Africa. Tonto is very passionate about helping people and also about issues affecting women. She never hesitates to lend a hand or join a protest if need be.
Her traditional marriage to Oladunni Churchill was held in August 2015. In February 2016, Tonto gave birth to her son, King Andre Dikeh. The couple are now separated, but no one can deny King Tonto’s love for her son. She once called herself a ‘momster’, saying “I am happy when he is happy. I will give him the whole world and more”.
Tonto is also a business-savvy woman. In 2016, she signed a 100 million Naira deal with Zikel Cosmetics. She’s also an ambassador for Amstel Malta, Sapphire Scents, Pels International, and the National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP).
Tonto also shows herself to be a talented content creator, as she produces two online shows, a cooking show called Grub and Rub and a self-help show called Do It Yourself. Tonto has proven to be an all-rounder who goes after what she wants passionately and makes success her end game.
Writer: Dara Oluwatoye
