Tonto Dikeh

2024-04-16T20:11:48Z

102.88.33.77:

{{short description|Nigerian actress}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Tonto Dikeh
| image = Tonto Dikeh cropped.png
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Tonto Charity Dikeh
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1985|06|09}}
| birth_place = [[Port Harcourt]], [[Rivers State|Rivers]], Nigeria
| other_names = {{hlist|Poko|Tontolet|Mama King|King Tonto}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer|songwriter|philanthropist}}
| years_active = 2006–present
| notable_works = {{hlist|''Missing Rib''|''Games Fools Play''|''A Night with the King''|''Zara''}}
| nationality = [[Nigerian]]
| citizenship = 
| alma_mater = [[Rivers State University of Science and Technology]]
| party = [[African Democratic Congress]]
| spouse = {{marriage|Oladunni Churchill |2015|2017|end=div}}
| children = 1
| known_for =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instrument = Vocals
| genre = {{hlist|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]|pop}}
| years_active = 2011–2017
| label = Poko Entertainment
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
*[[D'banj]]
*[[Solid Star]]
*[[Terry G]]
*[[Jaywon]]
*Kayswitch
*2kriss
*DeeVee
*Snypa }}
| website = {{URL|www.tontodikehent.com/}}
}}
}}
'''Tonto Charity Dikeh {{IPAc-en|audio=Ig-Tonto_Dikeh.ogg}}''' (born 9 June 1985) is a [[Nigerians|Nigerian]] actress, singer,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trin |first=Mercy |date=2022-02-26 |title=Kayanmata: Amidst criticisms, actress Tonto Dikeh issues out a public statement |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/entertainment/tonto-dikeh-reacts-to-backlash-for-promoting-kayanmata |access-date=2022-03-15 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-GB}}</ref> songwriter, and humanitarian.<ref>{{cite web |title=ABOUT TONTO DIKEH |url=http://www.tontodikehent.com/about.php |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628094415/http://www.tontodikehent.com/about.php |archive-date=28 June 2016}}</ref> On 27 August 2000, Tonto Dikeh set up her foundation, "The Tonto Dikeh Foundation".<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh Foundation|url=https://www.today.ng/topic/tonto-dikeh-foundation|access-date=2 June 2020|work=today.ng |agency=today.ng |date=2 June 2020}}</ref>

In June 2022, Tonto was announced as the deputy governorship candidate under the [[African Democratic Congress]] in the [[2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olowolagba |first=Fikayo |date=2022-06-24 |title=Yul Edochie reacts as Tonto Dikeh emerges ADC deputy governorship candidate |url=https://dailypost.ng/2022/06/24/yul-edochie-reacts-as-tonto-dikeh-emerges-adc-deputy-governorship-candidate/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Rivers ADC gov candidate nominates Tonto Dikeh as running mate |url=https://punchng.com/rivers-adc-gov-candidate-nominates-tonto-dikeh-as-running-mate/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=ADC Nominates Tonto Dikeh As Deputy Governorship Candidate For Rivers |url=https://www.channelstv.com/2022/06/24/adc-nominates-tonto-dikeh-as-deputy-governorship-candidate-for-rivers/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=Channels Television}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Tonto Dikeh emerges running mate to Rivers ADC governorship candidate - Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/538943-tonto-dikeh-emerges-running-mate-to-rivers-adc-governorship-candidate.html,%20https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/538943-tonto-dikeh-emerges-running-mate-to-rivers-adc-governorship-candidate.html |access-date=2022-06-25 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-25 |title=Tonto Dikeh heads to Government House {{!}} The Nation |newspaper=The Nation Newspaper |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/tonto-dikeh-heads-to-government-house/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> She was welcome by Port Harcourt people after her declaration as deputy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trin |first=Mercy |date=2022-07-25 |title=Tonto Dikeh receives a grand welcome as she storms River State for her political campaign (Video) |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/entertainment/tonto-dikeh-receives-rousing-welcome-as-she-storms-river-state-for-her-political-campaign |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Movies and television ==
Tonto Dikeh was featured in a movie titled ''[[Dirty Secret]]'', which generated controversy among Nigerians due to its inclusion of adult scenes. While some people criticized her role for being nontraditional and un-African, others stated that Dikeh was merely being professional.<ref name="aA">{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201011221328.html |title=Nigeria: Nollywood Splits Over Tonto Dike |publisher=allAfrica.com |access-date=4 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/nigerian-celebrities-and-tattooing/|title=Nigerian celebrities and Tattooing|date=6 January 2012|work=[[Vanguard (Nigeria)|The Vanguard]]|access-date=15 January 2012|location=Lagos, Nigeria}}</ref>

== Music career ==
Following a successful acting career, Tonto Dikeh decided to pursue a music career. Before that, she was featured in a music video for Amaco Investments, alongside [[Patience Ozokwor]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://afw.gnbo.com.ng/Nollywood+News|title= Tonto Dikeh life history and profile, Playing music with Patience Ozokwor |publisher=Anambra fashion week|date=22 January 2012}}</ref>
She made her music debut by releasing the singles "Hi" and "Itz Ova", the latter of which features Snypa.<ref>{{Cite web | url =http://www.tooxclusive.com/music/world-premiere-tonto-dikeh-hi-itzovasnypa/| title = World Premiere Tonto Dikeh|publisher= Too Xclusive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url =http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/21003/38/tonto-dikeh-needs-to-learn-how-to-sing-ojb.html | title = Tonto Dike needs to learn how to sing |publisher= Nigeria films}}</ref> On 13 June 2014, Nigerian singer [[D'banj]] signed her to his record label, DB Records.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.jointsarena.com/2014/06/dbanj-officially-unveils-db-records-lee.html| title = D'banj Finally Unveils DB Records Lee Family |publisher = Joints Arena}}</ref> Tonto Dikeh announced her departure from DB records in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2016/03/17/tonto-dike-leaves-dbanjs-record-label.html | title= Tonto Dike Leaves D'banj's Record Label | publisher = Naija Loaded }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Tonto Dikeh was born into a family of seven and is the third of five children. Her family is from [[Obio-Akpor]], a LGA in [[Rivers State]], south-south Nigeria and is of [[Ikwerre people|Ikwerre]] descent.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.naij.com/tag/tonto_dikeh.html|title=Tonto Dikeh|newspaper=Naij.com – Nigeria news.|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://howng.com/actress-tonto-dikeh-full-biography-life-and-news/|title=Actress Tonto Dikeh Full Biography Life And News – How Nigeria|date=29 September 2015|newspaper=How Nigeria|access-date=9 February 2017}}</ref> At age 3, she lost her mother and was raised by her step-mother, who has two children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mjemagazine.com/photos-tonto-dikeh-shares-late-mum-step-mother-dad/#comments|title=Photos – Tonto Dikeh Shares Late Mum, Step Mother & Dad|website=MJ Celebrity Magazine|access-date=24 October 2016}}.</ref> Dikeh studied [[petrochemical]] [[engineering]] at [[Rivers State University of Science and Technology]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-20 |title=Ten things you may not know about Tonto Dikeh - Premium Times Nigeria |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/104320-ten-things-you-may-not-know-about-tonto-dikeh.html,%20https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/104320-ten-things-you-may-not-know-about-tonto-dikeh.html |access-date=2022-06-28 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In September 2021, Tonto Dikeh's ex-fiancé, Prince Joseph Kpokpogri, sued her and the Department of State Security (DSS) to court for allegedly threatening his fundamental human rights.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh's estranged lover, Prince Kpokpogri drags DSS, actress to court over threat to fundamental rights |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/tonto-dikehs-estranged-lover-prince-kpokpogri-drags-dss-actress-to-court-over-threat-to-fundamental-rights/|publisher=TonyGutsy |access-date=16 October 2021 |date=22 September 2021}}</ref> Kpokpogri said he left Tonto because of her hard smoking and bad
drinking habit.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-23|title=Your hard smoking and heavy drinking made us break-up, Kpokpogri claps back at Tonto Dikeh|url=https://punchng.com/your-hard-smoking-and-heavy-drinking-made-us-break-up-kpokpogri-claps-back-at-tonto-dikeh/|access-date=2021-11-22|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Controversy ==
Her traditional marriage to [[Olakunle Churchill]] was held in August 2015.
In 2014, she was rumored to have been in a sexual relationship with [[Rukky Sanda]]. However, during an interview with [[Rukky Sanda]] the rumour was debunked.
In February 2016, Dikeh gave birth to her son 'King', whom she nicknamed Baby X.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 February 2016|title=Actress welcomes first child, releases maternity photos|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/tonto-dikeh-actress-welcomes-first-child-releases-maternity-photos/0r409mj|access-date=7 April 2019|publisher=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref> However, since then, the couple has gone and moved different ways.<ref>{{cite web|date=28 April 2019|title=Actress reveals sadness over her relationship with husband, Churchill, in an interview with OAP Daddy Freeze|url=https://www.gutsynaij.com.ng/2019/05/tonto-dikeh-says-ex-hubby-lasts-only-40sec-on-bed.html/|access-date=7 May 2019|publisher=TonyGutsy}}</ref>

Dikeh had in early October 2021 entangled herself in a web of controversy after publishing in her social media handles, purported voice notes suggesting that her ex-lover, JOSEPH EGBRI (popularly known as Prince Kpokpogri) had sex tapes and nude photos on his smartphone of Usiwo Orezimena Jane, a Nigerian twerk dancer, popularly known as JANEMENA. Dikeh was reported to have made the allegations in the wake of her messy breakup with her ex-lover, Kpokpogri, in September.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-11|title=Popular dancer, Janemena, petitions police over Tonto Dikeh's cyberstalking, defamation|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/489388-popular-dancer-janemena-petitions-police-over-tonto-dikehs-cyberstalking-defamation.html|access-date=2021-10-20|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Endorsements==
On 5 February 2016, Tonto Dikeh was named an Ambassador to a property firm in Abuja ('''NUMATVILLE''') worth millions of Naira.<ref>{{cite news |title=Property firm appoints Tonto Dikeh as brand ambassador|url=
https://www.pulse.ng/news/numatville-property-firm-appoints-tonto-dikeh-as-brand-ambassador/t8xstmr|access-date=24 May 2020|work=Inemesit Udodiong |date=24 May 2020}}</ref>

On 9 January 2018, Tonto Dikeh gets an endorsement as a brand ambassador for a beauty and skincare brand ('''Pels International)'''. The beauty brand is popularly known for making skin brightening beauty products.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh Gets Endorsement Deal With Beauty Brand|url=https://hmystatenews.com/tonto-dikeh-get-endorsement-deal-with-beauty-brand/|access-date=24 May 2020|work=mystatenews |agency=mystatenews |date=24 May 2020}}</ref>

On 8 March 2018, Dikeh became an ambassador for '''Sapphire Scents''', a new perfume line offering distributorship business opportunities to Nigerians.<ref>{{cite news |title= Tonto Dikeh Becomes Sapphire Scents Brand Ambassador|url=https://naijagists.com/tonto-dikeh-sapphire-scents-perfume-brand-ambassador/|access-date=24 May 2020|work=Naija Gists |date=24 May 2020}}</ref>

On 27 April 2018, Tonto Dikeh bagged an endorsement deal with the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) on human trafficking.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh bags endorsement deal|url=https://kemifilani.ng/2018/04/tonto-dikeh-bags-endorsement-deal.html/|access-date=24 May 2020|work=Kemifilani |agency=Kemifilani |date=24 May 2020}}</ref>

On 24 March 2019, Tonto Dikeh was revealed as the brand ambassador for Amstel Malta. This had happened when Tonto Dikeh stepped out in style for a dinner party organized by Amstel Malta. The dinner, organized specifically for brand influencers, saw Dikeh announced as one of its ambassadors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh Revealed As Amstel Malta New Brand Ambassador|url= https://plat4om.com/tonto-dikeh-revealed-as-amstel-malta-new-brand-ambassador/amp/|access-date=1 August 2019 |work=Plat4om |agency=Plat4om|date=1 August 2019}}</ref>

On 23 May 2019, Tonto Dikeh signed a 100million Naira endorsement deal with Zikel Cosmetics.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tonto Dikeh bags N100m deal with Zikel cosmetics |url=https://oak.tv/newstrack/tonto-dikeh-n100m-zikel-cosmetics/ |access-date=25 June 2019 |work=Oak TV Newstrack |agency=Oak Tv |date=23 May 2019}}</ref>

==Selected singles==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title !! Year !! Ref
|-
| "Hi" || rowspan="3"|2012 || rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://notjustok.com/2012/10/17/tonto-dikeh-itz-ova-hi/|title=Tonto Dikeh – Itz Ova + Hi|date=17 October 2012}}</ref>
|-
| "Itz Ova"
|-
| "Crazically Fit" (featuring [[Terry G]]) ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.360nobs.com/2012/12/single-premiere-tonto-dikeh-ft-terry-g-crazically-fit/|title=Single Premiere: Tonto Dikeh ft Terry G - Crazically Fit - 360Nobs.com}}</ref>
|-
| "Jeje" || rowspan="2"|2013 ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://notjustok.com/2013/02/28/tonto-dike-jeje/|title=Tonto Dikeh – JEJE|date=28 February 2013}}</ref>
|-
| "Sheba" (featuring [[Solid Star]])||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://notjustok.com/2013/06/09/tonto-dikeh-sheba-ft-solidstar/|title=Tonto Dikeh – Sheba ft Solidstar|date=9 June 2013}}</ref>
|-
| "Ekebe" || 2014 ||<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/02/tonto-dikeh-premieres-new-song-ekebe-listen/|title=Tonto Dikeh premieres New Song "Ekebe" – Listen|date=20 February 2014 }}</ref>
|-
| "Sugar Rush" (featuring [[D'banj]]) || 2015 ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://notjustok.com/2015/04/28/video-tonto-dikeh-sugar-rush-ft-dbanj/|title=VIDEO: Tonto Dikeh – Sugar Rush ft. D'banj|date=28 April 2015}}</ref>
|}

==Selected filmography==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*''Tea or Coffee'' (2006)
*''Pounds and Dollars'' (2006)
*''Missing Rib'' (2007)
*''Final Hour'' (2007)
*''Divine Grace'' (2007)
*''7 Graves'' (2007)
*''Crisis in Paradise'' (2007)
*''Insecurity'' (2007)
*''Away Match'' (2007)
*''Games Fools Play'' (2007)
*''The Plain Truth'' (2008)
*''Love my Way'' (2008)
*''Before the Fall'' (2008)
*''Total Love'' (2008)
*''Strength to Strength'' (2008)
*''Missing Child'' (2009)
*''Native Son'' (2009)
*''Dangerous Beauty'' (2009)
*''My Fantasy'' (2010)
*''Zara''
*''Dirty Secret'' (2010)
*''Last Mission''
*''Blackberry Babes Re-loaded'' (2012)
*''Secret Mission''
*''Rush Hour''
*''Fatal Mistake''
*''Family Disgrace''
*''Miss Maradonna''
*''Mortal Desire''
*''Criminal Widow 1''
*''Criminal Widow 2'' (2013)
*''Then Terror of a Widow 1'' (2013)
*''Then Terror of a Widow 2'' (2013)
*''Battle of the Queens'' (2014)
*''Throne of War'' (2014)
{{div col end}}

==See also==

* [[List of people from Port Harcourt]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb name|2943918}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dikeh, Tonto}}
[[Category:Actresses from Port Harcourt]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Singers from Port Harcourt]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:Rivers State University alumni]]
[[Category:Ikwerre people]]
[[Category:Nigerian Christians]]
[[Category:Actresses from Rivers State]]
[[Category:Nigerian philanthropists]]
[[Category:Nigerian politicians]]
[[Category:Nigerian songwriters]]
[[Category:Nigerian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:People from Rivers State]]
[[Category:Nigerian singers]]

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Tonto Dikeh