Our Woman Crush Wednesday, Chichi Nwoko, the Founder and CEO of the WHAT MEDIA GROUP, is a pioneering leader and devoted Pan-Africanist, committed to transforming the African media landscape. With three decades of expertise in film, television, and broadcasting, she is an award-winning executive renowned for fostering cross-border collaboration within Africa’s creative and sports industries.
Chichi’s career began at prominent U.S. television networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX TV. Determined to contribute towards Africa’s renaissance, she joined Optima Media Group (OMG), based in Nigeria, as Deputy Director of International Sponsorship and Sales, where she played a key role in shaping the group’s development strategy. Her creative vision came to life as the producer and executive producer of the Nigerian adaptation of Kids Say the Darndest Things.
In 2015, she ventured into filmmaking with Road to Yesterday, featuring Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji. This partnership further led to their historic collaboration on Lionheart, Netflix’s first West African original film acquisition, paving the way for other African titles on the platform. Then, as country manager for Kwesé Free Sports, Chichi demonstrated her leadership in managing premier sports franchises, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, NBA, NFL, and Premier League. In 2021, she co-produced and oversaw the live production and distribution of the Super Eagles’ home matches during the FIFA 2022 African Qualifiers.
Her dedication to showcasing Africa’s talents on the global stage has earned her notable accolades, including recognition as one of MIPAD’s 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in “Media and Culture.” She has also been celebrated by Forbes Africa as “a woman to know if you are doing business in West Africa”, and recognised by the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment as an “Executive to Watch.”
An honours graduate of Columbia University in New York, Chichi majored in International Politics and African Studies, enriching her global outlook and dedication to amplifying Africa’s voice on the world stage. Pride Magazine Nigeria is proud of Chichi Nwoko’s accomplishments as she is celebrated today and always as a woman of impact.