We had the good fortune of connecting with Fortune Onwunali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fortune, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Growing up in a Nigerian household my family struggled finically. So, the education you receive and the job you pursued had to benefit the whole rather than the individual.

In the eyes of my parents, becoming a doctor, engineer, or lawyer was the only reasonable career that could achieve that goal. To add to that pressure, I am the only boy in my household, therefore, I was considered the up-and-coming breadwinner. So, I learned to disguise myself and stick to the status quo.

However, it wasn’t until I walked into my first speech performance class that a shift began to happen in me. I never really understood speech so waking up at five in the morning to attend a competitive tournament on a Saturday was not the perfect picture of a “weekend off”. When we arrived at our first tournament, I was in awe at the amount of talent and stories I was hearing. Most of the students competing were performing pieces that appealed to their experiences, some that mirrored my own.

When I was selected to perform my piece on bullying, I felt the weight of my world becoming heavier and that any word that would spill out of my mouth would turn the audience away from me. Luckily enough, that wasn’t the case. When my performance was over, I observed students crying and applauding for me. It was the most supportive environment I had ever been a part of.

So, I went on to make a name for myself by using my voice to create change in my community through social media. My social media platforms such as Tiktok gave me the space and opportunity to not only bring joy and laughter to those who watch but also allowed me to be authentic myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Chief Ikenna platform is to create conversation about the connection between Africans and African Americans through art. So whether it is through my poetry, acting, or making videos on my perspective as a first-generation African American, I want to become the bridge builder to unite us and become a more substantial village. My life has not been such a crystal stair. Growing up my communication has not been the best because of my lisp. people use that to belittle me and bully me. Even to this day,  I sometimes think that maybe they were right about me and my doubts start to take control of whom I want to become. I have failed so many times it feels like this may not be meant for me no matter how much I love it. But it’s because of my love for it that I know it’s meant for me! And through that, I have learned to never stop being me. I know that kids are going through the same story so I would keep going for that kid, whomever they may be, to see them become the person they want to be one day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the Houston Museum of African American Culture without question! Their exhibitions are phenomenal and I know that it is never the same when you go to the museum. To add icing on the cake, they sell black-owned art. It is a must-see! Another great place would be Write About Now. They have open mics every Wednesday for poets; it is so fun to be there. From the moment you step onto the patio, to the bar, and even to your seats, the energy is an unforgettable moment that makes you want to come back every Wednesday. I am also into arcade games, so I would take them to Cidercade. It’s an arcade for grown people but it doesn’t close until 2 AM so that is always a plus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanna first give praise to God for without him none of this will be possible. In addition, I want to thank my family and even my mentors who always saw potential in me and knew that no matter what, I was going to be great in this world. Finally, I want to show love to Write About Now and especially the Houston Museum of African American Culture Because these people have gave me a space to elevate into the person I want to become.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefikenna/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chiefikenna?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortune.onwunali

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWR1co9OgXsIPCLrmN9bMlg?sub_confirmation=1

Other: Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM89X8L6L/

Image Credits
Puff Puff Poetry , Write About Now , Micheal Khalidthefuture Reado

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