Korra Obidi

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a Nigerian child actress to transform into a globally recognised dancer, musician, author, and social media powerhouse? Look no further than Korra Obidi, the multifaceted artist whose career journey is as dynamic as her vibrant dance moves. Born Anita Obidi Chukwumfumnaya, Korra’s path has been marked by bold artistic expression, significant personal challenges, and an unwavering commitment to using her platform for influence.

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The Early Years and Genesis of a Performer

Korra Obidi was born on 23 June 1991, in Lagos State, Nigeria. Her full name is Anita Obidi Chukwumfumnaya. Growing up in a Christian home with two sisters and a brother, she initially had to hide her passion for dancing from her family. Despite this, her love for performing arts blossomed early, leading her to take various dancing and singing classes from a tender age. She first stepped into the limelight in the late 2000s as a child actress in Nollywood movies.

Korra pursued higher education at the University of Lagos between 2007 and 2011, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management. During her university years, she also dabbled in modeling, earning titles such as Miss Radiography (2009), Miss Moremi (2010), and Miss Congeniality (2014).

A Multifaceted Career Unfolds: Dance, Music, and More

Korra Obidi’s career is a testament to her diverse talents and relentless pursuit of her artistic passions.

Dancing Queen

Korra started in the entertainment scene as a dancer, appearing in music videos. She learned belly dancing from Priti Mastakarr and became a professional dancer in 2007. Her dance journey took her globally, teaching dance in Shanghai, China, and performing at prestigious events like Ladies A’La Mote in Muscat, Dubai, the 2017/18 Africa Basketball League, and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

A pivotal moment in her career was her audition for the American dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance, in 2019. This made headlines as she was the first pregnant woman ever to audition for the show. Her global recognition led to her being featured in music videos for international artists like the Black Eyed Peas, as well as Nigerian celebrities including Tekno, Dr. Sid, Davido, and Orezi. Korra specialises in a wide range of dance forms, including contemporary dance, Latin ballroom, Indian classical, belly dance, and ballet. She continues to share her expertise through her mobility/dance class, “Move with Korra” on Instagram, and “Korra Verse” on YouTube. Her talent was acknowledged with a nomination for the Best Dancer in Africa award at the 2017 AFRIMMA Awards.

Melodies and Albums

Korra also boasts a thriving music career. She released her first single, “Man Like You,” in 2015. To date, she has released two music albums: Woman Power Series (2016) and Sounds From The Throne Room (2019). Her unique Afrobeat sound has captivated global audiences. Some of her popular hits include “Royal Lamba,” “Cool Temper,” and “Money Be Person”. She has also featured with renowned artists such as Femi Kuti, Patoranking, and Mr Eazi. Her music is available on popular streaming sites and her YouTube channel.

From Runways to Social Media Reign

Beyond dance and music, Korra has made her mark in modeling, walking at events like the Port Harcourt International Fashion Week and the GTBank Fashion Week runways. She has also become a prominent content creator, extensively sharing her dance videos and modeling pictures on social media. Her self-titled YouTube channel has over 400,000 subscribers and more than 78 million views. She commands a significant following on Instagram with over 1.5 million followers, TikTok with 2 million followers, and Facebook with 7.5 million fans. This strong digital presence allows her to directly interact with her audience and influence discourse.

Adding to her impressive portfolio, Korra Obidi is also an author, having published two books: Korra and the Last Seed of Odinani (a children’s book) and My Active Pregnancy: A Memoir of My Trimesters. In 2022, she returned to Nollywood, starring in the movie What If, and has appeared in several TV series including Another Ordinary Day, Lumba Boys, The Flatmates, and Saro.

Personal Life and Public Scrutiny

Korra Obidi married Dr. Justin Dean in a lavish traditional ceremony in December 2018, after meeting him in China via the Tinder dating app. Justin was a sports therapist for the Chinese National Olympics Team, while Korra was a language and dance teacher in Shanghai. The couple had two daughters, June Dean (born 2019) and Athena Dean (born March 2022).

However, their marriage faced very public challenges. In March 2022, just days after their second child was born, Justin Dean publicly announced their separation on social media. Their “marriage issues and relationship drama” became a subject of wide analysis on social media. Korra denied allegations of being a serial cheat and cited mental health as one of the reasons she quit her marriage. Their divorce was officially finalised in November 2022. Justin demanded full custody of their children and spousal support. A court document from January 2022 banned both Justin and Korra from posting photos and videos of their children online.

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Controversies and Social Influence

Korra Obidi’s journey hasn’t been without its share of controversies, often sparking wider social conversations. Her “unapologetic self-expression and vibrant dance videos” frequently make headlines.

One notable incident involved her being “almost kicked off a plane for her outfit” – a “skimpy pink ensemble” that airline staff deemed indecent. This event ignited considerable debate online regarding “public dress codes, personal freedom, and airline policies”. Korra directly engaged her audience on Facebook, asking for their opinion on whether the airline was “doing the most”.

More recently, Korra experienced a shocking alleged “acid attack” in London during a livestream in April 2024. She was admitted to hospital after a corrosive substance was reportedly thrown in her face, and the attacker allegedly brandished a knife, slashing her hand. Korra courageously shared footage of the ordeal on Instagram, providing real-time updates from the hospital, stating, “My face is burning, can I have some Coke to wash it please?” and later confirming, “The acid was salicylic and I was lucky”. Her sister, Nancy Umeh, also shared her account of the incident. While Korra stated the liquid was acid, the Metropolitan Police later confirmed it to be a “non-noxious cosmetic item”. She reported that she was “recovering well as I escaped with the best possible scenario”.

Beyond these personal incidents, Korra actively uses her platform to influence social discourse. She leverages her art to promote African culture globally and to advocate against social injustices in Nigeria, such as election manipulation and environmental pollution.

Net Worth and Current Lifestyle

As a multitalented artist, Korra Obidi has built a successful career in the global entertainment scene. According to Buzz Nigeria, her net worth is guesstimated between $350,000 and $1 million, largely attributed to her work in dancing, modeling, and singing. She flaunted her new Jeep Wrangler SUV in May 2022 and acquired a $1.6 million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, in April 2023. She currently resides in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA, continuing to pursue her entertainment career.

Korra Obidi remains a powerful figure, known for her boldness, resilience, and commitment to her art and her roots. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-expression and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and influence.