People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means
About Nkem DenChukwu
Nkem is a passionate, creative writer and author of 13 books. She was named the 2019 and 2020 Reader’s Choice Winner by the Houston Public Library Foundation. Also named one of Africa’s Top 40 Women in Films and Television by FilmBiz Magazine in 2012. Her 2018 film is Lone Star Deception with Oscar Nominee and Dancing with the Stars Eric Roberts. In 2014, she received her first (international) “Rising Star Award” from the Canada International Film Festival on Pound of Flesh. Came 2023, her first 3D animation film was awarded “Best Animation” at the 12th Globe Awards – AFRIFF – African International Film Festival.
Nkem DenChukwu, a mother of four, was born on July 4th and is the sixth of seven children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Networking and a master’s in Health Services Administration from Strayer University in Washington, DC. Her true love is in the arts of filmmaking and creative writing. Her inspirational verses were published five times in O, the Oprah Magazine, now known as Oprah Daily.
In 2012, Nkem joined fledging groups of filmmakers in Houston, Texas, specializing in independent film productions with a mixture of Hollywood and Nollywood as their backdrops. In 2014, she produced POUND OF FLESH, a film that received the “Rising Star Award at the 2014 Canada International Film Festival,” and the African Oscars for “Best Drama in Diaspora.”
Between 2017 and 2018, Nkem produced the political/crime/drama; LONE STAR DECEPTION, starring Oscar Nominee, Dancing with the Stars Eric Roberts, Anthony Ray Parker (known for Matrix), Merlisa Determined (known for Finding Messiah), Nse Ikpe-Etim (known for Shanty Town/King of Boys), and a host of other great talents from Houston, and the surrounding cities. In 2018, Nkem was featured in Forbes Magazine (Digital Edition) for producing HARVEY, a movie inspired by Hurricane Harvey. Since then, she has had 15 films with her first 3D award-winning film, WHEN HEARTS TOUCH, in the mix. When Hearts Touch screened at the 2023 and 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.
She loves to write compelling stories as much as she enjoys producing thought-provoking, entertaining motion pictures.
Nkem lives in Houston, Texas with her family, and continues to do the things she loves the most. Living her best life against all odds is one of them.
Her Story
For two consecutive years, Nkem was named the Reader’s Choice Winner by the Houston Public Library Foundation.
Nkem has a flare for creative writing and almost everything art. Five of her creative verses were published in O, Oprah Magazine (June 2014, May 2015, July 2016, November 2019, and February 2020 Editions). Her thought-provoking articles were also published in Dallas and Los Angeles independent magazines. For a few years, she contributed on HuffingtonPost.com and occasionally contributed to BellaNaija.com.
In April 2012, Nkem published her first book; Tribal Echoes: Restoring Hope. It’s a two-part book with a collection of intriguing short stories and pages that highlight the beauty of culture. Kerry Washington, Nnamdi Asomugha, Blair Underwood, Dr. Lilian Asomugha, Eric and Eliza Roberts, and Denzel and Pauletta Pearson Washington are amongst many who have signed copies of Tribal Echoes. Book reviews from many readers are on Amazon.
Nkem believes that childhood orientation and words have the power to shape or destroy a child’s life and mindset. Children learn from what they experience, see, read, and hear. This belief made her create LIFE LESSONS; a collection of inspirational children’s books to help empower, educate, enrich, inform, and inspire more than one child at a time. She writes each book with every child, tween, teen, or young adult in mind. In 2013, the book ZOE (1st edition) was endorsed by the former Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker. In 2014, Nkem republished ZOE (2nd edition), wrote and published ALLEY-GATORS: The Bullies of Poughkeepsie, ODERA: An Orphan’s Tale, and ABOUT A BOY (2018). She has written thirteen books so far. THE HOUSE WITHOUT CHRISTMAS was published in 2021, while BE MY EYES is her latest book. Poverty, orphans, hope, and kindness & lack of it around us inspired her to write and 3D-animate WHEN HEARTS TOUCH (coming in 2023).
Nkem has been interviewed live by Emmy Award Winner Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 News during the 2014 Black History Month Celebration and in 2020 to promote mental health through books. Also featured live in Washington, DC on VOA – Voice of America/Africa 54, NBC 2 – Houston Life with Derrick and Courtney, by ABC 13 Eyewitness News Houston and interviewed by Melanie Lawson on “CrossRoads,” FOX 26 News “Black Voices,” on Isiah Factor Uncensored (2018), and Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan (2018). Nkem always says that; “Each day is an opportunity to grow and become a better you,” and believes that we should not only exist, but live our lives to the fullest against all odds while trusting God.
Testimonials
If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads.
David Brackhan
Writer
There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.
Amy Adams
Writer
