Before Nollywood knew him as Simon Peacemaker, Chibuzo Simon Onyimba was a dancer—one who owned a studio and lived for rhythm and movement in Enugu State. Entertainment was always the dream, even when life briefly pulled him in a different direction.
Relocating to Lagos came with high hopes and hard lessons. Financial struggles slowed his creative pursuits, even after releasing a music album. Marriage and family responsibilities soon took priority, pushing his artistic ambitions to the background.
Then came a turning point. A visit to the Lagos studio of his longtime friend, respected director Chris Eneaji, reawakened Onyimba’s love for storytelling. This time, the medium wasn’t dance or music—it was film.
Today, Simon Peacemaker is a respected producer and director with more than 50 film credits. His creative process is deeply personal, inspired by his environment, conversations with friends, family dynamics, and quiet moments of reflection. Ideas begin as voice notes or rough storylines before evolving through collaboration with writers.
Funding remains a constant hurdle. At one point, Peacemaker sold his car to finance his first film. Still, he pressed on—earning grants, partnering with NGOs, and attracting independent investors. His philosophy is simple: start where you are, prove your value, and the right opportunities will follow.
His breakout moment came with Secret Room (2015), a film that earned five AMVCA nominations and won Best Actor for OC Ukeje. For Peacemaker, it wasn’t just an award—it was validation.
With over 40 films on ROK Studios (CANAL+) and a growing international audience through streaming platforms, Simon Peacemaker is optimistic about Nollywood’s future. His latest film, Losing You, explores marriage and faith, reflecting his belief that stories should heal, challenge, and inspire.
Some of his films are available on major streaming platforms. For instance, The Chase, starring notable actors Luke Ik Ogbonna, Gregory Ojefua, Collete Nwadike, Dan Ugoji, and many others, can be found on Amazon Prime Video. His movie Locked was released on Netflix in July 2020, and several of his other films are also available on popular platforms such as Tubi. Additionally, his movie The Bet was nominated in 2018 for Best Movie at the Nigeria Entertainment and Leadership Awards in London.
For young filmmakers, his message is unwavering: stay focused, find a mentor, keep learning, and never abandon your story.
