Jude Chukwuka unveils Arsenal-inspired album at 61

The veteran actor said the music project blends personal experiences, family reflections and football inspiration.

Veteran Nollywood actor Jude Chukwuka celebrated his 61st birthday by releasing his new album, ‘Things I Love’, inspired by Arsenal’s 2025–26 Premier League title triumph after a 22-year wait.

The event took place on Tuesday evening at The Box lounge in Lagos.

The birthday celebration drew a crowd of friends, industry colleagues, and family, including Chukwuka’s former schoolmates. Notable Nollywood figures in attendance included actors Saidi Balogun and Olarotimi Fakunle.

Speaking at the event, Mr Chukwuka said that the birthday event was both a personal milestone and a strategic album launch.

“At 60, I have been able to see my children and children’s children. That is a plus. Then this year, I made a seven-track album. I told myself I should let my friends come together and do this live. So you can have managers who would spread the news,” he said.

“For me, it is a great platform to let them know things I do outside of acting. For me, it has been there forever. I am doing it this year on two things.”

Things I Love 

Mr Chukwuka revealed that the track ‘Arsenal (Mase beru)’ was inspired by his long-awaited hope for the club’s English Premier League (EPL) win.

“First, I am an Arsenal fan. I knew that we were going to win the league this season. In December, I did a song ‘Arsenal (Mase beru)’. So it is a year to celebrate the 22 years of drought for Arsenal,” he added.

Chukwuka treated guests to a live performance of ‘Cheat Code’, a duet featuring his wife Mimi, from the seven-track album.

Other tracks on the project include ‘Nancy Pelosi’, ‘Brazilian Assassin’, ‘Arsenal (Mase Beru)’, ‘Redemption Day’, ‘Invisible Striker’, and ‘Kodak’.

Things I Love is streaming on Spotify and other streaming platforms.