Biography

Donald Tombia is an acclaimed writer, producer, and director with a dynamic career spanning storytelling, television, and film. Known for his bold narratives and compelling characters, Donald has firmly established himself as one of Nollywood's most influential voices.

From an early age, Donald's passion for storytelling was evident. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, his love for the arts was nurtured by his parents, who introduced him to a world of books ranging from Greek mythology and Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes and Pacesetter novels. His childhood was equally shaped by a fascination with anime, manga, and Eastern storytelling, as well as iconic TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Donald's journey into storytelling took an unconventional route. With a background in Electrical Electronics Engineering and Forensic Computing, he began his professional life in network security before transitioning into writing full-time. His breakthrough came in 2011 while studying for his Master's degree in the UK, where he started writing unconventional devotionals on Blackberry Messenger that evolved into short stories and eventually a popular blog.

In 2018, Donald made the bold decision to leave the tech industry to pursue storytelling. He attended the renowned Story Story Masterclass by Chris Ihidero, which set the foundation for his prolific career. Donald quickly rose to prominence as a staff writer on the epic telenovela Ajoche and contributed to projects like the political thriller comic Trinity II and the award-winning medical drama Strain.

Donald's body of work includes writing for the Nigerian telenovela Tinsel, the Netflix hit gritty crime series, Shanty Town, and the award-winning feature, Introducing The Kujus. In 2023, he co-created and head-wrote the crime television series Slum King and the telenovela Masquerades of Aniedo for Africa Magic. His innovative approach earned him recognition as one of Nairametrics' "10 Powerhouse Writers in Nollywood" in 2023 and YNaija/EbonyLife's "100 Most Influential People in Nollywood" in 2024.

In October 2023, Donald launched his independent production company, Rocks & Badgers. In 2024, under this banner, he began production on his directorial debut, Ode! There Is No Bus Stop On This Trip, a surrealist short film exploring economic and societal challenges in Nigeria.

Donald Tombia's career is a testament to his versatility and passion for storytelling. With award-winning projects and groundbreaking innovations, he continues to push boundaries in Nollywood and beyond.
- IMDb mini biography by: Donald Tombia

After reading Dan Brown's techno-thriller Digital Fortress, Tombia's interest in cryptography took flight and he studied Forensic Computing in the University of Bradford and after a stint of unemployment where he kept busy by designing graphics for his church and writing stories for his blog, Sleeicktales, he bagged employment in a Cybersecurity and Service Assurance Value-Add Reseller, TigerLogic Solutions Limited, Nigeria in 2013.

Is an only child.

Tombia's father had wanted him to have his university education in Covenant University but they didn't have Computer Engineering, rather ICT which was relatively new. So rather, he studied Electrical Electronics Engineering in Igbinedion University, Okada.

He worked in the Network Security department of Weco Systems Group and in his 6-month stint, he bagged the coveted CCNA certification which caused an uproar in his school.

The drama is [always] in the details

I don't place an exciting premium on ideas, it is execution that matters

Genius is fueled by craft; you have to get good at your craft. That's how you bring out your genius.