Zinno Akpoghene Orara was born on 17 November 1965 in Benin City. He attended Government College, Ughelli and the School of Art and Design (Polytechnic), Auchi. He graduated in 1988 specializing in painting and illustration. He also holds a degree in Philosophy.

Zinno graduated with several academic awards and established a Studio Practice immediately afterwards. He had his first independent exhibition, Metamorphosis at Didi Museum in 1991. Since then he has had 13 independent exhibitions and over 20 collaborations. His works are exhibited all over Nigeria and overseas including South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain and United States of America.

He is currently experimenting with heavy textures and flat colours.

He enjoys football and reggae music and is particularly fond of Bob Marley.