She is the daughter of a Scottish mother, Elizabeth (née Douglas), and a Nigerian father, Charles Ejogo.

Ejogo has appeared as civil rights activist Coretta Scott King in two films: Boycott (2001) and Selma (2014).

She wrote and sang lead vocals on the song "Candles" by English drum 'n' bass DJ Alex Reece—she appeared in the music video and is listed in the production credits as "Carmen".

Ejogo also sang vocals and duets with ex-husband Tricky on a song called "Slowly".

Aside from "Candles", Ejogo appears on four songs of the Sparkle original soundtrack album from the movie of the same name, singing lead on "Yes I Do" (as a solo), and lead vocals with Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter singing backup on "Jump", "Hooked on Your Love" and "Something He Can Feel".

[10] In 2000, she married American actor Jeffrey Wright, whom she met while making the HBO film Boycott.