Toke Makinwa

Who is Toke Makinwa?.

Toke is a media personality from Nigeria, a Radio and TV presenter, a skilled compeer of events, budding actress and so much more.

Why Tv presenting/Radio? Was it a childhood dream or career Choice?.

To be honest I think it’s a mix of both, I have always loved Radio.

Give us a brief Journey on how you came into the Radio Scene?

I started my radio career at the age of 19 when I got offered a slot on a Saturday radio programme for youths at Coolfm 96.9. I got so caught up doing this until my mum heard me on the radio and lets just say She didn’t approve but that didn’t break my spirit.
After my University education, I packed my bags and moved to the UK with one thought only, “If I make it there, they will see and want to support me”. Lets just say that didn’t work out and I came back home, got my NYSC done and settled into the life of a banker. The opportunity came up when I heard Silverbird was hiring, I auditioned and the rest is history.

What’s your Typical Day Like?.

It is really busy, a lot of people think being a media personality is just fun and not work, truth is, it is really tough! The fun part makes it pleasurable and bearable but for you to remain good on the job you have to be willing to push. I call it HUSTLE! The hustle is indeed real.
I am up at 5am everyday, the morning drive is the most important show on every radio station, it is the wake up, drive to work, keep drivers from falling asleep, entertain and inform show and that is alot of work.
Tv is easier than Radio because if you are good looking you can sell any product, when you have to rely on your voice to lure listeners in and keep them wanting more is the challenge.

You started a Radio Show “Rhythm of the Night” How did that come about?.

When I got hired I was put on the night show called the “rhythm of the night” when I think back those days were fun!… I love the shift I’m on now But it shows progress, even the Holy Book says “do not despise the days of small beginnings” that show shaped me, it made me the presenter that I am today. I learnt a lot, I made all my radio errors too and quickly learnt from them. You also find out how many people suffer from insomnia and how easy it is to talk to strangers, Lol but it was a good show.

How was the Response from your Listeners?.

They loved it, 5 mins into the show and the phone lines were buzzing, the listeners made the job worth it and I quickly ran out of room for friends on Facebook LoOOL!.