Nigeria is a country blessed with many talented and creative personalities, who have made their mark in various fields of entertainment, business, and social impact. One of such personalities is Toke Makinwa, a media personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, and author. Toke Makinwa is known for hosting The Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series, Toke Moments.
She has also written a bestselling book, On Becoming, which chronicles her personal struggles and triumphs. She has won several awards and accolades, such as the Most Influential Young Nigerian and the Style Influencer of the Year. But how much do you know about her background, journey, and achievements?
In this blog post, we will explore the biography of Toke Makinwa, from her early life and education to her career and personal life.
Toke Makinwa Early life and education
Toke Makinwa was born on November 3, 1984, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the second of four children. She lost both of her parents to a fire accident when she was eight years old, and was raised by her foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Akinyelure.
She attended the Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo State, where she developed her passion for communication and entertainment. She later enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she graduated with a degree in English and Literature
Toke Makinwa Career in media
Toke Makinwa started her career in the media in 2010, when she co-hosted The Morning Drive show on Rhythm 93.7 FM. She quickly became popular for her witty and engaging style of presentation, and gained a loyal fan base. She also launched her late-night talk show, Rhythms of the Night, where she discussed various topics ranging from love, relationships, fashion, and lifestyle
In 2012, she premiered her YouTube vlog series, Toke Moments, which gave her fans a glimpse into her personal life and opinions. The vlog series became a hit, as it showcased her humorous and candid personality, and attracted millions of views and subscribers. She also hosted several events, such as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant, the Future Awards, and the Headies Awards
In 2013, she won the Nigeria Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year. She also became an ambassador for the United Africa Company of Nigeria (UACN), and featured in several commercials and campaigns. She also co-hosted the TV show, 3 Live Chicks, along with Tosyn Bucknor and Oreka Godis, where they interviewed celebrities and discussed trending issues.
In 2014, she signed a multi-million Naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria to become the new face of Maggi, a popular seasoning brand. She also hosted the TV show, Trending, on Hip Hop World Magazine, where she interviewed celebrities and covered entertainment news. She also joined EbonyLife TV as a co-host of the flagship show, Moments, along with Bolanle Olukanni and Michelle Dede.
In 2016, she released her memoir, On Becoming, which detailed her life experiences, including her marriage and divorce from Maje Ayida, a fitness trainer. The book was a bestseller, and received positive reviews from critics and fans. The book also sparked a lot of controversy, as it revealed some shocking details about her ex-husband’s infidelity and betrayal. She also launched her handbag line, Toke Makinwa Luxury, which featured a collection of leather bags and accessories.
In 2017, she became the brand ambassador and face of Mecran Cosmetics, a skincare company. She also hosted the TV show, The Voice Nigeria, along with IK Osakioduwa, where they showcased the talents of aspiring singers. She also launched her fashion line, TM by Toke Makinwa, which featured a range of clothing, footwear, and accessories.
In 2018, she made her acting debut in the movie, Makate Must Sell, where she played the lead role of a sales agent who had to sell a house within 30 days. The movie was a comedy, and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. She also hosted the TV show, Big Brother Naija, along with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, where they interacted with the housemates and viewers of the reality show. She also launched her perfume line, TM Luxury, which featured a variety of fragrances for men and women.
In 2019, she hosted the TV show, The Wedding Party, along with Banky W, where they gave tips and advice to couples planning their weddings. She also starred in the movie, Sugar Rush, where she played the role of a wealthy socialite who was involved in a money laundering scheme. The movie was a blockbuster, and became one of the highest-grossing movies of the year. She also launched her skincare line, Glow by TM, which featured a range of products for different skin types and tones.
In 2020, she hosted the TV show, The Voice Nigeria Season 3, along with Nancy Isime, where they continued to showcase the talents of aspiring singers. She also starred in the movie, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, where she played the role of a sophisticated and ruthless crime boss. The movie was a remake of the 1995 classic, and received positive reviews from critics and fans. She also launched her podcast, Toke Moments, where she discussed various topics relating to love, life, and relationships.
In 2021, she hosted the TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12, along with Chidi Mokeme, where they followed the adventures of the contestants in the jungle. She also starred in the movie, The Prophetess, where she played the role of a fake prophetess who had to save the world from a looming disaster. The movie was a comedy, and received rave reviews from critics and fans. She also launched her TV show, Talk With Toke Makinwa, where she interviewed celebrities and influencers on MultiChoice.
Toke Makinwa Personal life
Toke Makinwa is not married, but she has been linked to several celebrities in the past, such as Maje Ayida, Seyi Kuye, Oluseyi Kuye, and Tuoyo Ideh. However, she has not confirmed or denied any of these relationships. Toke Makinwa is currently single and focused on her career.
Toke Makinwa is also involved in philanthropy and social causes. She is an ambassador for the United Nations’ campaign to end child mortality, and has performed at several charity events and concerts.
She is also an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, and has spoken out against sexual harassment and violence against women. She is also a supporter of the Nigerian football team, and has performed the national anthem at several matches.
Toke Makinwa Awards and nominations
Toke Makinwa has won several awards and nominations for her media and entertainment achievements. Some of them are:
Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Broadcasters Awards
Radio OAP of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Most Influential Young Nigerian in Media at the 2017 Avance Media Awards
Style Influencer of the Year at the 2017 Glitz Style Awards
Media Personality of the Year at the 2018 ELOY Awards
Best Dressed Female Celebrity at the 2019 AMVCA
Best Actress in a Comedy at the 2020 AMVCA
African Broadcaster of the Year at the 2020 African Choice Awards
Toke Makinwa Net Worth
Toke Makinwa’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2024. She makes most of her money from her media and entertainment career, which includes hosting radio and TV shows, vlogging on YouTube, writing a bestselling book, and acting in movies. She also has several endorsement deals and businesses, such as cosmetics, fashion, and perfume lines. Toke Makinwa is one of the most talented and successful media personalities in Nigeria and Africa
Controversy And Activism Of Toke Makinwa
Toke Makinwa has been involved in some controversies and activism in her career. Some of them are:
In December 2020, she was arrested in Uganda along with Tems, another Nigerian singer, for allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines by performing at a concert. They were charged with "negligently doing acts likely to spread an infectious disease". They were later released and returned to Nigeria, after the intervention of the Nigerian government and other celebrities.
In October 2020, she participated in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality and injustice in Nigeria. She donated money and food to the protesters and urged the government to listen to their demands.
In July 2022, she faced backlash from some fans for her unsatisfactory performance at the Afronation concert in Portugal. She offered a disgruntled fan VIP access to her ongoing tour as an apology.
Toke Makinwa is one of the most talented and successful media personalities in Nigeria and Africa. She has also shown her social consciousness and responsibility with her actions and words.
Conclusion
Toke Makinwa is one of the most talented and successful media personalities in Nigeria and Africa. She has proven her skill and creativity with her media and entertainment projects. She has also inspired many young girls and women with her passion and dedication. She is a media queen in every sense of the word, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Toke Makinwa, we love you!
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