Toke Makinwa is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur and author. She is known for hosting The Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments. She released her book On Becoming in November 2016.
Contents
Early Life & Education
Toke Makinwa was born on 3 November 1984, in Lagos state. She attended the Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo State. She later attended the University of Lagos, where she earned a BA degree in English and literature.
Career
Makinwa made her major media debut in 2010 on Rhythm 93.7 FM’s The Morning Drive show as a co-host. In 2012, she made a television appearance as host of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant, which was broadcast live across Nigeria. She co-hosted Flytime TV’s 3 Live Chicks, along with Tosyn Bucknor and Oreka Godis. The show debuted as a web series before expanding to terrestrial television in late 2012. Makinwa did not renew her contract with Flytime TV for the show’s second season and was subsequently replaced by her radio colleague Omalicha. In 2012, Makinwa launched her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments.
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Hip Hop World Magazine announced Makinwa as the host of its interview and talk series Trending in January 2014. She also secured a spot on EbonyLife TV as a co-host of its flagship show Moments.
Makinwa has hosted numerous notable events, including the 2013 Future and City People Awards, as well as the 2014 Headies Awards.
Makinwa lost both of her parents to a fire accident when she was 8 years old. She released her memoir On Becoming in November 2016. The book talks about her personal struggles and addresses the betrayal of her now ex-husband, Maje Ayida. Makinwa went on a book tour to promote the book. The tour included Nigeria, South Africa, the U.S, the U.K, and parts of East Africa.
Makinwa launched a handbag line under her eponymous label in 2017, Toke Makinwa Luxury. She also launched a skincare product called Glow by TM in 2018.
Endorsement
Makinwa became an ambassador of the United Africa Company of Nigeria, alongside Osas Ighodaro, Dare Art Alade and Dan Foster in 2013. She also signed a multi-million naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria to become the new face of Maggi. In 2016, she became the brand ambassador and face of Mecran Cosmetics. She has also been an ambassador for Payporte and Ciroc.
Personal Life
On 15 January 2014, Makinwa married Maje Ayida, whom she had been involved with for eight years and separated with him in 2015 after discovering that he had impregnated his ex-girlfriend. On 5 October 2017, Makinwa’s marriage to Ayida was dissolved by a Lagos High Court on the grounds that Ayida committed adultery.
Awards
Nominated On Air Personality of the Year (Radio) at 2012 The Future Awards
Won Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year at 2013 Nigeria Broadcasters Awards
Nominated Radio OAP of the Year at 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Award
Nominated Favourite Nigerian On Air Personality at 2014 Nickelodeon kids Choice Awards
Nominated Entertainment Personality of the Year at 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Nominated Best OAP of the Year at 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Nominated TV Presenter of the Year & Brand Ambassador (Maggi) at 2014 ELOY Awards
Won Style Influencer of the Year at 2017 Glitz Awards
Won Most Influential Young Nigerian in Media at 2017 Avance Media
Won 100 Most Influential Young Africans at 2017 Africa Youth Award
Social Media Handles
Instagram: @tokemakinwa
Twitter: @tokstarr