Toke Makinwa (born 3 November 1984) is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, actress and author.[4][5][6][7][8] Makinwa is known for hosting The Late Morning Show on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments.[9][10] She released her book On Becoming in November 2016, and is one of the top five African female show hosts.[11]
Ebuka and Toke Makinwa presenting at the 2020 AMVCA
In 2010, Makinwa made her major media debut on Rhythm 93.7 FM's The Morning Drive show as a co-host.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15] In 2012, Makinwa launched her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments.[16] In 2013, she won the Nigeria Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year,[17] and was nominated for Radio OAP of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. That same year, she became an ambassador for the United Africa Company of Nigeria.[18]
In January 2014, Hip Hop World Magazine announced Makinwa as the host of its interview and talk series Trending.[19][20] She also secured a spot on EbonyLife TV as a co-host of its flagship show Moments.[21]
Makinwa has hosted numerous notable events, including the 2013 The Future Awards Africa and the 2014 Headies Awards.[22][23] In March 2021, Makinwa was paired with Nollywood actress Nancy Isime to host the third season of The Voice Nigeria.[24]
On October 16, 2021, Makinwa was unveiled as the host of Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12.[25] In November 2021, her new TV show Talk With Toke Makinwa premiered on MultiChoice.[26][27] In 2022, Makinwa played the character Louise in Bunmi Adesoye and Abimbola Craig's Glamour Girls.
On Becoming and handbag line
Makinwa lost both of her parents to a fire accident when she was eight years old.[28] In November 2016, she released her memoir On Becoming, which talks about her personal struggles and addresses the betrayal of her ex-husband Maje Ayida.[29][30] Makinwa went on a book tour to promote the book. The tour included Nigeria, the U.K, South Africa, the U.S, and parts of East Africa.[31][32][33][34]
In 2017, Makinwa launched a handbag line under her eponymous label, Toke Makinwa Luxury.[35][36] She also launched a skincare product called Glow by TM in 2018.[37]
Endorsements
In 2013, Makinwa became an ambassador of the United Africa Company of Nigeria, alongside Osas Ighodaro, Dare Art Alade and Dan Foster.[38] She also signed a multi-million naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria to become the new face of Maggi.[39] In 2016, she became the brand ambassador and face of Mecran Cosmetics.[40] She has also been an ambassador for Payporte and Ciroc.[41][42] In November 2019, Makinwa signed an endorsement deal as brand ambassador with Oppo mobile Telecommunications[43] In 2021, Toke signed an endorsement with Showmax naija as the host for BBN season 6 the buzz.[44]
Personal life
She lost both her parents in a gas explosion when she was 8 years old. On 15 January 2014, Makinwa married Maje Ayida whom she had been involved with for eight years prior to their wedding.[45][46]
In 2015, she separated from Ayida after discovering that he had impregnated his ex-girlfriend.[47] On 5 October 2017, Makinwa's marriage to Ayida was dissolved by a Lagos High Court on the grounds that Ayida committed adultery.
At the end of Big Brother Naija season 6, which she served as a host, she disclosed that she had lost her elder sister.[48][49] In March 2022, she suggested that anyone doubting her claim to fame should research about her achievements using Google.[50]
