# Toke Makinwa

Toke Makinwa (born 3 November 1984) is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, actress and author fashion influencer. Makinwa is known for hosting The Late Morning Show on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments. She released her book On Becoming in November 2016, and is one of the top five African female show hosts.

## Early life and education

Toke Makinwa was born on 3 November 1984, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She attended the Federal Government Girls' College in Oyo State, and later enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she earned a BA degree in English and Literature

## Career

In 2010, Makinwa made her major media debut 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. In 2013, she won the Nigeria Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year, 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.
In January 2014, Hip Hop World Magazine announced Makinwa as the host of its talk show Trending. 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 The Future Awards Africa and the 2014 Headies Awards. In March 2021, Makinwa co-hosted the third season of The Voice Nigeria with actress Nancy Isime. In October 2021, she hosted Season 12 of Gulder Ultimate Search. In November 2021, she premiered her talk show, Talk With Toke Makinwa, on MultiChoice. In 2022, Makinwa played the character Louise in the 2022 film Glamour Girls, which was directed by Bunmi Adesoye and Abimbola Craig.

### On Becoming and handbag line

In November 2016, Makinwa released her memoir On Becoming, which addresses her personal struggles and the betrayal of her ex-husband Maje Ayida. Makinwa went on a book tour to promote the book; the tour included stops in Nigeria, the U.K, South Africa, the U.S, and parts of East Africa.
In 2017, Makinwa launched a handbag line under her eponymous label, Toke Makinwa Luxury. She also launched a skincare product called Glow by TM in 2018.

## Endorsements

In 2013, Makinwa became an ambassador for the United Africa Company of Nigeria, along with Osas Ighodaro, Dare Art Alade and Dan Foster. She signed a multi-million naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria and became the face of its brand Maggi. In 2016, she was awarded the brand ambassadorial role at Mecran Cosmetics, and became an ambassador for Payporte and Ciroc. In November 2019, Makinwa signed an endorsement deal with Oppo Mobile. In 2021, she hosted season 6 of The Buzz, a show that airs on Showmax Naija.

## Personal life

Makinwa lost both of her parents in a gas explosion when she was 8 years old. On 15 January 2014, she married Maje Ayida, whom she had been involved with for eight years prior to their wedding. In 2015, she separated from Ayida after finding out that he had gotten his ex-girlfriend pregnant. On 5 October 2017, Makinwa's marriage to Ayida was dissolved by a Lagos High Court on the grounds that Ayida committed adultery. Makinwa disclosed that she lost her older sister when Big Brother Naija season 6 ended.

## Filmography

* Glamour Girls (2022) - Louise
* Blood Sisters (2022) - Abasiama
* Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) - Tina
* Love Is War (2019) - Yinka the Reporter
* Sugar Rush (2019) - Gina
* Makate Must Sell (2019) - Ricky
* Therapy (comedy web series)

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Result | Notes |
| 2012 | The Future Awards | On Air Personality of the Year (Radio) | Nominated | lost to Tolu Oniru of The Beat 99.9 FM |
| 2013 | Nigeria Broadcasters Awards | Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year | Won | — |
| 2013 | 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Radio OAP of the Year | Nominated | Lost to Freeze of Cool FM |
| 2014 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favourite Nigerian on Air Personality | Nominated | Lost to Freeze of Cool FM |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Entertainment Personality of the Year | Nominated | Lost to Denrele |
| 2014 | 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best OAP of the Year | Nominated | Lost to Yaw of Wazobia FM |
| 2014 | ELOY Awards | TV Presenter of the Year & Brand Ambassador (Maggi) | Nominated | — |
| 2017 | Glitz Awards | Style Influencer of the Year | Won | — |
| 2017 | Avance Media | Most Influential Young Nigerian in Media | Won | — |
| 2018 | Africa Youth Award | 100 Most Influential Young Africans | Won | — |
| 2020 | ELOY Awards | Innovative Beauty practitioner of the Year | Won | — |
| 2020 | Net Honours | Most Popular Media Personality (Female). | Won | — |
| 2020 | Net Honours | Most Searched Media Personality | Won | |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Media Personality (Female). | Won | |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Searched Media Personality | Nominated | |
| 2021 | African Entertainment Awards USA | Media Personality of the Year | Nominated | Lost to Ebuka Obi-Uchendu |