Toke Makinwa (born 3 November 1984) is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur and author. Toke 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. She is one of the top 5 African female show hosts.
Early Life and Career
Toke Makinwa was born on 3 November 1984, in Lagos state. She attended the Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo State. Makinwa later attended the University of Lagos, where she earned a BA degree in English and literature.
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. She was nominated for ‘Radio OAP of the Year’ in the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The same year, she became an ambassador of the United Africa Company of Nigeria.
In January 2014, Hip Hop World Magazine announced Makinwa as the host of its interview and talk series 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 Future and City People Awards, as well as the 2014 Headies Awards. In March 2021 it was officially announced that Toke Makinwa was paired with Nollywood actress, Nancy Isime to host the third season of The Voice Nigeria. On October 16, 2021 Toke Makinwa was unveiled as the host of Gulder Ultimate Search Season 12.
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.
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.
In 2013, Makinwa became an ambassador of the United Africa Company of Nigeria, alongside Osas Ighodaro, Dare Art Alade and Dan Foster. 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. In November 2019, Toke signed an endorsement deal as brand ambassador with Oppo mobile Telecommunications
Husband and personal family life
She lost both her parents in a car accident when she was 8 years old. On 15 January 2014 Makinwa married Maje Ayida. She had been involved with him for eight years prior to their marriage. In 2015, she separated from Ayida 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.
Net Worth
Toke Makinwa’s net worth as of 2021 is estimated to be around $1.7 million – $15 million making her one of the richest media celebrity in Nigeria.
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