Toke Makinwa, born on November 3, 1984, is a multi-talented Nigerian media personality renowned for her work as a radio host, television presenter, vlogger, entrepreneur, actress, and author. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, she is celebrated for her captivating presence across different platforms and is considered one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
At 38 years old (as of 2022), Toke has garnered widespread recognition for her dynamic contributions to media, and her bold fashion sense has made her a top African style influencer.
Toke’s rise to fame is marked by her versatility, as she has ventured into radio, television, YouTube vlogging, and even the literary world with her autobiography, On Becoming, which she released in 2016. The memoir details personal challenges she faced, including the loss of her parents at an early age and her highly publicized breakup from her ex-husband, Maje Ayida. Her career milestones, resilience, and bold personality have earned her a spot among the top five female show hosts in Africa.
Early Life and Education
Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, Toke Makinwa is the second of four children. At just eight years old, she tragically lost both parents in a fire accident, leaving her to be raised by her foster family, Mr. and Mrs. Akinyele.
Despite this early hardship, she remained focused on her education. She attended Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo State for her secondary education and later pursued a degree in English and Literature at the prestigious University of Lagos. Her strong educational background laid a solid foundation for her communication skills, which later contributed to her success in the media industry.
Career
Toke Makinwa began her career in media in 2010 as a co-host on Rhythm 93.7 FM’s The Morning Drive, where she quickly became a household name in Nigerian radio. Known for her eloquence and vibrant personality, she soon ventured into television, hosting several prominent events and TV shows. In 2012, Toke hosted the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, which was broadcast nationwide, showcasing her ability to engage large audiences.
That same year, Toke launched her YouTube vlog series Toke Moments, which became immensely popular, further boosting her visibility in the entertainment space. The vlog covered various topics, from lifestyle and fashion to personal experiences, allowing her to connect more intimately with her audience.
In 2013, she co-hosted 3 Live Chicks, a talk show on Flytime TV alongside Tosyn Bucknor and Oreka Godis, which was initially a web series before transitioning to television. Her role in the show added another layer of media experience, enhancing her versatility as a media professional.
By 2014, Toke had solidified her presence on television, being named the host of Trending, an interview and discussion series by Hip Hop World Magazine. She also co-hosted Moments on EbonyLife TV, where she discussed social and cultural issues, often offering a youthful perspective that resonated with her audience.
Toke Makinwa’s hosting portfolio continued to grow as she presented major award shows, including the Future Awards and City People Awards in 2013 and the Headies in 2014. More recently, in March 2021, she was announced as one of the hosts for the third season of The Voice Nigeria alongside Nollywood actress Nancy Isime, showcasing her ability to command a wide audience. In October 2021, she was named the host of the 12th season of Gulder Ultimate Search, one of Nigeria’s most-watched reality TV shows. Furthermore, her talk show Talk with Toke Makinwa debuted on MultiChoice in November 2021, continuing to expand her reach as a media personality.
In addition to her presenting work, Toke has also ventured into acting. In 2022, she played the character Louise in Glamour Girls, a movie directed by Bunmi Adesoye and Abimbola Craig. This role marked her growing presence in Nollywood, further highlighting her multifaceted talents.
Marriage
Toke Makinwa’s personal life became a subject of media scrutiny, particularly concerning her marriage to fitness trainer Maje Ayida. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on January 15, 2014. However, their marriage faced turmoil when it was revealed in 2015 that Maje had fathered a child with his ex-girlfriend, Anita Solomon, which ultimately led to their separation. Their divorce was finalized in 2017 after a highly publicized legal battle.
Toke documented her struggles in her memoir On Becoming, where she opened up about the emotional turmoil she experienced during her marriage, the loss of her parents, and the lessons she learned along the way. The book resonated with many readers, particularly women, who found her honesty and resilience inspiring. She went on a successful book tour across Nigeria, South Africa, the USA, the UK, and parts of East Africa, using her platform to speak on topics such as self-love, healing, and personal growth.
Net Worth
Toke Makinwa’s influence extends beyond media as she has leveraged her brand to secure lucrative endorsement deals. In 2014, she signed a multi-million-naira contract with Nestlé Nigeria, becoming the face of Maggi. This deal marked one of her first major endorsements, followed by partnerships with other notable brands such as Mecran Cosmetics, Payporte, Ciroc, and Oppo Mobile Telecommunications. Her income streams also include her successful YouTube channel and other entrepreneurial ventures.
By 2019, Toke’s net worth was estimated at around $2 million (N220 million). While these figures are widely reported, they are not independently verified. Her financial success has enabled her to live a lavish lifestyle, and she continues to maintain a prominent presence in the public eye.
Achievements
Toke Makinwa’s career has been filled with numerous accolades. She has been recognized for her work in the media and entertainment industry with awards from the Nigeria Broadcasters Awards, the Future Awards, the Africa Youth Awards, and the Glitz Awards, among others. She has also been honored as one of Avance Media’s Most Influential Young Nigerians in Media and remains a highly searched media personality.
Her memoir On Becoming not only delved into her personal journey but also became a bestseller, further solidifying her status as an influential public figure. In addition, she launched a luxury bag line, Toke Makinwa Luxury, in 2017 and followed that up with a skincare line, Glow by TM, in 2018, expanding her entrepreneurial portfolio.
Controversy
Toke Makinwa is no stranger to controversy. One of the most talked-about aspects of her life has been her physical transformation. Over the years, she has admitted to undergoing cosmetic surgery to enhance her figure. In 2018, she revealed that she had undergone surgery for uterine fibroids, sparking widespread speculation about her well-toned body. She later confirmed on social media that she had cosmetic surgery to achieve her desired shape.
In addition to this, Toke has openly discussed bleaching her skin, explaining that she initially did it to please her former husband, Maje Ayida. This revelation stirred up significant conversation in the media, as many criticized her decision. Despite the backlash, Toke has remained unapologetic about her choices and continues to stand by her decisions, using her platform to discuss beauty standards and the pressure women face in society.
Conclusion
Toke Makinwa’s journey from a young girl who tragically lost her parents to a renowned media personality is a testament to her resilience and ambition. With a thriving career in radio, television, vlogging, and acting, as well as successful ventures in the business world, she has solidified her place as one of Nigeria’s most influential personalities. Despite the controversies surrounding her, Toke continues to inspire many with her boldness, honesty, and determination to succeed.