Toke Makinwa, born on November 3, 1984, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a Nigerian media personality, author, actress, and entrepreneur. Life tested her at an early age when she lost both parents at just eight years old. Despite the heartbreak, she grew up resilient and determined to carve her path in the world, eventually becoming one of Africa’s most recognizable voices in entertainment and lifestyle.
Toke Makinwa Education and Early Career
Toke attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Oyo State, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where she studied English and Literature. While studying, her interest in communication and entertainment began to take shape. After graduation, she pursued a career in broadcasting, laying the foundation for a journey that would redefine her life and influence Nigerian media.
Toke Makinwa Major Life Events
In 2010, Toke made her major media debut as co-host of The Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7FM, where her vibrant personality quickly captured listeners. By 2012, she expanded her influence with 3 Live Chicks on Flytime TV and also launched her own YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, which has become one of Nigeria’s most consistent lifestyle channels.
Her personal life took a difficult turn in 2016 when she published her memoir On Becoming, a raw and honest reflection on betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience. The book became a bestseller, took her on international tours across Nigeria, South Africa, the U.K, the U.S, and East Africa, and cemented her image as a strong, inspirational woman who turned pain into power.
In 2025, Toke welcomed her first child, a joyous moment that signaled a new chapter in her personal journey and was celebrated by fans across the world.
Toke Makinwa Professional Achievements
Toke Makinwa’s career spans across radio, television, writing, acting, and business, and she continues to stand out as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic media personalities. In 2012, she hosted the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, which aired nationwide and introduced her to a wider audience. She went on to anchor some of the country’s biggest platforms, including The Future Awards Africa in 2013 and The Headies Awards in 2014. By 2014, she had joined EbonyLife TV as a co-host of its flagship program, Moments, while also hosting Hip Hop World Magazine’s talk show, Trending.
Her versatility shone through when she co-hosted The Voice Nigeria in 2021 alongside actress Nancy Isime. That same year, she hosted the twelfth season of Gulder Ultimate Search and launched her own syndicated talk show, Talk With Toke Makinwa, on MultiChoice. She also became the face of Showmax Naija’s The Buzz during BBNaija Season 6, where she captured audiences with her signature boldness and charm. In 2022, she added acting to her portfolio when she played the role of Louise in the Netflix remake of Glamour Girls, further proving her ability to thrive across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.
Beyond the media space, Toke expanded her influence into business and entrepreneurship. In 2017, she launched her luxury handbag line, Toke Makinwa Luxury, which catered to fashion-forward women in Nigeria and beyond. The following year, she introduced Glow by TM, her skincare line that quickly gained popularity. These ventures established her as not only a media figure but also a formidable businesswoman.
Her brand partnerships further strengthened her profile. In 2013, she became an ambassador for the United Africa Company of Nigeria. She later signed multimillion-naira contracts with Nestlé Maggi and went on to represent global brands like Mecran Cosmetics in 2016, Payporte, Ciroc, and Oppo Mobile in 2019. Alongside these achievements, she earned recognition for her excellence in broadcasting. She won the Nigeria Broadcasters Award for Outstanding Female Presenter of the Year in 2013 and also received nominations for Radio OAP of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Through these achievements, Toke Makinwa built a career that reflects consistency, reinvention, and influence. She has maintained relevance in a constantly changing media industry while also cementing her place as an entrepreneur and a brand in her own right.
Toke Makinwa Personal Life
Toke’s personal life has been as public as her career. She married Maje Ayida in 2014, though the marriage ended in 2017. She openly shared her struggles and recovery journey in her memoir, On Becoming. After years of focusing on her career and self-growth, Toke embraced motherhood in 2025 when she welcomed her child, a milestone that brought her immense joy and fulfillment.
Toke Makinwa Legacy and Impact
Toke Makinwa’s journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and influence. From a girl who lost her parents at eight to a woman who built an empire, she continues to inspire millions across Africa. Through her platforms, she encourages women to embrace self-love, chase their dreams unapologetically, and rise above challenges.
Her memoir, her businesses, and her consistency in media have all shaped her legacy as more than just a media personality but as a role model, entrepreneur, and cultural icon.
Conclusion
Toke Makinwa’s life teaches the power of perseverance, authenticity, and reinvention. Her story reflects a woman who transformed pain into purpose, and setbacks into platforms. Whether through her voice on radio, her presence on television, her words in her memoir, or her entrepreneurial ventures, she remains a figure of strength and inspiration.
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