Don’t let it go to your head, Tolulope Oniru definitely doesn’t! Are you wondering how you would balance being part of an affluent family whilst remaining humble? How does she do it? Indulge in this exclusive interview with Toolz, who features on EbonyLife TV’s The Spot in June and July; she is also an OAP and currently presents on The Beat 99.9fm. EbonyLife TV got down to business, reality, fun and entertainment with the glamorous star.
Q. Your full name is Tolulope Oniru but you’re known as Toolz, for those who don’t know how Toolz came about, could you please shed some light?
A. It’s a nickname that my cousin and his friend gave to me. We felt that ‘Tolu’ wasn’t cool enough.
Q. Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
A. I went to boarding school in Bournemouth then finished primary school and started secondary school in Lagos before returning to the UK
Q. In terms of identity, how do you cope with Nigerian nationals having a different view of you because you’ve lived abroad and have an accent?
A. I think it’s a bit narrow minded to judge me solely on my accent.
Q. What does it mean to be Nigerian?
A. Being Nigerian for me means being part of a country rich in talent and culture.
Q. I have heard of presenting happening “by accident” for some presenters, how did radio presenting happen for you?
A. By accident! A friend told me about the Beat before I moved back to Lagos. I went for a voice test just for fun, but I ended up getting the job!
Q. You’re currently presenting a chat show on EbonyLife TV alongside Ebuka and Lamide called The Spot, how easy was it for you all to get along? Give us the inside scoop!
A. It was honestly a lot of fun. I would often forget the cameras were there, and would forget to censor myself lol.
Q. Which do you prefer, radio presenting or television presenting and why?
A. I’m still learning how to be better at both, but I’m more comfortable with radio presenting.
Q. What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve had to fix on your signature radio programme on Beat Fm “Toolz Can Fix It”?
A. Perhaps someone asking me to break up with their partner for them.
Q. What has been your most life changing or light-bulb moment?
A. When I realised I could create my own path within this industry.
Q. What gets you out of bed in the morning, what motivates you?
A. The need to be successful.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting a career in presenting?
A. Do your research! Find out how successful people got to where they are now.
Q. What’s your most desired characteristic in a person? What’s your least desired characteristic in a person?
A. A great sense of humour.
A. An overinflated ego.
Quick fired Life and Times Q and A’s
Q. Life in Lagos is….
A. Mental! But there’s never a dull moment.
Q. Most interesting time of my life was…
Moving back to Nigeria.
Q. My motto in life is…
A. Never give up. Nothing worth having comes easy.
Q. Quality time for me is…
Relaxing, reading, spending time with my family.
Q. What scares the life out of you?
A. Mentally, not being successful.
A. I can’t stand cockroaches and spiders too.
Q. Where would you like to be this time next year?
A. Next year I would love to see my brand get global recognition.
Q. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done in your life?
A. Get a piercing, I was young and a bit stupid, but it’s gone now.
Thank you for letting us into the life and times of Toolz. We wish you the best for all future endeavours.
Stay tuned for the next EbonyLife and Times edition where you are always guaranteed a good time! And do remember, life is short and time is swift so make a difference!