In the vibrant media landscape of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Toyosi Olosunde wasn’t just a name; she was a daily companion. At Splash FM 105.5, where she plied her trade as an On Air Personality (OAP), she commanded the airwaves with a blend of charisma and professional poise that made her one of the most listened-to voices in the “Pacesetter State.”

But a few years ago, at the height of her local influence, Toyosi did the unthinkable: she stepped away from the microphone that had become her throne and relocated to the United Kingdom, where she has warmed herself to a new audience, while still maintaining ties with her Nigerian fans.

She is not just a voice in a studio; she is a fixture on global red carpets, a confidante to Grammy nominees, and a bridge between the Nigerian entertainment powerhouse and the international stage. For her, interviewing top public figures, including Grammy-winning artistes is a huge honour and a responsibility.

“Being trusted to speak with the best in the industry shows that my work is respected, and it motivates me to stay prepared, stay intentional, and continue creating conversations that inspire, inform, and entertain. It’s also a reminder that with visibility comes influence. I have a platform, and how I use it matters.

I strive to make every interaction meaningful, both for the audience and the person I’m interviewing. It pushes me to keep raising my standards. It’s not just about skill; it’s about the respect and connections you build along the way.

“Every interview is a reminder that excellence requires preparation, focus, and authenticity. Seeing the professionalism and creativity of top artistes inspires me to elevate my own work continuously. It also motivates me to mentor, guide, and amplify new talent, because I know what it feels like to start from the ground up,” Toyosi explained.

Armed with the belief that everything has a purpose as her guiding principle, even moments that feel confusing or setbacks that seem unfair, she said, “They are shaping me for something bigger. I trust that every experience, every interaction, and every decision is part of a larger plan. This belief keeps me patient, focused, and resilient whether I’m on air, managing artists, running my business, or pursuing new opportunities.”

Sharing her thoughts on the current Afrobeats scene and its global impact, the freshly minted Music Business Africa graduate states, “Afrobeats has truly gone global, and it’s incredible to see African artistes dominating charts and influencing music worldwide. For me, it’s not just about the beats, it’s the storytelling, the culture, and the energy that connects people across continents.

“I make it a point to highlight top Afrobeats artistes on my shows, celebrate their achievements, and share their music with both Nigerian and international audiences. It’s inspiring to see how our sound resonates globally, and it motivates me to continue creating platforms that amplify African talent.”

She counseled upcoming Afrobeats artistes wanting global recognition to focus on their craft, stay authentic, and understand that success takes consistency and patience. “Build a strong brand, collaborate strategically, and create music that tells your story. Fame comes, but impact lasts. So aim to inspire, not just the trend.”

On what she enjoys most about hosting events in the UK, Toyosi said, “I love the energy and diversity of the audience. Every event is unique, and I enjoy bringing people together, celebrating talent, and creating moments that leave a lasting impact. Hosting events also allows me to experiment creatively and bring my media skills to life in a live setting.”

Commenting on her recent graduation from Music Business Africa and how the training shapes her career in media and events, Toyosi states, “Graduating from Music Business Africa has given me a deeper understanding of the music industry, from branding and marketing to the business of music on a global scale.”

“This knowledge has strengthened every aspect of my career whether it’s hosting radio shows, interviewing top artistes, curating events, or managing artistes locally and internationally. It allows me to make informed decisions, support talent strategically, and create impactful experiences that resonate with audiences. Essentially, it equips me to combine creativity, strategy, and influence, making my work in media and events more intentional, professional, and globally relevant,” she added.

Asked how she handles distractions in the media space, Toyosi said, “I filter out the noise. Social media trends, gossip, or hype don’t dictate my path. Staying aligned with my purpose makes every decision intentional.

“I also remind myself of the bigger picture: every distraction is temporary, but the impact of focused work lasts. Whether it’s creating content, preparing for interviews, or managing artists, I prioritise what adds value and say no to what doesn’t.”

She described herself as a very focused and disciplined person; approaching every aspect of life with intention. “Every friend I have has value to me, and I make sure I bring the same loyalty, energy, and support into those relationships.

“Beyond that, I’m someone who believes in growth, in learning from experiences, embracing challenges, and staying consistent in everything I do. In the media, this mindset allows me to be prepared, authentic, and impactful. Whether it’s hosting a show, interviewing a top artiste, or creating content, I operate with clarity, purpose, and respect for everyone I work with.”

Reacting to how she balances personal life, hobbies, and a demanding international career, Toyosi said, “Balancing personal life and a demanding international career comes down to discipline, intention, and prioritisation. I make sure to dedicate time to my family, my hobbies like cooking, karaoke, and discovering new music, and self-growth, because these keep me grounded and creative.

“At the same time, I approach every project with focus and professionalism, whether it’s a radio show, an interview with a top artist, or hosting an international event. For me, balance isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about giving full energy to the moment I’m in, and ensuring that both my personal life and career are nurtured intentionally.”

She encouraged upcoming OAPs to focus on craft over fame. “Learn your voice, understand your audience, and master the art of storytelling. Consistency, discipline, and preparation are everything that separate the good from the great.

“Don’t chase trends or shortcuts; build credibility, connect authentically, and let your work speak for itself. The moment you prioritize impact over visibility, doors open naturally, and your career becomes sustainable.”