The beautiful lady with the soulful voice…entrepreneur, model, OAP and aspiring Talk show Host, Titilayo Oyinsan interviewed with Konnect Africa about growing up, family, Media and her plans for the future; Self-styled ‘Mummylicious’ TiTi manages a flourishing radio career and raising a set of twin girls! It’s all in a day’s work!
Read. Learn. Act. Repeat!
To most people, you are simply TiTi of 92.3 Inspiration FM, but I am sure there is more to you than the obvious. Who is the person behind the brand?
TiTi: I am also COO of Amber11 media where I undertake operations coordination, events, talent management and coordination, media project management and much more. I am an Audio Book Reader(Voice-over Artiste), Media Consultant, Wife and mother.
Amazing! With the heights you have attained, it is imperative that we know what or who provided the springboard for your success. Any mentors, role models?
TiTi: My Mother is one of them; she has been such an inspiration. I have also always looked up to my Aunty, Bola Adesola who has attained great heights in her career and still has time for family.
Do tell us about childhood… What and where did you call home?
TiTi: Well, my family life was simple and content. My Parents live in Lagos. Theyhave always wanted the best for my brother (only sibling) and I. I grew up in Britain but came back home to Nigeria for my Secondary education.
Any childhood experiences that you will never forget? Whether it made or marred you?
TiTi: Moving Back to Naija made me stronger…it was a harsh transition for me since we moved straight to Mushin, Lagos from North London (Laughs); so you can imagine the change of environment.
We can only guess! What is your field of study, and where did you train?
TiTi: I studied English Language at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and obtained a Post graduate Diploma from the Pan African University in 2012.
You have modelled extensively. Do tell us a bit about that- is it all that it is hyped to be? Why did you stop?
TiTi: Modelling for me was a fun means to an end. I really wanted a good education, and modelling paid for that. It took me 8 years to complete my tertiary education as a parttime student in a Polytechnic and University, but it was all worth it in the end. The world of modelling is a harsh climate and not for the faint hearted. If you don’t like being told ‘No’,you probably can’t survive it.
What other business or personal interests are you involved in, or looking to be involved in?
TiTi: I have recorded audiobooks for several Nigerian Authors …because I studied English Language and of course, I love reading so this is a joy for me to do. I also love talking childcare…‘Your Baby and You’ is a radio show where Mummy Totland and I discuss childcare and mother care issues.
Talking about programs, do give us a run through of the programs you presently anchor.
TiTi: We have great programs on air, namely ‘Naija Women in Business’, where we discuss the issues womenencounter in the private sector, starting a business, and managing a home. Also, ‘Titi and the NaijaSistas’ is the first ever on air Book Club where I record selected parts of Nigerian Books and interview the authors. We discuss the central theme of their work.
You are clearly versatile- you have far spread talents, but we would like to know, is there an area of specialisation in any of these fields for you? What does TiTi’s heart truly long for?
TiTi: I long to get Back on TV…my Major Passion is for TV;I have starred in two Nigerian home videos and made cameo appearances in sit-coms as well as a lead role in ‘The Valley Between’ – a Soap Opera by award winning Producer/Director Tunji Bamishigbin. I have plans to produce my own Talk Show soon as God wills it. TV will always spark joy in my heart. I have learned so much from radio when it comes to confidence, projection as well public speaking and I can’t wait to light up the screens.
You deliver the “Rock News” at House On The Rock, Lagos- I take it that means you are a Christian?
TiTi: I am a strong Christian Believer. Rock News is a fun thing for me. I love being in front of the cameras…and also I get to do something for the Church as much as I can.I also see it as training for when CNN comes calling on me to be their Nigerian Correspondent! *wink*
How do you get ahead in the Media Industry? How does one even get in?
TiTi: Getting into Media is easy, but getting paid is hard. I have done quite a few Pro Bono jobs in the past but it all equals experience.
We know you love your job, and we also know you are a wife and a mother; How do you manage your home, job, businesses, social life and future propositions?
TiTi: Right now I put family first, but I also ensure that family is involved in most of what I do every day and never neglect them. I ask my hubby’s advice since he taught me so much about media in the first place and we both create opportunities for each other to shine…we both push each other onward.
Do inspire an African Youth in one sentence with your beautiful, soulful voice?
TiTi: Just don’t give up. Keep pushing, training and learning from other veterans.
*Iya Beji: Mother of Twins
