With the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of digital media such as podcasts has only continued to increase. Jumping on the train of making it a part of their life and most importantly, giving listeners an opportunity to learn from different life issues, celebrity radio presenter and actress, Moet Abebe, and multimedia journalist Nicole Abebe are poised to giving the audience visual elements of a Talk Show, as well as the possibility of enjoying a show on a podcast format with the launch of in producart format ; ‘Spill the Tea With the Abebes.’

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The show seeks to ‘address topics that affect young people, but often shy away from. For the Abebes, talking about these topics such as rape, human trafficking, sexual assault, and gender violence amongsts others need to be discussed because talking about, them they believe is the beginning of making certain individual corrections and ultimately correcting the ills prevalent in our society today. They tell us more.

MOET ABEBE: Being an only child helped shape me Between you and Nicole, whose idea was Spill the Tea and what inspired it?

It was a joint effort as well as that of the  new Director and Producer, Sefinah Lamii. We all were casually having a “girl’s night, in” and we all realized how well Nicole and I work together, our chemistry and banter are effortless. So, it just came about naturally that we should work together. 

 Who is your target audience and why?

Our target audiences are millennials both here in Africa and in the Diaspora. That is, men and mostly, women between the age of 25 and 45.

What should your viewers expect from your podcasts?

They should expect a show that entertains, enlightens, and educates. Viewers should be expecting to see different perspectives, opinions and views about these said topics. This would leave them no choice but to want to do their own bit, to change some of these backdated social narratives.

Are you planning on bringing guests and what would you look out for in your guests? 

Yes, we are planning on having guests on the show. The guests on the show have been handpicked specifically in relation to the topics. Every guest present on this season is able to add their own perspective ,by bringing in their personal experiences, and using them as examples. The viewer will easily be able to relate to these guests because they are all celebrities and social contributors who are doing very well in their various fields. The guests give out their own advice and also gain a thing or two from myself and Nicole’s contributions and vice versa.

Tell us a bit about yourself, growing up years and events that shaped you into who you are today?

I spent most of my developing years here in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.  I did my nursery and primary education in Lagos, then secondary and University was in the UK. I feel the constant back and forth between these two countries really shaped me into becoming the open-minded and non judgmental person that I am today. I have always had to deal with the two cultures and to create a balance. As an only child,  this has really helped to shape me into becoming an independent and hardworking woman.

You read Law but have been in the media for some time now; tell us what informed the switch?

Yes, I have. I honestly didn’t want a monotonous life. I felt I could contribute more and what better way than delve into the media industry where my voice can be heard and creatively expressed. 

What do you find fascinating about being a radio personality? 

I love the fact that my voice and input can touch someone many miles away. The fact that people know the voice and can spot it anywhere is exciting. The fact that just being myself and speaking on my interests or things that affect me, equally affect the listener is such an exhilarating and powerful feeling. I absolutely love it. 

What or who inspires you in life and why? 

In all honesty, I inspire myself. I am such a survivor and fighter. I keep pushing myself. I believe I can do more and guess what, I keep proving myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to 

Do you intend to practice law in future? 

No, I do not intend to practice.

Share an example of when you established and accomplished a goal that was personally challenging. What helped you succeed? 

Being the Executive Producer of this show has been the most challenging thing I have done. Having to do everything practically on my own, especially the funding of the show. From its inception to now, the accomplished product has not been an easy road. However, what I believe helped me succeed definitely has been God, and having the best production team to support me and bring my ideas to life.

What do you do to keep fit and stay healthy?

I try to, at least, stay active as much as I can. I am also very particular about what I take into my body and at what time. 

How do you balance your work and private life?

 I’m able to balance the two, by not allowing factors from either, cross into the other. I just try my best not to mix the two. The parties present in my work life are not in my private life and vice versa.

When you are not working, how do you spend your “me” time?

There are two things I love aside from being in front of the camera and a microphone. They are going to the spa and going to the beach. Those are the ways I really get to relax and spend “me” time.

 Best holiday destination?

It would have to be Seychelles.

What lessons would you say life has taught you over the years?

Nothing is permanent, not even being alive. So just live your life to the fullest, and love with a pure and good heart.

NICHOLE ABEBE: Our visual podcasts provide fresh and fun new content

How did you and Moet get together on this job, what is your relationship like? 

Where do I begin with my big cousin Moet?  In my first year of university, we had to gain some work experience in the media industry, and luckily for me, I was coming home to Nigeria for the summer. It is where I first met Moet, and I am glad I met her. Moet has become one of my favourite people in this world. She’s beyond caring, as real as real can be, and I know hands down she’s got my back. I love to annoy her at times (which you will see in the podcast) but it’s really all love. I’m super grateful to have her in my life. We always joke about working together one day, but now that it’s a reality, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. 

Of what benefit do you think the podcast will be to your viewers?

I believe our visual podcasts will provide viewers with fresh and fun new content. When Moet and I set out to create ‘Spill The Tea’, we wanted something people could get lost in. From the visually appealing set design, to the fun and colourful outfits we wear, down to the intriguing conversations we have. Every aspect of Spill The Tea With The Abebes was intentional. We only got better as the season went on. 

How do you hope to come up with fresh interview ideas?

The fact that we wake up every morning, with breath in our lungs, and God’s grace to be granted the gift of sight, we will always have new content. Things happen every day, not just to us, but to the viewers watching. As human beings, we have so much in common that we don’t even realise. We all go through similar emotions and experiences at different stages in our lives. As long as our content is relatable, I don’t think we have a problem there. 

What was growing up like for you?

I was born in London before I moved back to Lagos when I was three months old. I attended Corona Primary School in Victoria Island up until primary three. At this point, my family moved back to London where I finished up my primary school education at Lady Banks Junior School. When I was 11 years old, I attended Burford School, a boarding school in Oxfordshire. 

I spent my formidable years there. I often say this is where I spent some of my best school years. I left Burford when I was 16 and attended The Chelsea Independent College in London for my A-Levels. I gained my undergrad degree from the University of Bedfordshire in Broadcast Journalism, before attending The New York Film Academy in New York City for my masters in Broadcasting. I have great memories when I think back to my school days, a lot of cringe memories too…but I’m trying to forget those.

What informed your choice of career as a teenager?

So, growing up, I loved Hollywood for all the amazing movies they produced. I used to say to myself, “well I know I can’t act, so how can I be a part of Hollywood without being in the movies?” That was when my attention moved to Ryan Seacrest, the American television presenter, producer. I became obsessed with his job and how he did it so well. I looked into his education and that was when I started visualising a path for myself.  I thought to myself that if I could gain the same skills he has, what would stop me from getting on E? I actually wrote my University application letter about him and got accepted to all my choices: So it worked. Here I am today. Thanks to Ryan.

Who is your biggest role model?

My mother! She is the strongest, most helpful, caring, supportive, hard-working individual I have ever come across. I thank God every day that he made her my mother. I wouldn’t be the young woman I am today if not for the discipline she instilled in me at a young age. She is the last person I ever want to disappoint. I’m working so hard so that one day, my brothers and I can tell her to sit back and relax. 

What do you do to keep fit and stay healthy? 

I’m striving every day to become a full-time member of a Fitness club but it’s hard. I’ve learned to reduce my portion sizes. My choice of exercise is swimming. I love the fact that it works your whole body, plus, I find being in a huge body of water extremely calming and relaxing. 

What puts you off in people?

I hate bad attitudes for no reason. If someone else upsets you, don’t put that negative energy on me, it’s not my fault. So when you first meet someone, show them the good sides of you. My mum always used to tell me, “always look your best and act your best, people never forget the first impression”. 

When you are not working, how do you spend your ‘me’ time?

When I’m not working, I like to catch up on my favourite TV shows. I’ve also gotten into exploring TV shows from other countries. I also find time to self-care. I give myself a facial every Sunday night and that makes me feel great when I wake up on Monday morning. 

Best holiday destination?

My best holiday destination is anywhere that gives me a tropical vibe. On my bucket list, I’d like to visit places like Thailand, Bali, Greece, more destinations in the Caribbean and of course, The Maldives – but I’ll save that one for my honeymoon. 

What lessons would you say life has taught you over the years?

Over the years, life has taught me to look out for number one. I used to be a people pleaser and would get really upset when people weren’t giving me the same energy I  give them. It was a rude awakening when I realised most people don’t care how they make you feel.