By Yemisi Suleiman

The rise of digital media such as podcasts has only continued to increase, as more media personalities have taken to this new entertainment tool to engage followers worldwide.  Jumping on the train, celebrity radio On- Air Personalities (OAP)   Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi  and Tolu ‘Toolz’ Demuren  are giving podcasts lovers an opportunity  of enjoying juicy gossips from around the world in a podcast format, with the debut of  ‘Off Air with Gbemi and Toolz.’

After more than a decade of entertaining listeners on radio, Toolz and Gbemi decided to take the conversation from radio to podcast and now television on DStv and GOtv, where they are engaging in their signature cheeky banter while sharing life’s experiences on a myriad of provocative issues that pique their interest.

With a blend of intelligence and humour, the duo serve the biggest stories in pop culture; from new celebrity relationships and breakups, TV show recaps, sexuality to infidelity and addiction. No topic is off limits. 

The leading media girls talk more about ‘Off Air’, their new career path, family, dreams and of course the significance of Christmas.

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi 

Multimedia host, and fashion entrepreneur Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi is one of the most influential media personalities in Nigerian popular culture and multi-media. A graduate of Communication from Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, with a Masters degree in Media and Communication from the Pan Atlantic University in Lagos, Gbemi cut her teeth in media, at the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA 2 channel 5, where she did her NYSC. She moved to Cool FM Nigeria in 2005 where she hosted the Good Morning Nigeria show with the late Dan Foster for a year, Gbemi hosted the Midday Oasis until 2009 when she left Cool FM for The Beat 99.9 FM. Gbemi was the deputy program director at Beat FM from 2011 to 2016 and Program Director to the sister-company, Naija FM 102.7 from 2011 to 2017. She left radio in December 2021.

Known as a serial entrepreneur, Gbemi who has tried her hands at retailing several products, in 2015, founded her shoe line, Gbemisoke Shoes, an idea born out of her personal experience when shopping for shoes. One of the most decorated media personalities in Nigeria, she won the Future Awards for “On Air personality of the Year” in 2008 and won a Dynamix Award in the same year.  In 2009, Gbemi won the ELOY awards for Best Female Radio Presenter amongst several others.

 Between you and Toolz, whose idea was it? And what inspired it?

 It started from our radio days. We both worked at The Beat 99.9FM. Toolz was on the Midday shift- 11am-4pm and I was on ‘The Drive Time Show’ 4pm-9pm. So we would chat briefly in between the two shows and this quickly became an audience favourite, so we decided to take it a bit further and that’s how it started.

Who are your target audience and why?

Men & Women aged 18 and up. 

How did you get to be an On Air Personality? Is it something you always wanted to do?

I actually always wanted to be a newscaster but I got a part time job at a radio station (Cool FM) during my NYSC. I was working at the news department at the time. One day I started a conversation with Dan Foster and he found me witty and smart (his words) and invited me to be his co-host on the morning show.

What do you find fascinating about being a Radio personality?

When I started in 2005, there was no social media and I loved that I could be popular and anonymous. No one knew who I was facially but they knew my voice. 

You are also into a number of other things and also have a fashion line; Gbemisoke shoes. What inspired this move?

I love fashion and I really love shoes. I noticed that women like me who wear bigger sizes in shoes, find it difficult to get stylish and affordable shoes. So I decided to experiment with buying and selling shoes. When I saw the demand, I decided to create my own line. 

How is it doing in the market? Is it paying your bills?

 There have been ups and downs. Thanks to the pandemic and the economy. Yes it does. 

Who is the Gbemisoke woman? 

The Gbemisoke woman who likes to look good is one who wants to be stylish and comfortable and at the same time not break the bank! 

 What or who inspires you in life and why?

 I am inspired by very many people. From celebrities to my friends, I am inspired by the fact that they keep going despite what life has thrown at them. 

What was growing up like for you?  And what event in your childhood shaped you into the woman you are today?

I’m the first child and only girl . I have two brothers . My parents ensured that we attended very good schools. They instilled the importance of education, hard & smart work & good morals into us. I am very driven and ambitious. 

What do you do to keep fit and stay healthy?

I try to work out at home but it’s not been easy with my busy schedule. So I try to watch what I eat, making sure to include vegetables in almost every meal. 

You are obviously very fashionable, what does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a way of expressing yourself. It is a fun way to play with colours, textures, trends etc 

What wouldn’t you wear in the name of fashion?

The clothes Kanye West designs. 

How do you balance your work and private life?

 It is really tough to do but you have to be intentional unless one or all will suffer. 

It’s Christmas day today, what does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones and family. It is not necessarily the day Jesus was born. As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas and I try to show love to loved ones and strangers. 

What would be your idea of a Christmas miracle?

Waking up to $50,000,000 in my account (laughs)

What makes for a good Christmas outfit?

Whatever makes you happy and comfortable.

Do you think Christmas has become too commercial?

Yes. All holidays have been commercialized. 

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Kind, Loyal, Jovial, Responsible, No Nonsense.

What is your greatest strength and weakness?

My ambition is my greatest strength and weakness. In my quest to do so much, I often neglect myself, forgetting that I need to rest and recharge. 

Describe the next five years of your life and your plans?

The next five years of my life are going to be glorious, I am bristling with ideas and knowledge. I have so much to achieve and I will make history for great things! Watch me! 

Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru-Demuren

Vivacious and award-winning media personality, Tolu Oniru-Demuren also known as Toolz is not only famous for her radio charisma which ensured great chemistry with numerous fans, but also for her very curvaceous figure which endeared her to many.  Born in London, Toolz’s desire for new challenges had her considering a move to Lagos in mid-2008. She eventually took the plunge in 2009 and auditioned to be a radio presenter at the Beat 99.9FM. After a successful audition process, Toolz began hosting her own radio show in April 2009 and her blend of natural humour, love of most things showbiz, passion for music and strong African entertainment knowledge made her show one of the most sought after by listeners and celebrities alike. Before trying her hands at radio presenting on the Beat 99.9FM, Toolz gained extensive experience within the British entertainment industry, having worked at MTV Networks Europe for several years before moving on to the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.

The Business and Mass Communication degree holder from London Metropolitan University, in 2018 launched Sablier Lingerie and Shapewear, a premium line for fuller bust women.

Toolz has won a number of awards  ‘Radio Presenter of the Year’ at the Nigerian Broadcasters Awards, On-Air Personality of the Year’ (Radio) at The Future Awards amongst others. 

How did Off Air with Gbemi and Toolz come to be?

While we were both on radio at Beat 99.9FM, we started a ‘handover’ session, which took place around 4pm when my show finished and Gbemi’s began. We talked about anything and everything and it soon became very popular. 

What should your viewers expect from your podcast?

More riveting conversation….again about anything and everything 

Are you planning on bringing guests and what are the criteria or what do you look out for in your guests? 

Yes we do. It depends on the topic. For example for our ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ episode we had a knowledgeable lawyer who had handled a few divorce cases. So our guests are always people that can provide valuable insight to whatever topic we may be talking about 

What is the moral for Off Air Show?

I like to think that the main purpose of the Off Air Show is to provide great ‘INFO-TAINMENT’ (Information/Entertainment)

How did you get on radio, is it something you always wanted to do? 

I actually fell into radio. I had worked in entertainment (MTV in the UK) more behind the scenes though. Before I moved to Nigeria in 2009, someone had told me about Beat FM. After I moved back I went for an audition and got the job!

What do you like or dislike about it?

I love working in music! It’s invigorating… if there was one dislike, it would be the fact that you have to sometimes work on public holidays.

Asides being a radio personality you also launched a fashion line Sablier Lingerie and Shapewear, what informed this?

As a curvy woman, finding quality and supportive shapewear and lingerie in Nigeria was an issue for me. After doing some research and doing a Lingerie course at the London College of Fashion, I started Sablier- which means hourglass in French. 

Who are your clientele base?

Mainly fuller bust women, but we do have a wide range of sizes.

What or who inspires you in life and why?

Right now my sons inspire me a lot. I love the way they approach life fearlessly and full of vigor.

What do you do to keep fit and stay healthy? 

I recently got into spinning which I try to do twice a week. Then I do weight training once or twice a week.

You are obviously very fashionable, what does style mean to you?

Style for me means a visual expression of myself. How do I show my personality in my clothes, accessories, hair and makeup?

I cut my hair in January and have been enjoying trying different edgy hairstyles…about 10 so far this year already. 

When you’re not working, how do you like to relax? 

I like to read, watch movies, sometimes I go get a massage, and I could also decide to just sleep at home.  

What wouldn’t you wear in the name of fashion? 

I’m pretty open-minded, so I don’t think there’s anything I would say never to.

How do you balance your work and private life?

I’ve learnt when to switch on or off different parts of my life. Priority is always given to my family, my children are very important to me.

It’s Christmas day today, what does Christmas mean to you? 

Christmas is a great time of the year to give thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ. It’s also a great time to be grateful for family and loved ones, and of course to spend time with them too.

How do you intend to spend this Christmas?

Definitely with family. My boys can’t wait to open the many presents we have bought for them. I’m also very excited to see their faces when they open them.

What do you wish to get for Christmas this year? 

Very cliché, but a better Nigeria. The next elections are absolutely critical for Nigeria and I hope and pray that the right person is elected. 

Yes in a way, but that is where it’s important to make it special to you. 

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

I am Quirky, Passionate, Tenacious, Silly and Loyal 

What makes you smile and what scares you the most?

My babies make me smile so much. One of the things that scare me the most is not fulfilling my potential.

What is your greatest strength and weakness?

My greatest strengths are my creativity and loyalty. Weaknesses also loyalty I can sometimes get blinded by it and I’m quite impatient 

Describe the next five years of your life and your plans?

I’m no longer on radio, so I want to explore my many interests in the media and entertainment field.