Meet ToksBaba, the ace broadcaster with a touch of Africanism!

For those familiar with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, the name Tokunbo Dada is a familiar one. But as Newsandmuse would find out, there is more behind the voice than it meets the eye. In this interview the engineer-turned-broadcaster revealed the principle behind the voice and the person.

N&M: Can we meet you?

ToksBaba: My name is Tokunbo Dada, popularly called Toksbaba. I am an entertainer, a broadcaster, a journalist, a writer, a dramatist, a public speaker and surprisingly, an engineer. I talk for a living and I really enjoy it; top 5 noise maker JSS 1- SSS 3, I was consistent.

N&M: Most people in the entertainment industry tend to have different personalities, one on stage, the other off it. Is there such dichotomy in Tokunbo Dada and ToksBaba?

 ToksBaba: Really Tokunbo Dada and Toksbaba are two very different personalities. You know I am a dramatist, a good one at that, so it is easy for me to assume my character on stage. At times, some colleagues come into the studio when i present, to check if i am taking anything, or under any influence... I don't even drink, but when you listen to some of my programmes, you wont believe that, you'll think "shayo leleyi o".
I am a principled and cultured person with bias for afrocentrism, but Toksbaba is usually a character I make up to suite the required situation.

N&M: What's the concept behind Bebe N Lo?

ToksBaba:  I understand that it is easier to teach people when they are not even aware that they are being taught. So BebeNlo was designed to be so much fun but underlining it is the teaching of some aspects of Yoruba culture like Yoruba language translation, oration, proverbs etc. In recent times we have included "Adugbo wa" and "Oju Popo" segments that look into the pains of the people on the streets as regards the environment and the road. It's an afrocentric programme, lots of fun too.

N&M: As a man given to culture and promotion of African values, is Bebe N Lo providing the satisfying result?

ToksBaba:  Yes, Bebe Nlo allows me to sell the Afrocentric ideas in unique unsuspecting manner. You can listen online or to past editions of Bebe N Lo on www.radionigeriaibadan.com/bebenlo

N&M: Is there anything the African society can revert to in its culture as a lasting solution to corruption, unemployment and terrorism on the continent?

ToksBaba: :There is a disconnect between the governed and the government, policies are made without adequate contributions of the downtrodden. If things will change, we have to look back at the ways policies were made in the ancient Yoruba communities where ideas were discussed at family level, then streets, quarters before the decisions are taken to the council of chiefs. This made the people a part of whatever policy was being formulated. This is still a common practice in some small communities in the South West. It is called Bottom-up approach in administration. In this manner things will change for the better.

The people have to change the mindset that elected officers must always 'drop' money at any event or occasion to which they are invited. Everything from naming ceremony to lunching, to church programmes. If such political office holder doesn't drop money, the people will say he is stingy and won't vote for him again. The people force them into corruption. This has to stop!

N&M:  Is the African culture threatened by cultural dynamism engineered by technology which is fast turning the world into a global village?

ToksBaba:  Technology is a tool, it can be used to make bomb in North Korea and it can be used to make phones in South Korea. It depends on how we want to use it. The world is a global village which means it is easier for us to learn from others and also for us to show the world our cultural values. The only question here is, do we still have that value? Not many students in the university today can speak their  local language correctly, just English Language. Many are not aware of their history, they are lost in the lake of globalization.

N&M: Have you given politics any thought?

ToksBaba: Politics! I don't think so, I am not interested for now. If an administration needs my help or expertise to improve the lives of the people, I will be willing oblige them if i know they are sincere and my family agrees. I'm first a husband and a father.

N&M: Is the African Family dead or alive?

ToksBaba: African Family Nigeria is a socio-cultural, Afrocentric Organization that advocates for a great African future. Whatever we do is based on what we learnt from the group. It gives a foundation for our principles, hence we preach it. African Family is alive but not functional in terms of group activities.


N&M: Thanks for your time, ToksBAba.

ToksBaba: The pleasure is all mine