Tea With Tay Podcast

In this episode, Tay closes out Season 5 with Venita Akpofure, British-Nigerian actress, model and entrepreneur, for a conversation about reinvention, motherhood, and finally coming into her own. From her early years modelling and starring as the iconic Mimi on AY’s Crib to becoming one of the highest-paid video vixens in Africa before social media existed to amplify any of it, Venita reflects on building a career from scratch and on the culture shock of straddling two very different worlds growing up between Warri and the UK. She also opens up about losing herself completely during her marriage, the bathroom moment that made her realise she needed out, rebuilding her life and finances almost from nothing in Turkey, and how she’s raising her two daughters with intention while refusing to let bitterness take root. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of tea from a woman closing out this season exactly the way she opened her career on her own terms. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Chimezie Imo, actor and AMVCA Trailblazer winner best known for his role in Breath of Life, for a conversation about rejection, reinvention, and finally being seen. From choosing to study Applied Ecology instead of acting to years of jumping multiple buses across Lagos for auditions he rarely expected to win, Chimezie reflects on being told outright that he’d never make it as a leading man, the years that comment cost him, and the last-minute set change that handed him his breakout role in Nimbe. He also opens up about the AMVCA night he broke down on stage after hearing his own old bio read back to him, the weeks he spent off social media after being the only one not nominated for Breath of Life, and his love for fashion. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of tea from an actor who has spent over a decade proving people wrong — settle in. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Adeife Adeoye, digital creator, financial educator, and founder of Remote WorkHER, for a conversation about money, mindset, and building a life on her own terms. From accidentally starting a content career to freelancing at 16 to support her dad’s Fiverr hustle, Adeife reflects on how she built Remote WorkHER from nothing, the risks she’s taken along the way, and the discipline it has taken to stay grounded through Nigeria’s harshest financial climate. She also opens up about growing up with a father who explained rather than dictated, her theory that your nervous system decides whether you can actually hold onto wealth, and why she refuses to invest in anything she doesn’t fully understand. She also opens up about her concept of an “enough number,” and why she believes broke is a mindset long before it’s a bank balance. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of stories from a woman who has built a business and a following from scratch, while staying brutally honest about what nobody else is saying out loud. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Toolz Oniru, veteran on-air personality, TV host, and first-time film director, for a conversation about fame, privilege, and staying grounded after decades in the spotlight. From thirteen years at Beat FM to stepping behind the camera as a director, Toolz reflects on the risks she’s taken, the fears she’s had to push past, and the discipline it takes to keep reinventing yourself without losing who you are. She also opens up about growing up as a princess of Oniru, navigating the “nepo baby” conversation, her non-negotiable dating red flags, and the moment that taught her to guard her inner circle for good. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of tea from a woman who has spent decades in the public eye while still holding onto her privacy. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Miss Demz — Nigerian-British content creator, hairstylist and creative director for a no-holds-barred conversation about money, fame, love, and surviving Lagos as a woman who refuses to shrink herself. Miss Demz opens up about growing up in London convinced she was Jamaican, her first culture-shock trip to Nigeria at 15, and how a planned six-month stay in Lagos turned into four years. She breaks down the real cost of showing up “influencer-ready” for a high-society wedding gele, nails, makeup, hair and waxing alone before you even get to the outfit and shares the wild story of getting arrested twice over a prop gun for a photoshoot. She also gets candid about dating in Lagos, sponsorship, the city’s elite dating scene, and doesn’t hold back on her views about patriarchy, domestic violence, and what’s actually changing for women in Nigeria versus what’s just talk online. Funny, sharp, and unafraid to say the quiet part out loud — this is Miss Demz exactly as advertised. #droptheshould Powered by CcHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter Supported by Gates Foundation.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Fola, Afrobeats singer-songwriter and one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising voices, for a conversation about patience, faith, and staying grounded while the world starts paying attention. From singing in secondary school to working as a cashier at a betting shop back home in Ibadan, Fola takes us through the long road to this moment — the cousin who pulled him to Lagos, the almost-deal with Kizz Daniel before fate pointed him toward Bella Shmurda and Dagbana Republic, and the three-hour phone call it took to convince his team to let him drop his breakout single, Alone, before it was “ready.” He opens up about his sold-out UK tour and his stop at the Indigo at The O2, the excitement building for Canada, and why Caricature — a song he almost left off the album — became the fan favourite. He also gets into what fame has actually funded, from building his mother a church to getting his dad a duplex, and weighs in on whether Afrobeats is really facing a decline. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of stories from an artist who’s still writing his own beginning — Fola style. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Dami Aros and Isaac Aigbadumah, the duo behind So Nigerian podcast, for a conversation that is honest, chaotic, and long overdue. They get into how it all started — two guys in lockdown, a church office, and a recording session where they talked for 40 minutes without hitting record. From the first payment that had them doing the math in real time, to two full seasons without a sponsor, to a sold-out live show, they hold nothing back about what it actually costs to build something real in Nigerian media. There are plenty of laughs, a very unexpected phone call, and a conversation that every podcaster, creator, or anyone building something in Nigeria needs to hear. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with actress, entrepreneur, and media personality Nancy Isime for a conversation about boundaries, growth, and what it really means to protect your peace five years after her first time on the couch. Nancy gets honest about disappearing into character to play Kemi for Blood Sisters, why she had to “empty out” for two months after wrapping, and how she’s learned to separate the work from herself. She also opens up about something she’s never spoken on publicly before, her OCD diagnosis, and how therapy and self-awareness have helped her manage anxiety on her own terms. The conversation goes deep into friendship and loyalty, why Nancy has no problem cutting people off, and why forgiving someone doesn’t always mean giving them access back. She talks proudly about turning 34, refusing to be ashamed of her age, and what she’s actually looking for in a partner now that she’s built the life she once only dreamed about. There are plenty of laughs, sharp truths, and a few moments that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the “new Nancy.” #droptheshould Powered by CcHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter supported by Gates Foundation. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with actress, entrepreneur and content creator Ashmusy for a conversation about building an empire from scratch, surviving the internet, and choosing yourself loudly and unapologetically. From cold-calling Nollywood directors off the back of CD cases as a teenager to owning multiple companies including Magic Revive, Amarachi opens up about the ambition that has always driven her, the scandals that tested her, and why turning 30 feels like the best thing that has ever happened to her. She also gets honest about freezing her eggs, refusing to rush into marriage, and why she refuses to let societal timelines dictate the most important decisions of her life. There are plenty of laughs, real talk, and a few moments that will make you want to stand up and clap. #droptheshould Powered by CcHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter supported by Gates Foundation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with South Africa's legendary DJ and producer Heavy K — The Drum Boss — for a conversation about music, identity, and what it really takes to build a lasting career across the African continent. From sneaking onto his brother's computer at 15 to pioneering Afro House and the rising wave of Tristep, Heavy K reflects on the journey, the lessons, and the sound that has made him one of Africa's most distinctive voices in dance music. He opens up about the business side of music — gig selection, brand positioning, and knowing your worth — as well as the bigger conversations around Pan-African identity, xenophobia, and what it means to represent your country when you tour the world. There are real moments, sharp insights, and plenty of gems from a man who has built everything from nothing and is still very much in his prime. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Kate Henshaw, actress, fitness enthusiast, and one of Nollywood’s most respected names, for a conversation about life, growth, and staying relevant after more than three decades in the industry. From the early days of Nollywood to the industry we know today, Kate reflects on the changes she has witnessed, the lessons she has learned, and the discipline it has taken to remain consistent through different phases of her career. She also opens up about relationships, love, divorce, fitness, getting older in the public eye, and why she has become more comfortable being fully herself. There are funny moments, honest reflections, and plenty of stories from a woman who has seen generations come and go, while still standing strong in her own lane. #droptheshould Powered by CcHUB in partnership with Africa No Filter supported by Gates Foundation. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Shanks Comics for what might be the most unserious episode of Tea With Tay yet. Between the laughter, chaos, and random moments, Shanks opens up about the reality behind being one of the internet’s most recognizable personalities. He talks about fame, streaming, content creation, and the pressure that comes with constantly needing to entertain people online. From losing money to navigating success at a young age, Shanks shares stories from his journey and how his life has changed over the past few years. The conversation also takes some a turn as they get into relationships, expectations placed on men and women, emotional expression, and whether society judges people differently based on gender. #Droptheshould Powered by ANF in collaboration with CCHub Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Deyemi Okanlawon, actor, producer, and one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, for a conversation about the road that brought him here. From selling bread in his early years to becoming a leading man on screen, Deyemi shares the many steps, choices, and lessons that shaped his journey. He talks about life before acting, how he found his way into Nollywood, and why he approached his career with clear intention from the start. The conversation also touches on what it means to build a lasting career as an actor, balancing family life with the demands of the industry, staying disciplined with fitness and lifestyle, and the confidence it takes to keep growing. Deyemi also opens up about going international, producing his own work, building meaningful partnerships, and why storytelling has a bigger role to play in shaping how we see ourselves as a country. #Droptheshould Powered by ANF in collaboration with CCHub Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Chika Uwazie for an honest conversation about timelines, pressure, and the realities of adulting. From career growth to relationships, personal goals, and the constant feeling of being “behind,” Chika shares her thoughts on navigating life at your own pace. She answers questions many people quietly wrestle with, when things are supposed to happen, how to handle comparison, and what it really means to build a life that feels right for you. #Droptheshould Powered by ANF in collaboration with CCHub Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Samuel Banks (Arike) as he talks about his journey from the trenches to where he is now. He shares what growing up was like, the challenges he faced early on, and how those experiences shaped his mindset. Samuel opens up about building his dreams step by step, staying focused when things weren’t working, and what it means to finally see things begin to change. He also speaks on his project Arike, the story behind it, and what this moment means to him. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Jola Ayeye, media personality and co-host of I Said What I Said, for a relaxed and honest conversation. Jola talks about choosing a life that works for her, taking breaks, enjoying herself, and not feeling pressured to always be “on” or visible. She shares her thoughts on rest, boundaries, friendships, and what it means to truly mind your business in a world that expects constant output. Hosted on Acast.

In this episode, Tay sits down with Steven Chuks, actor and filmmaker, to talk about his journey into the industry and the choices he made when things weren’t going his way. He shares how he handled not getting roles early on, why he decided to start creating his own projects, and what he’s learned about building something for himself. The conversation also leans into a bigger question- What does it really mean to be a “real man”? Steven reflects on expectations, identity, and the pressure men face to fit certain roles. Hosted on Acast.

This episode is brought to you by TapTap Send. To download the app; App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/taptap-send-money-transfer/id1413346006 Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=taptap+send&c=apps&hl=en In this episode, Tay sits down with Chidera Eggerue, also known as Slumflower- writer, speaker, and voice behind many bold conversations around women, power, and independence. She speaks openly about her views on relationships, gender dynamics, and why she believes women are often taught to shrink themselves. From money and dating to self-worth and choice, Chidera shares the thinking behind her opinions and the reactions they get. Hosted on Acast.

Skin bleaching has been normalized for decades, in homes, salons, markets, and across social media. But what many people still see as “just skincare” is, in reality, a serious health issue. In partnership with Eucerin, Tea With Tay hosted a live panel conversation as part of the #SayNoToBleaching campaign, an advocacy-led discussion focused on education, prevention, and healthy skin practices without shame or judgement. Across two powerful sessions, leading dermatologists from across Nigeria break down: -What actually qualifies as skin bleaching -The most common ingredients and hidden risks -Short-term and long-term health complications -The myths people still believe -The role of colorism and cultural pressure -Youth, social media, and rising early exposure -Prevention strategies and safe skincare habits SESSION 1 FEATURES: Dr. Cynthia Ebie: Consultant Dermatologist, Deputy Clinical Director, General Hospital Lagos Prof. Altraide Daseltima: President, Nigerian Association of Dermatology (NAD) Dr. Ehiaghe Anaba: Chairman, NAD Anti-Skin Bleaching Campaign Committee SESSION 2 FEATURES: Dr. Uzoamaka Iloabachie: Medical Director, Skintisfaction Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic Dr. Faiza Saduki: Consultant Dermatologist, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Dr. Chukwuka Ifeanyi Robert: Consultant Dermatologist, UNTH Enugu This conversation is not about policing choices. It’s about understanding risks, unlearning harmful beauty standards, and choosing health from a place of knowledge. Healthy skin isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about caring for what you already have. #Say@ToskinBleaching #EmbraceYourSkin #OwnYourShade. Hosted on Acast.

This episode is brought to you by TapTap Send. To download the app; App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/taptap-send-money-transfer/id1413346006 Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=taptap+send&c=apps&hl=en In this episode, Tay sits down with Stella Damasus, actress, producer, and one of Nollywood’s most respected voices. She talks about her journey in the industry, her time away, and what it means to return with a fresh perspective. Stella shares her thoughts on how Nollywood has changed over the years, what still needs to improve, and the role she hopes to play in shaping its future. She also reflects on her personal experiences, lessons from living abroad, and the values that continue to guide her work. There’s also a slight twist in this episode that brings a different energy to the conversation. Hosted on Acast.