Rubies and Potters – Adeola Fayehun
Meet our guest, Adeola Fayehun of Sahara TV and the popular host of “Keeping It Real With Adeola” (KIRWA) show.
She’s our honorable Rubies and Potters guest on FamilyRubies today.
Rubies and Potters is a section on our blog where we bring to you great minds doing great things!
We’re taking this time out to celebrate them and showcase them to the world in our own beautiful way.
Join this train, let’s do this together…
Good day Adeola, where are you originally from?
Hello, I’m originally from Nigeria
Where do you currently reside?
I currently live in the New York area
What is your religion/faith?
I am a Christian
When is your birthday?
July 6
Please share your educational background with us.
I studied Journalism and Mass Communication at Olivet College, Michigan and Broadcast Journalism at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, New York.
What do you do for a living?
I talk for a living actually. I host a weekly satire show on African politics known as “Keeping It Real With Adeola” (A.K.A KIRWA)
You are a popular and renowned media person at the “almighty” Sahara Reporters, lol how did you get here?
Wow, I won’t exactly describe myself like that ooo, I’m just you know, keeping it real especially as one whose job is to represent the masses. When it’s obvious these people are representing their own stomach, we can’t all just ignore. So I can be described as the alarm clock reminding them of why they’re in office. Gosh! I don’t always make sense do I? (Laughing out loud, we bet we are in for a serious rib cracking session today…)
How did it all start?
The goal was to do African news, but I wanted something that would make people come back to watch me again instead of just reading straight forward news. So I thought if I enjoy it, maybe the person watching would also enjoy it. It’s like cooking you know, I don’t want you to eat just for the sake of eating; I want you to enjoy what you’re eating, so that you can come back to my shop(Buka)! So I mix my news with jokes and karate moves and off-key singing, to get you to laugh and come back. But you know, some people don’t think I’m funny. And I don’t blame them, I’m really not funny…(Oh well, we know you are funny especially with the Karate moves and off-key singing lol)
What were the initial challenge(s) you had at the early stage of your media career?
Wow, it’s a lot of work, that’s one thing people don’t always know. It is even more difficult when you’re trying to produce quality work and not just an “anyhow” show. If you don’t believe me ask Koledowo.
Okay, now to the one million dollar question, please who is Koledowo?
Koledowo is the life of the KIRWA show. He’s the one that holds the show together. Without Koledowo there is no show. Gbabe! Right now, he is smiling because he thought you will do this interview without asking of him. Now your blog is safe. (Praise God o!)
Tell us a very memorable day in your media career.
Hmmm, I guess interviewing the Nigerian President could be one. It’s not a big deal though. Oh wait, my mom would say it is 🙂
“Keeping It Real With Adeola” what inspired the name of this show?
Back in graduate school, I frequently used the phrase “it’s been real!” when something serious happens. Also, whenever I’m leaving for the day, I’ll tell my friends “It’s been real!” which means it’s been a pleasure (hanging out or knowing you, or whatever). So my friends always knew it was me whenever and wherever they heard that phrase. I also wanted a slang or phrase that meant something; A phrase that was going to capture what I planned to do. When you keep it real with someone, it means you’re telling them the truth. So I automatically knew that would be a good fit for what my show would be about.
We see you meet other great personalities everyday in your pursuit to alleviate the decadence in Africa politics, can you name some people you’ve met or interviewed in this journey?
Everyday? Neh!! 🙂 I’ve met only a few ‘great’ personalities. But everyday, I do meet wonderful people that the world probably does not recognize as ‘great’ personalities. (Hmmm, that’s good answer :))
What inspires you as a person?
The feedback from viewers, especially those who feel inspired by the show.
How do you handle social media bullying and negativity (e.g. negative and derogatory comments?)
Chei! my sister, e no easy o! (it’s hard) But with time, one learns to ignore many things. If not you go just get headache. It comes with the territory. The only thing is one cannot dismiss all criticisms, because there are positive critics. You just have to not let things get to you. I’ve learned even not to celebrate when people praise me, simply because their opinion of me changes based on whether they enjoy an episode or a story or not.
We know you are very passionate about the welfare of Nigerians and the African continent at large, what fuels or fueled this burden?
Coming to America really opened my eyes to many things that could have been, but corruption never allowed it. Having constant electricity, running water, good roads and good health care here in the US considering that we lack these things in Nigeria made me upset and I decided to do something about it.
Can you describe Nigerian Political system in one word?
Mess!
#straightface
Aren’t you afraid of going to Nigeria with all these things you do and say on your show?
Of course not, I haven’t stolen one naira from Nigerians. I’m not the one responsible for the missing twenty billion dollars. Why should I be afraid of going home? No matter how long I live in the US, Nigeria is still my home. Also, there’s nothing I say on my show that Nigerians don’t discuss in their homes, so really…I’m not saying anything new.
Do you have a political ambition? If yes, what will that be?
First lady of course! That’s the most powerful office in Africa. (Hahaha)
How do you personally deal or cope with difficult people around you?
Difficult people are the ones that have to figure out how to deal with me because I get along well with people. I never have to worry about whether the person is difficult so long as I deliver. Also, everybody has a good side even if it’s hidden under a façade of being tough, so I look for their soft spot.
Tell us something else you have an interest in and will love to pursue? e.g Gospel music??
Well, yea you guessed right. Maybe someday, I’ll love to sing. 🙂
What kind of person would you say you are?
Oh God, what kind of person am I? I honestly wish I know. I’m actually this really reserved girl that minds her own business. But how would people believe me with all I do on camera? Ah, my life!
What is your best food?
It’s so hard to choose one, but fried yam (dundun) with spinach (efo elemi meje), plantain, with nice and succulent stew on top (you know the type you fry). When I see this combination, the spirit moves in amazing ways.
Who is your role model?
My dad (may his soul rest in peace) and my husband. If I can be half as hard working as my husband is, I would actually do better.
Do you have any mentor(s)?
Ehhhn, you know, let me think…I do. All the board members of KIRWA foundation are actually my mentors. Also, I have mentors that have no idea they’re mentoring me. People like Femi Oke and Lola Shoneyin.
Your favorite life quote(s)?
It’s not how long you live, rather how well you live” – Professor Randy Pausch
Your favorite business quote(s)?
“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well” – Philip Stanhope
Are you married?
Yes, I’m married to my best friend.
Which would you say is the most memorable day of your life?
Oh, the day I walked down the aisle with my best friend waiting for me with that his seductive and caring smile! O Lord, let me stop right here, I’m about to get in the spirit (Laughing out loud!)
What advice do you have for aspiring female reporters or media personnel?
I will say be creative. Don’t just do what others have done or are doing; Try to stand out. Â Also, make sure you enjoy what you do.
For an all-expense paid trip, which country would you like to visit?
You’re getting me excited now! Seychelles, Bahamas, there’s a long list under my pillow!
If you were to write a book, what will the title be?
The power of your imagination
Do you anchor shows and events?
Yes, I do sometimes.
Adeola, now that we know you run a very active group and show on social media, you are a family woman and a dedicated reporter at Sahara TV. How do you manage all these and still have your life together?
I’ll say my husband should get the most credit for this. Being married to a man that wants me to be successful in what I do. He’s my biggest cheerleader, my rock!
Finally, in five years’ time, what should we expect from you?
Only God knows. Honestly, I don’t even worry about that lol.
Thanks so much for your time ma’am, it’s been a fun and inspiring question and answer session with you.
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Thanks for stopping by….
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