In this exclusive interview with Nigerian TV presenter, content creator, and Red Carpet host, FAKOREDE ADETOLA, popularly known as, 'MC RHELAX', he shared his journey from growing up in Isale Oko to becoming a popular OAP. He talked about the importance of consistency over talent and also highlighted the need for the Nigerian entertainment industry to focus on benefiting the nation.
MC Rhelax is known for anchoring the popular program "Street" showcased on HIP TV and anchoring Headies Award red carpets, where he brings his infectious energy and charisma to the screen. EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN brings excerpts.
Can you tell us about yourself and education background?
I MC Rhelax, grew up on the streets of Isale Oko SAGAMU,OGUN State, went to Remo kindergarten primary school then to Mayflower secondary school then I stopped by in UNILAG as a floater for a year before I fully went to FUTA to study statistics.
How did your journey as an entertainer started?
My journey into entertainment started in primary school, I became the leader of every cultural group, ( Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa) from primary three. I was a fantastic dancer at the time and I was also the best actor in the state because we usually go for regional collaborations of all primary schools in the state and I always take the lead role.
Can You say working with HIP TV brought You to lime light and how did you started working with them?
Funny thing is that I have always been popular, I was the most popular in my primary school, in mayflower I was the first in my set in 2000 as a JSS 1 boy to represent my set on the stage after which I joined all the social society in the school, Lit club, Press club and the likes, then in FUTA I was extremely popular as an event host and A radio personality on FUTA RADIO.
Getting into Hiptv was surely instrumental, it was like the next stage for me after all the movements I had made, I had worked with so many radio stations, Futa Radio, Star Fm, Top Radio, City Fm, Love Fm, HIPTV was the next stage for me and yes It was more instrumental in broadcasting my Profile.
How do you balance creativity with consistency and meeting audience your expectations?
I think Consistency is even more important than Talent. If any one will continue to be relevant in such an environment as Nigeria filled with talents you will have to be very consistent. A consistent man will go further in his career than a man holding on Talents alone! So Yes I’m creative but consistency is the requirement needed to keep the fire burning! It’s not a choice it’s a must!
What's your take on the current state of the Nigerian entertainment industry?
The Nigerian Entertainment industry is one of the largest industry we have in the world right now, it is one of the biggest export of Nigeria to the World. It's so big almost everyone wants to be a part of it, from music to acting to comedy to skit making and content creation and the likes, but we must make sure we narrow all this attention we are getting to the Nation, if not the phase will pass us by and our nation would no have benefited from it!
If you weren't working in the entertainment industry, what other career path do you think you would have pursued, and why?
funny thing is I’m very good with a lot of things! A good footballer maybe I would have been dragging world best with Messi and Ronaldo by now. Well I’m a speaker, I am a transformational speaker, I will be in between sealing contracts for multinationals and consulting for various people as well as Motivating a generation in the right path!
How do you manage to find balance between being a content creator, Tv presenter and MC?
Truth is, it can be very here and there because I’m super busy, but the good thing is that everything is aligned in the same direction, so with proper planing I find time to manage all my activities. Like I said it’s not easy because Family is also included as I’m blessed with a beautiful wife who is a Barrister and two beautiful children!
For those aspiring to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you offer to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry?
Never allow the Harvests of your Mentors and role models intimidate your plantings. Yesterday they too were planting! Keep showing up! Keep planting keep watering.. Your time will also come!
NB: This interview was originally published in The Independent Newspaper on 3rd May, 2025.
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