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Toni Tones – Biography And Life Of A Nigerian Young Creative Entertainer

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| Updated:
April 6, 2021
Toni Tones
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Toni Tones is a Nigerian photographer, actress, artist, and editor. She began her career as a photographer in 2009 and subsequently ventured into music, then acting. As a photographer, her focus is on fashion and the entertainment industry.

See Also: Resources that will help you start, market and grow a sustainable business. 

Evidently, Toni tones is a talented young lady growing to become a big wig in the Nigerian entertainment space. She is a host and a style icon.

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Toni Tones

Toni Tones Biography

She was born Gbemisola Anthonia Adefuye on July 20, 1985 as the youngest of a family of five. She started her education at Our Lady of Apostle Primary School then moved to Queen’s College, Lagos. Subsequently, she proceeded to University of Lancaster, UK, and bagged a degree in Marketing and Economics. Also, she attended Relativity Film School in Los Angeles to hone her acting skills. 

Having developed a passion for photography in her last year at the university, Toni returned to Nigeria in 2009 to fully begin her career. 

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Toni Tones Early Career 

Toni came back to Nigeria from the UK in 2009. Prior to that, she had a mentor in London who coached her in photography for three months. Then, in Nigeria, she became a photography style icon paying attention to fashion and entertainment. She started off by going to different magazines to showcase her work and propose a business relationship. She was able to land some deals with clients that liked her work.

Later on, she worked in Koko Mansion, D’banj’s reality show. The work brought her to the limelight and fully kick-started her career. Then, she worked with different magazines like Genevieve, FAB, MADE, Sound City, Vanguard’s Allure, e.t.c. Also, she worked with personalities like Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Banky W, Wizkid, Omawumi, Waje, etc. 

After three years in photography, she started exploring her other creative sides. In 2011, she started working on her music and in 2013, she officially ventured into the music industry.  

For acting, she got a role in the Gidi Culture TV series on her first audition. Next, she appeared in MNET’s hit series Telenovela, Forbidden, then The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Lara and the Beat, e.t.c 

Since then, Tones has continued to appear in blockbuster movies like King of Boys, It’s Her Day, etc. Also, she delivers her roles perfectly. She has worked with Bovi, Omoni Oboli, Sola Sobowale, Osas Ighodaro, Adesua Etomi, Seyi Shay, Chioma Akpotha, Funke Akindele, and many others.

Films

Some of the movies and TV series she starred in include;

  • Gidi Culture, 2013
  • Married to the game, 2014
  • What Lies Untold, 2015
  • U-turn
  • It’s Her Day, 2016
  • Rumour Has it, 2016
  • Head over Heels, 2017
  • 5th Floor, 2017
  • Royal Hibiscus Hotel, 2017
  • June, 2017
  • King of Boys, 2018
  • The Eve, 2018
  • Lara and the Beat, 2018
  • Forbidden, 2018
  • Rumour has it
  • Deadline, 2014

Song

As a singer she released her first official single in 2013. It was titled I Know What You Like. The song was produced under the Mavin Records by Baby Fresh. 

Also, in 2016, she released another single Hey Boy ft Cynthia Morgan.

Personal Life

Toni Tones describe her hobbies as the same thing she does for work. She also likes to swim and relax in water. Watching her movies and favorite TV shows, reading books and hanging out with friends are some of the things she loves. 

According to Nollywoodalive.com, she was named the second highest earning actor of 2018/2019. 

Also, she is often described as a perfectionist and one who is determined, hardworking and passionate about success. 

Toni Tones Quotes

“Style to me is self expression. How you look is the first thing people see and it’s a way of telling people a bit of who you are without using words.”

“…the fact of life is you will always have to prove yourself anyway, people will not believe in you unless you show them what you can do.”

“People do not know what you are capable of if you keep it inside you…”

“People always want to put you in a box. Don’t let them. It’s your life. Do what makes you happy… Live your life how you want and that’s what I do.”

“Show me a person who is happy doing his or her job day by day and I’ll show you someone who is bound to make it big in that endeavour.”

“The rule is: my mother has to be able to watch everything that I act in. If my mum can’t watch it, I can’t do it.”

“Always remember just by showing up, you’re somebody…”

“…I am not here to make anybody comfortable, I am here to achieve every single goal that my heart desire and achieve I will.”

“I have learnt that persistence and consistency are key in everything you do. If you keep at your purpose diligently; whether or not it seems to be going well or not, with time, the universe will align in your favour.”

“Your reputation will always precede you; integrity is key.”

“Life is tough, but always remember you’re tougher.”

“When it comes to the pursuit of your happiness and achieving your dreams, make it a no retreat no surrender situation.”

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Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Life Of Toni Tones

Believe In Yourself

You are your first advocate and counselor. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. You are your number one fan, so, you need to cheer yourself on.

When Tones announced she was dropping her single, everyone was skeptical including her close pals. At first, it was disappointing, but eventually, she overcame it. 

See Also: How to get loan from Development Bank of Nigeria and grow your business. 

Persistence

Toni learnt that persistence and consistency is key to achieving success in life. She believes that if you keep your purpose diligently; even if its going well or not, eventually the universe will align in your favour. 

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Passion

After graduating from the university, Tones didn’t waste time pursuing her dreams. Right from teen age, she had been dreaming about her career, until she decided it was time to start fulfilling it. Next, she started with photography knowing fully well that music and acting will follow thereafter.

Right now, she is happy doing the things she is passionate about and most importantly, thriving at it.

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