The intimate event hosted by Tee A and Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi was attended by close friends, family, industry colleagues and well wishers. The evening started with a keynote address by Hon. Abike Dabiri after which a short behind-the-scenes clip ‘The Journey to Become’ directed by The Film Factory played.
EbonyLife TV Chairwoman, Mo Abudu then hosted a beautifully curated ‘Conversations with Toke’ interjected with musical interludes by Waje, Niyola, Nikki Laoye, Chigurl, Funbi and Timi Dakolo. Each star sang renditions of carefully chosen songs by the Author representing different chapters of her memoir. Song choices include Aretha Franklin’s A Rose is Still a Rose and Whitney Houston’s Exhale (Shoop).
The highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of ‘On Becoming’, flanked by Lady Esther Akinyelure, Mo Abudu, Ruth Osime and Adenike Adebola; Hon. Abike Dabiri unveiled a life size version of the book art to breathtaking fireworks and theatrics.
The book readings then commenced with Debola Williams and Arese Ugwu who read excerpts from the Prologue and 1st Chapter whilst guests delighted their tastebuds with deliciously scrumptious Baileys-infused sweet treats.
The evening ended with a book signing whilst guests posed for pictures with the Author. The celebration continued as guests tasted and savoured signature Baileys and Ciroc cocktails.
Notable faces at the launch include 2 Face & Annie Idibia, Banky W, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Bolanle Olukanni, Chigurl, Elohor Aisien, Falzthebadguy, Funbi, Ayeni Adekunle, Ifeoma Williams, Michelle Dede, Nkiru Anumudu, Noble Igwe, Omojuwa, Osas Ighodaro, Ebuka, Stephanie Coker, Tara Durotoye, Tosyn Bucknor, Adenike Adebola, Ufuoma Udjoh, and Zainab Balogun.
On Becoming is published by Kachifo (under its Prestige imprint) and now available nationwide at select bookstores across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, United Kingdom and United States. E-Books will be available on Kindle, Amazon, OkadaBooks and others.
