A content creator, Tosin Silverdam, has 41,000 followers on Facebook and 400,000 on Instagram. He tells NAOMI CHIMA about his career and other issues
Tell us about your background and educational journey.
I am from Kogi State but was born and raised in Lagos State. I studied Mass Communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. I am a blogger and the last of three boys.
In what ways did your upbringing influence what you’re doing today?
Honestly, my upbringing didn’t influence what I do. I have always wanted to be a blogger and journalist; that’s why I studied Mass Communication. Growing up, I had more female friends; perhaps because I was raised in a house full of boys with just my mum. She wasn’t into gossip or anything like that. But when I started, I realised I was good at this. So, no, my upbringing didn’t play a role. It was more of a personal interest.
What inspired you to start blogging, and how did you find your niche in celebrity and social media commentary?
Nothing really inspired me. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was living in the North trying to set up a business. Everyone was online then—doing TikTok, videos, challenges, and all that. I thought, “Let me try something different.” So, I made a video titled, ‘Five Nigerian Celebrities I Don’t Like’—and it went viral. All the blogs picked it up. That was the turning point. I decided to stick with it. I felt it was my calling. I eventually quit my job and relocated to Lagos. Initially, it wasn’t about the money, but it’s been rewarding since.
Did any of the celebrities you criticised in that video reach out to you?
No. Even though the video was everywhere, none of them reached out to me.
Your content blends bold opinions with commentary. Was that a deliberate strategy from the start, or did it evolve over time?
It wasn’t a strategy. I am naturally opinionated. If something is interesting to me, and it’s already on social media, I will talk about it. People always say, “Mind your business,” but once you put it online, it becomes public business. I share my thoughts on what’s trending and relatable; that’s how it has always been.
Did you ever imagine becoming this popular through your content?
Never. I did not expect this level of attention. In fact, I don’t like it. I am very private, and I don’t even like posting much. Popularity has taken away my privacy, and sometimes I wish I hadn’t started. But now that I have, and it’s paying off, I’m just managing the fame that comes with it.
Do you plan to branch out into other things?
Definitely. I have tried acting, but it’s too stressful, and the pay is poor. I can make more money sitting at home doing what I do. I also considered going into print media, but it’s no longer as relevant (as it used to be). Everything is digital now. I’m exploring other interests like culinary content and food blogging. I can’t keep doing this particular niche forever; it’s only a matter of time.
Social media fame comes with challenges. What’s been the hardest part for you?
One major challenge was the incident with Blessing CEO at Toyin Abraham’s ‘Iyalode’ movie premiere. That had never happened to me before.
Then, there’s the loss of privacy; people recognise me everywhere. Some celebrities even send me messages saying, “Tosin, don’t talk about me.” The trolling in the comment sections used to get to me, but now I’m used to it. As long as the money and growth keep coming, I’ll keep doing this. Many people love my content and tell me I make them laugh, so that motivates me.
How do you decide what stories or trends to comment on?
It is mostly based on instincts and the potential for engagement. I don’t just jump on every trend. There might be five stories trending, but I’ll pick the one with the highest potential to go viral. In the beginning, I jumped on everything, but now I focus on stories that spark conversations and connect with my audience.
Have you ever regretted posting any content?
Yes. There was a story I shared about a lady whose boyfriend murdered her. Someone falsely told me she was still alive, but she had already passed. Her mother is a pastor or teacher, and it deeply affected their family. I felt terrible and had to apologise. I even cried while explaining to them that I was misinformed.
Do you feel pressure to break news first?
There is always pressure, especially since others copy one’s content. But now, I’ve moved past that. My focus is more on adding my own voice. Even if a story is already out, I’ll still talk about it. My style makes it more fun and engaging. I don’t just rush to post.
Some people say you’re controversial. What role do you believe you play in the Nigerian online media space?
People call me controversial, but I believe I’m doing a good job. I talk about what’s already on social media.
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