Joy Bewaji is presenter of The Breakfast Show on HiTV

It chose me, really. I wasn’t thinking towards that line until I got a call for an audition.

How long have you been in television?

Only a couple of weeks. Before this, I had featured on New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda many years ago.

Why television?

It chose me, really. I wasn’t thinking towards this line until I got a call for an audition. Everyone was there; seeing known faces that had made their mark in showbiz in Nigeria; I didn’t think I stood a chance.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

I’ve spent all my life as a writer, so my inspiration would naturally tilt to that genre. I have the utmost love and respect for Mrs. Betty Irabor – publisher of Genevieve magazine. As far as I’m concerned she is the epitome of class, style, conscientiousness, and true achievement. The years I spent with her as an editor for Genevieve magazine will always be cherished. In television, I truly admire the zest and passion of the executive producer of The Breakfast Show on HiTV, Isioma Aihie. She is a one-woman squad, and her presence drives the whole show every single day – it’s amazing!

What’s your latest project?

I am working on my second book – What Pain May Bring, it’ll be published under Jalaa, the new writers’ collective housing some of the best writers in Nigeria; it’s a privilege. I am also organising The Magazine Awards next quarter. It’s going to be great, hopefully!

What are the unique challenges of being on TV in Nigeria?

The whole package has to be right, and I find that really exhausting! Lol! If one strand of hair is out of place, it messes with everything, and I’m not coming from that kind of background. As a writer, I focus on my intellect; and if at all I look good, it’s a personal choice, nobody expects me to be perfectly done every minute. But TV is so different.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I’m getting a hang on TV and so I think I’ll stay with it for a while. I’d like to have my own show by then. Try something really easy, fun, and very witty. I like ‘The View’ and would love to run a show like that. Y!