Leaving my job to pursue entertainment full-time risky — Temisan Emmanuel

Temisan Emmanuel is a podcaster and host of the talk show—Tea with Tay. With 45,000 subscribers on YouTube and 405,000 followers on Instagram, he has built quite a following online. He tells NAOMI CHIMA about his career and other issues

How did your upbringing shape the way you interact with others?

I was born and raised in Warri, Delta State, by my grandmother after my parents got separated. They were young when they had me. Growing up, I thought everything was normal, but as I got older, I realised the emotional impact of not having both parents around. It made it harder for me to open up and form deep relationships. In my teenage years, I struggled with self-identity and sought external validation, thinking it was the key to love. Being raised by my grandmother taught me emotional resilience and how to handle vulnerability. It wasn’t easy growing up without both parents and it affected my self-perception and relationships, but therapy helped me understand my worth.

What made you choose to study History and Strategic Studies in school?

Growing up, I didn’t have the best guidance. I initially felt compelled to study Law. So, I am a graduate of the University of Lagos with a diploma in Law and a degree in History and Strategic Studies. While studying law, I realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. It was demanding and did not align with my passion. So, when I finished, I sought to pursue my passion, but  I didn’t have the option to pursue Creative Arts directly. I then chose History as the next best thing. While studying, I kept my eye on the bigger picture and worked every day toward my true goals in entertainment. I made sure to stay focused on my passion, even while pursuing a degree I knew wasn’t my long-term path.

How did you balance working and schooling at the same time?

While in the university, I did not let my studies stop me from pursuing my passion. I worked nine-to-five jobs, got involved in the fashion industry, and assisted in the entertainment world. I knew that immersing myself in the industry early on would better prepare me when I graduated. By the age of 17, I was already working as a personal assistant to a prominent artist, and by 18, I had a job in the fashion industry. Those experiences helped shape my career.

What led to the birth of Tea with Tay, and what do you find most interesting about hosting the podcast?

I realised I am a big talker who enjoys going beyond surface-level conversations. When I listened to industry leaders and colleagues, I noticed we all faced similar struggles, albeit with different stories. I wanted to create a space where we could share our journeys—especially the behind-the-scenes struggles—to inspire others. I aim to humanise people, whether they’re actors or graduates just starting their careers. It’s about showing that everyone faces challenges, and it’s through sharing these stories that we help others feel seen.

What’s next for the podcast?

The new season of the show will debut soon. At the end of the season, I’m planning a live show to bring the fans together. The show is still new to Nigeria, and the podcast community here is still growing. I am not chasing immediate results, but I’m excited to see where it will go. I’m committed to being a part of this growth and seeing the podcast become what it’s meant to be.

There’s been a lot of talk about toxicity in the entertainment industry. What’s your take on this, and have you experienced it personally?

I don’t think the entertainment industry is inherently toxic, but I do think it is unique. People tend to think everyone in the industry are friends because it’s all about entertainment and appearances. But in every industry, there’s some form of toxicity. I focus on staying positive, keeping my circle small with the most important people in my life, and separating my work from my personal life. I have learnt to compartmentalise and show up for my work while remaining respectful to everyone I work with.

What challenges did you face in the early stages of your career?

Modelling was one of the first ways I found to express myself creatively. It didn’t require me to speak much, and it was about presenting myself confidently. However, modelling for men wasn’t as lucrative as it was for women at the time. Despite that, I remained passionate about the fashion industry. My biggest challenge was not being able to go international, and the pressure eventually led me to focus on other career paths. However, I am grateful for the experience. It taught me a lot, and if circumstances had been different, I would probably still be modelling.

With all the different paths you’ve taken—modelling, acting, hosting and podcasting— which one brings you the most fulfillment?

For me, all those creative outlets are natural expressions of who I am. Each one brings me fulfillment in different ways. Whether it’s showing up on set, recording a podcast, or making people laugh—these are all ways I feel fulfilled. I think a lot of talented people don’t always get the chance to have their talents recognised in such a wide-reaching way, so I feel fortunate to have that opportunity. And now, I’m open to comedy as a new direction, potentially even stand-up comedy in the future.

What other activities or roles are you involved in?

I have had the opportunity to perform in various roles, from singing in the church choir to hosting red carpets and TV presenting. I’ve hosted prestigious events like The Future Awards Africa and the 25 Under 25 Awards, and I’ve collaborated with notable brands such as Uber, YouTube, Swatch, Nescafé, FCMB and Zenith Bank.

As an actor, I’ve appeared in the Netflix movie, ‘Glamour Girls’. I am especially known for playing the character ‘Okoro’ in the web series, ‘Visa on Arrival’. Each role I take on helps me expand my range and connect with wider audiences. Comedy, in particular, is an exciting new direction I’m exploring, and I’m thrilled to see how my career diversifies.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in the course of your career?

Leaving my secure 9-5 job to pursue entertainment full-time was a huge risk. It was a gamble, but I decided with passion and belief in my potential. It was a leap of faith, and I told my then boss that he should please leave his door open for me in case it did not work as I envisioned. But, it has been incredibly rewarding.

Handling trolls and critics can be tough in the public eye. How do you manage negativity?

Handling trolls and critics has been a learning curve. As I’ve grown older, I’ve developed a stronger sense of self. I now choose to let negative comments go, and focus on maintaining peace and confidence in myself. It’s about prioritising my mental health and staying grounded.

When it comes to marriage, you’ve shared that you’re currently focused on personal growth. Can you tell us more about your perspective on relationships now?

While I was once open to marriage, I am now focused on personal growth, healing and self-care. I have set strong boundaries for myself. I admire people like Tyler Perry, who have chosen paths outside conventional marriage expectations. Right now, I’m more interested in building a strong sense of self before considering marriage.

How do you safeguard your mental health while staying active on social media?

I actively take regular breaks from social media, sometimes going a week or two without posting. I also surround myself with healthy, positive people and try to read uplifting materials. The Bible helps a lot in keeping me centred and sane, especially in a world that can feel chaotic. Having an anchor like God keeps me grounded. Social media can mess up one’s mental health if one pays too much attention to what people say and do there. Trolling is something we all face in different forms, and as I’ve grown, I’ve learnt to let it go and focus on what matters.

Can you share more about the foundation of your spirituality and how it’s helped you, particularly in tough times?

My spirituality is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible and my involvement in church. Growing up, I was in the choir and attended fellowships, which helped me during difficult times, especially in university when I dealt with trolling and bullying. Church was a covering for me, a place of community that helped me navigate those challenges. Now, my spirituality has grown deeper and more meaningful, and I’ve come to understand my faith on a much deeper level.

What are your thoughts on the current trend of body surgeries?

Yes, I have been body shamed and bullied at some point in my life. People should feel free to “recreate” themselves however they want to. Right now, surgeries are at an all-time high, and body shaming has contributed to people thinking they need surgery to fit in. If you want to modify your body, do it because it will make you happier, not because someone else said something. It’s about personal choice and empowerment.

How do you ease stress?

To ease stress, I love travelling. I usually just book a ticket and leave the country. It’s my favourite way to reset—seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, and opening my mind. I also hang out with friends, especially when I’m abroad. I find that balancing time between Nigeria and abroad helps me to manage stress.

Where are your favourite destinations and why?

Cape Town (South Africa) is my favourite destination. It feels like God was in a great mood when he created the place. It’s like Europe, but in Africa. The scenery is breathtaking, the weather is perfect, and it’s not as expensive as some parts of Europe. I also love Paris (capital of France) for the fashion and lifestyle.

What do you love the most about travelling?

Travelling has shown me just how important mental health is. If I hadn’t experienced some of the struggles like anxiety or depression myself, I might not have fully grasped its importance. I believe a person’s mental state influences everything in their life.

With the rise in domestic violence, especially men killing or abusing women, what is your take on this issue?

I don’t believe all men are like that. Domestic violence is a result of certain men not being raised right. It’s not in every man’s DNA to hit women. Some men who experience or witness abuse growing up may feel it’s normal, but this doesn’t apply to all men. Some good men were raised with love and respect for women. It’s crucial not to generalise. Men who abuse women are emotionally damaged, and they need help. We also need to educate the next generation on respecting women, starting with how boys are raised.

What advice do you have for young people looking to get into podcasting?

My advice is to apply yourself and be consistent. Podcasting should come from a genuine place. If you feel “led” to do it, don’t do it just to become popular. You need to be ready for the journey, even if that means doing five seasons. You have to love it enough to stick with it long-term and to keep the conversation meaningful and authentic.