How Tife Ajayi Turned an IT Placement Into a Thriving Broadcasting Career

Growing up, Boluwatife Ajayi used to laugh at the idea of becoming a broadcaster. Today, she is one of the industry’s rising voices. For this edition of The Lane, we spoke with Boluwatife Ajayi, an early-career broadcaster and voice artist who shared her journey from a dreaded university industrial training placement to building a thriving broadcasting career. In this conversation, she reflects on her early beginnings, the lessons learned along the way, and the power of finding one’s voice in an industry that demands authenticity, resilience, and relentless growth.

What sparked your initial interest in broadcasting, and were there any early experiences or influences that stood out?

Years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it if I were told that I would end up being a broadcaster, because growing up, I used to belittle the profession. When my cousin told me she wanted to be a newscaster, I remember laughing so hard. It’s ironic now that I am practicing the exact profession I once scorned.

The course I studied at the university changed my perception of this path. When I got to 200L, and we were told to go for the 6-week Industrial Training at either a television or radio station, that was the beginning of my journey in media. Although as at that time, I still hadn’t made up my mind or  clicked into that reality yet, I just saw it as an assignment given to me by a lecturer in school because of course, scores were attached to it.

During that time, I met a lot of people who made broadcasting look so appealing, which made me fall in love with it. The Industrial Training also opened me to many things, I started making use of my voice. I would come up with a script and also voice it. I started picking interest in that and decided to go back to the radio station to volunteer and learn more.

Was there a specific moment, or experience that made you decide to pursue broadcasting  as a full-time career?

I would say this was while I was volunteering at the radio station. One day, I recorded a news report and played it for one of the people I looked up to at the station at that time, he listened to it, calmly, attentively and said something that still rings a bell till today, “You have the dynamics, you will go far”. That sparked something inside of me. It felt like I hadn’t heard a nice compliment in a long time. I started to channel my energy into the recordings  and when I resumed school, everyone was complimenting me.  Those reviews kept me going. When you come across someone  studying performing arts, you would mostly think they would end up being an actor/actress or dancer/singer but I just didn’t want to go into that direction which was why I just opted  for Broadcasting.

How has your voiceover style, delivery, or overall creative process evolved over time? 

The radio station where I interned and volunteered really helped me as I would always write voiceover scripts for my boss and he would tell me to record it. I did that a number of times and I just got used to it. I rehearse a lot, and one of the ways I help myself is to talk out loud, record myself and listen. When I started doing voiceovers, I wasn’t even charging because people were just getting used to it and they weren’t ready to pay. So I would announce that  I am currently running free ads for the first 5 people, and people showed interest. Soon enough, I started getting paid gigs by posting the free voiceovers I had done. 

What were some of the initial doubts or significant obstacles you faced in making broadcasting  a sustainable career, and how did you begin to overcome them?

Talking about my challenges in broadcasting, at the early stage I had the fear of speaking out. I used to be quiet, shy to talk and all these made me question myself if I was really ready for the media space. As an on-air personality, you have to be assertive and a lot is also expected from you. 

I consciously helped myself outgrow that by talking to myself a lot—which I still do! Those around me probably wonder if I’m okay when they see me talking to myself. I would just talk on random topics and then I intentionally bring up conversations with people instead of just staying quiet and watching.

Were there any specific broadcasters, voiceover artists, or resources that significantly inspired you, or guided you in your journey?

Oh yes. My boss. We call him Rave Daddy but his real name is John Ojong. He is a voice over artist and sound producer, another person that inspires me is Seyitan Atigarin of Arise news, Damilola Raphael of Rave 91.7Fm and Blessing Mosugu of News Central TV. 

Are there any projects you’re currently working on that you’d like to share?

Oh Yes! I recently launched my podcast, The Everything Adulthood Podcast and I’m honestly so proud of how far it’s come already!  Even though it’s still new, it’s something I’m really passionate about.

The idea for the podcast came from my personal experiences navigating adulthood, the confusion, lessons, and the quiet victories that come with growing up. I wanted to create a space where we can have real, honest conversations about what it means to be in your 20s, from love and friendships to purpose, faith, and figuring life out one day at a time.

It’s a safe, comforting space, not perfect, just real. I record, edit, and produce everything myself, and with each episode, I feel like I’m learning more about my voice and connecting with people who can relate. The goal is simple: to build a community of young adults who can laugh, reflect, and heal together through shared stories. It’s just the beginning, but I’m excited about where this journey will lead. 

In your opinion, what is the role or responsibility of broadcasters in society today?

It varies, but the primary role or responsibility of a broadcaster is, informing, educating and entertaining the public. A broadcaster gives his/her voice to different communities highlighting important social issues.

Beyond financial aspects, what have been some of the most significant creative or professional challenges you’ve faced in the course of your career  and how did you navigate them?

One major challenge I’ve faced is staying creatively consistent and remaining interested in the profession, especially when things get overwhelming. Broadcasting can be demanding, the tight schedules, the constant deadlines, and the need to always “show up” even when you’re not at your best. There was a point when I felt completely drained. It was just work, work, work, and I started losing touch with myself. I even thought about backing out completely.

But I realized what I really needed wasn’t to quit, I just needed space to breathe. So, I took a step back, gave myself some time off, and had a change of environment. That break changed everything. Four months later, I found my voice again, literally and figuratively and returned to broadcasting with renewed passion. Now I understand that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause. Taking time to recharge doesn’t mean giving up, it means making room for clarity, creativity, and growth.

How did you first start getting your work noticed in the broadcasting industry? What strategies or habits proved most effective for you?

Well, I wouldn’t say I’m fully “noticed” yet. I’m still in that upcoming phase where I’m building my voice, audience, and brand one step at a time. But along the way, I’ve learned that growth in broadcasting isn’t always about fame or big recognition; it’s also about consistency, improvement, and authenticity. I started by showing up, doing my work with passion, no matter how small the platform was. I kept learning, recording, creating content, and sharing bits of my journey online. Social media has helped me a lot in putting my work out there.

Another thing that’s worked for me is being authentic, not trying to sound like anyone else, just doing me. I also take feedback seriously and stay open to learning from people who’ve been in the field longer. So, while I’m still growing and not “there” yet, I believe that staying consistent, humble, and passionate will eventually lead me to where I’m meant to be.

Could you share one or two memorable milestones, achievements, or pivotal moments in your broadcasting  career that affirmed you were on the right path?

I may still be growing in the industry, but I’ve had a few moments that truly reminded me why I chose this path.

One of the most memorable was the first time someone reached out after listening to my show and said my voice made their morning better. It was such a small message, but it meant everything! Trust me, it reminded me that impact doesn’t always come in big numbers. Sometimes, touching one person is enough to keep you going.

Another moment was when I launched my podcast. It felt like a personal victory being able to create something from scratch, share real conversations, and express my thoughts freely. That project gave me a new sense of confidence in my voice and message. Also, returning to broadcasting after taking a break was a big milestone for me. It showed me that passion doesn’t fade; sometimes it just needs time to recharge.

Those little wins, the kind comments, the growth, the renewed energy are what keep me grounded and certain that I’m on the right path, even if I’m still at the early stages.

What are your aspirations and expectations for the future of your career?

 My biggest goal is to use my voice to make an impact, inform, inspire, and connect with people across different platforms. I want to keep growing as a broadcaster, improving my storytelling, presentation, and production skills so I can handle bigger shows and reach wider audiences. In the voice-over space, I see myself working with top brands both locally and internationally, lending my voice to meaningful projects that tell stories, sell ideas, and touch lives.

I also plan to own a podcast and recording studio someday, a creative space where young broadcasters and voice talents can train, record, and bring their ideas to life. That dream is really close to my heart.  Above all, my long-term vision is to keep growing, evolving, and staying authentic in a fast-changing media world. I may still be building my name, but I know my voice will take me places, and I’m ready for the journey.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone who is just starting their  broadcasting journey or considering pursuing it full-time?

First of all, I’d say be patient with yourself. Broadcasting and voice-over work require time, practice, and consistency. You may not get recognized immediately, but every recording, every show, and every attempt helps you grow.

Secondly, find your unique voice, not just how you sound, but what you stand for. Don’t try to imitate others, learn from them, yes, but stay true to yourself. Authenticity is what makes your voice memorable.

Also, be ready to put in the work. Broadcasting isn’t always glamorous, there are early mornings, tight deadlines, and moments when you’ll doubt yourself. But those are the same moments that build your resilience and skill. Another piece of advice: keep learning. Attend workshops, practice your diction, study great broadcasters, and listen to your recordings to see how you can improve. Growth never stops in this field.

And finally, enjoy the process.