Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter
On Thursday 24 April 2008, I met Dr. Tonya Merritt, the American born booking agent for music mega stars such as Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, Snoop Doggy Dog, Beyonce and others. She is also a reputable event planner.
Thursday was not our first meeting. I actually met her the second time she visited Nigeria in2006.Tonya’s first time in Nigeria was when she came alongside International stars for the first This Day Music Festival in Nigeria. The American lady found the people hospitable and ever since, she bumps in and out.
We came in close contact the second time she was in the country. One actress who happens to be a friend gave me the link and I followed it up. We met at her Hotel in Ikoyi and I hadher first ever interviewin Nigeria. It was a wonderful experience as Tonya also introduced me to her business partner (at that time), Mr. Jimmy Ogunniyi (Ogunniyi is a Nigerian based in the US).Tonya, a doctorate degree holder in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing, told me she has a great passion for the Nigerian entertainment industry. She also said she would be very glad to make her contributions by setting up a company that would give hidden talents in the country international exposure.
Tonya and Ogunniyi hinted that they were planning to hold the Black Sexy Party at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. I wasat the event and it wasa blast!
The interview was published on 1 January 2007 in Daily Independent Newspapers. By then, Dr.Tonya had left for the United States but she saw it on the internet. Tonya called and we chatted on the phone. She told me she loved the publication.
Jimmy Ogunniyi was also very happy and he called me to meet him at his Eko Hotel and Suites. He told me that he loved the ‘language’ I used. Then, he informed that they would be glad if I can work as their media consultant. Jimmy happens to be a thorough fellow. So, I had to work all through the night. Sometimes, he would tell me that I had to stay at the hotel and I had no choice so that work can move very fast. We had mention in all the media.
One night, we went to a club at Ikoyi and he told me “Niyi, do you know that you can report clubs, red carpets or even Tea alone and you can be a millionaire?” He stressed that in the US there are journalists who reports just one area and they are being paid well for what they do unlike Nigeria where journalists report so many areas without becoming an authority in one. It was a great discussion until I lost contact with Dr.Tonya Merritt and Jimmy Ogunniyi.
On Thursday when I went for the UBA/AMAA Nominee party for sickle cell foundation, the last person I was expecting to see was Tonya. I was there doing my work as usual when someone pointed at me with a smile ‘dancing’ on her lips “Do you still remember me?” I look up and screamed “Hey, Dr.Tonya!”
She gave a hug and believe me I will cherish that.
Thursday was not our first meeting. I actually met her the second time she visited Nigeria in2006.Tonya’s first time in Nigeria was when she came alongside International stars for the first This Day Music Festival in Nigeria. The American lady found the people hospitable and ever since, she bumps in and out.
We came in close contact the second time she was in the country. One actress who happens to be a friend gave me the link and I followed it up. We met at her Hotel in Ikoyi and I hadher first ever interviewin Nigeria. It was a wonderful experience as Tonya also introduced me to her business partner (at that time), Mr. Jimmy Ogunniyi (Ogunniyi is a Nigerian based in the US).Tonya, a doctorate degree holder in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing, told me she has a great passion for the Nigerian entertainment industry. She also said she would be very glad to make her contributions by setting up a company that would give hidden talents in the country international exposure.
Tonya and Ogunniyi hinted that they were planning to hold the Black Sexy Party at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. I wasat the event and it wasa blast!
The interview was published on 1 January 2007 in Daily Independent Newspapers. By then, Dr.Tonya had left for the United States but she saw it on the internet. Tonya called and we chatted on the phone. She told me she loved the publication.
Jimmy Ogunniyi was also very happy and he called me to meet him at his Eko Hotel and Suites. He told me that he loved the ‘language’ I used. Then, he informed that they would be glad if I can work as their media consultant. Jimmy happens to be a thorough fellow. So, I had to work all through the night. Sometimes, he would tell me that I had to stay at the hotel and I had no choice so that work can move very fast. We had mention in all the media.
One night, we went to a club at Ikoyi and he told me “Niyi, do you know that you can report clubs, red carpets or even Tea alone and you can be a millionaire?” He stressed that in the US there are journalists who reports just one area and they are being paid well for what they do unlike Nigeria where journalists report so many areas without becoming an authority in one. It was a great discussion until I lost contact with Dr.Tonya Merritt and Jimmy Ogunniyi.
On Thursday when I went for the UBA/AMAA Nominee party for sickle cell foundation, the last person I was expecting to see was Tonya. I was there doing my work as usual when someone pointed at me with a smile ‘dancing’ on her lips “Do you still remember me?” I look up and screamed “Hey, Dr.Tonya!”
She gave a hug and believe me I will cherish that.
She was looking like a true celeb in that mind blowing outfit.Trust, she is planning something big soonest. Don't let www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com let the cat out of the bag yet.
I promise you will be the first to know.
niyi very soon u go dey count dollar dollar bills in BENJAMINS!...say amen! lol
ReplyDeletelady looks ok...luv her shoes. red is a riske color even tho i love it.
She looks very American. (I am not being sarcastic.) It is just that African-Americans, most of them, like looking glamorous, and she looks it. The hair, outfit, smile, sandals (stilettos), look on point. Good for her. Work it girl!
ReplyDeleteNice Gucci Heels--NOT feeling the flamenco dancer one wrong dress!!!!!
ReplyDeleteED
gucci shoes?
ReplyDeleteseen that design at "nine west"
@ Ifeyinwa, u'd be surprised...In my opinion africans esp. nigerians dress up more thAn ur normal african-american....they do their thing when it comes to dressing, but glamour-wise, naijas def. take the cake...shoot, a naija girl can wear a ball gown to lectures...lol...and yes ave seen that once.
Nma
please guys she is a good looking woman, what is this thing about african american, but we nigerians live nigeria to america with full filght everyday, her dress is so nice better then all that was there, she is a real diva
ReplyDeletei think her dress and her gucci shoe is so beautiful,she look like she's on the ranway, like the other person said is a diva i think so too,she is a real diva, it takes a diva to know a diva, you go girl
ReplyDelete@Nma, thank you. Are we for real?
ReplyDeleteThts my mamaaaaaaa!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteentertainment and media industry
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