The Journey of a Social Media Sensation
Social media personality Toheeb Korey, widely known as Funny Toheeb, has amassed an impressive following of 561,000 on Instagram. In a recent conversation, he shared insights into his journey as a content creator and influencer.
Family Background
Toheeb’s parents are originally from Ibadan in Oyo State, but he was raised in Jakande, Lagos. Growing up, he experienced the typical Lagos lifestyle—full of hustle, noise, fun, and a strong survival spirit. These experiences have significantly shaped who he is today.
Educational Trajectory
He attended Tai Solarin University of Education in Ogun State, where he studied Creative Arts. This course exposed him to various art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpture, graphics, and acting. It provided a solid foundation for understanding the creative process.
Social Media Beginnings
Toheeb became active on social media around 2017, during his university years. Although he had been on social media before, that was when he started creating content seriously and gained attention. People began to take notice of his work.
Evolution of Social Media
Over the years, social media has transformed significantly. Initially, it was more picture-oriented, but now videos dominate the platform. People want quick entertainment, so creators must adapt. The competition has also increased, pushing Toheeb to enhance his creativity further.
Inspiration for Unique Dress Impressions
Toheeb was inspired by how celebrities showcased expensive red-carpet looks. He thought there must be a cheaper way to recreate similar styles using everyday materials. This led to his unique dress impressions, which blend humor with creativity and affordability.
Idea Generation for Costumes
Before shooting, Toheeb visualizes the entire video in his mind. He plans everything from the materials to the acting. The main challenge is shooting in public, where people often react unexpectedly. He prepares mentally for each shoot.
Memorable Costume
One of his most memorable costumes involved recreating outfits for Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. For one look, he used a live chicken to represent feathers, which sparked both admiration and criticism. Despite the backlash, it highlighted his creative potential.
Handling Backlash
Toheeb acknowledges that not everyone will support his work. He learns to navigate criticism by listening to constructive feedback while ignoring trolling. He believes that criticism means people are watching, which is part of growth.
Challenging Materials
One of the hardest materials he used was groundnut while recreating a Don Jazzy outfit. Sticking them to the base material was a struggle, but the final result was worth the effort.
Cultural Influence
His Yoruba background influences his creativity and fashion choices. He often recreates traditional outfits like owambe, sometimes collaborating with his mother on looks inspired by cultural figures.
New Venture in Tailoring
Toheeb recently started tailoring, driven by his passion for fashion. He realized that understanding the industry from the grassroots was essential for growth. His goal is to become a recognized designer.
Family Support
Initially, his family was not supportive of his career path. However, they gradually came on board as they saw the positive impact of his content. Now, they encourage him.
Monetizing Social Media
Toheeb earns money by promoting brands and collaborating with them. He charges for visibility and finds a balance between passion and business.
Content Creation Process
When shooting outdoors, he usually has someone record for him. Indoors, he sets up a tripod and records himself. Editing is time-consuming but crucial for transforming raw footage into something extraordinary.
Video Review
He rarely sends his videos for review, relying on his judgment when working alone. Collaborations involve joint reviews before uploading.
Essential Skill in Content Creation
Video editing is the most useful skill in content creation. Even the best concepts can be ruined by poor editing, so mastering this skill enhances communication of ideas.
Personal Style
Toheeb describes his personal style as adventurous. He enjoys experimenting with different looks, whether over-the-top or simple, depending on the occasion.
Unusual Costumes
Some costumes are made from local market finds, while others, like Spider-Man or Moana-inspired looks, are ordered online. He blends local creativity with global fashion inspiration.
Revisiting Old Videos
He doesn’t watch his videos immediately after posting but occasionally re-watches old ones as throwbacks to track his growth and identify areas for improvement.
Avoided Topics
Toheeb avoids religious topics due to their sensitivity. He respects people’s beliefs and aims to avoid misinterpretation.
Hobbies
When not creating content, he enjoys listening to music, live-streaming on TikTok, playing games, and exploring tech gadgets. These activities help him relax.
Fashion Icons
He doesn’t have a specific fashion icon but draws inspiration from award shows and red carpets. Anyone who dresses well inspires him.
Personality
Toheeb describes himself as optimistic. He focuses on the positive side of things, believing that everything happens for a reason. This mindset keeps him motivated and creative.
Entertainment Industry Opportunity
He would definitely take an opportunity in the entertainment industry. He has acted in a few movies and enjoys the experience, which aligns with his university studies.
Future Goals
In five years, Toheeb envisions growing beyond content creation, possibly running his own fashion brand and becoming recognized among Nigeria’s top designers.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
Toheeb advises aspiring creators to start wherever they are. He emphasizes consistency and using available resources, even if it’s just a phone. The courage to start is what sets them apart.
