I never left Law, you can’t leave it – Tosyn Bucknor

Weekend Magazine: How did entertainment start for you?Tosyn Bucknor: Wow, it is hard to say exactly. I started doing different things at different times, but I have been writing since my primary school days. In secondary school, I acted as part of the drama club. I started writing songs in the university. In the university, […]

Weekend Magazine: How did entertainment start for you?
Tosyn Bucknor: Wow, it is hard to say exactly. I started doing different things at different times, but I have been writing since my primary school days. In secondary school, I acted as part of the drama club. I started writing songs in the university. In the university, I also joined a band and worked part time on a radio show. Then I began blogging after the Law School and started recording some of my songs. There really isn’t one strict answer to the question.
What does music mean to you?
Music means fun, music means release, and music means the only thing I am shy about!
As a female in the field, what hurdles do you have to overcome?
As with all females, you sometimes feel it is a man’s world and you have to work twice as hard. Also, people expect women to be timid, quiet, not as driven as men and I think it truly surprises and sometimes annoy them when they meet someone like me.
You joined the march in honour of the slain Dr. Irawo Adamolekun. What is your take on such incessant killings and especially as the culprits in almost all the cases are never caught?
It was a truly sad situation. Unfortunately, there really isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said. Security has to be a priority in Lagos and in Nigeria as a whole. And it doesn’t feel like it is at the moment.
Why are reality shows your first love?
(Laughter) Reality shows are like life in 30 minutes. Yes maybe they are scripted or staged, but these are people who are living some versions of their lives and it is always interesting to see what choices they make and how they react.
Are you planning any soon?
I plan several of them. It may not necessarily be all about me, though. I have plans for two or three reality shows/reality competition ideas, and as soon as some time frees up on my schedule, I will kick off the first one.
How did you come about ‘Tosyn’s Ten 10s’?
Every week I observe random things, and trust me, I am one of the most random people you will ever meet. ‘Tosyns Ten 10s’ is a way of capturing my randomness in tens every week.
How do you decide   topics for   Ten 10s?
It depends on what I am feeling the most. It could be personal, like when I wrote about my granny’s death, or general.
You do a number of things. Songs, writing, television, etc. Which do you enjoy the most?
Honestly, I enjoy whatever I am doing, when I am doing it. And it always feels that is my favourite… until I do something else. On set, I am sure that’s my favourite. Then I get on air and that’s my favourite. Take me to the studio to record and it will be my favourite!
What’s been the most challenging bit of being in entertainment?
I think with other jobs and stuff, work ends and life begins. You finish work and go home. But with entertainment, you work all the time. There is no defined resting period.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
There are a lot I have on my plate at the moment. I am promoting my album, ‘Pop Rock Soul and Jara’ currently. My radio show on Top Radio is going strong with some fun tweaks here and there. Then there is also television. Apart from writing for a new television series, I will also be working with Ebony Life TV. Then there is a lot of work going on online- the blog, my keeks and vlogs and more.
You’ve got different sides to your looks. What informs your fashion sense?
My fashion sense is mostly inspired by what is comfortable, but different. I like to be dramatic, but I am shy so I only do simple drama. I am gypsy at heart, so I am big on bangles and ear-rings. Recently though, I am doing more classic styles.
Where do you hope to be in another five years?
Where God wants me to be. I know this is cliché, but it is the truth.
There are a lot of young people who consider you a role model. How would you encourage such people to choose their path in life?
I would say, find your voice, and like what Rooftop MCs said, “Don’t let nobody hold you down, cos only you can stop you now.”
Who has had the most influence on you?
I don’t know. I really can’t pin point any specific person. But I’d say that anyone I respect must have influenced me significantly, some way or the other. I also care about what people I respect would think about the things I do and say.
What would   give you the most joy?
Hmmm, that would be if I met Eminem. But also, making heaven is important to me.
What motivates the ideas for your work?
Mostly the things I see. I like to observe and build on the things I see. This is in addition to a dose of personal stuff and sometimes, my imagination!
How would you describe your music genre?
It is ‘pop rock soul jara’.
Who is Tosyn away from the camera?
I’m actually the same – fun, funny, moody, self-conscious, happy, emotional, interested in everything, passionate, open person as I am in front of the camera.
Who is your target audience?
Everyone! I target everybody. I like kids, teenagers, youths, adults, senior citizens, and every one who can listen to me. Girls!
Any plans on going back to law?
You never leave law. Once you are in it, you are in it. I never quit. I got tired of Law, but I’d never have quit. I even went to Law School. I was brought up to see things through.
Has studying Law been beneficial to your current career path?
Indeed,   in a lot of ways. It helps me in phrasing my thoughts. It has helped me with thinking them through and debating them as well as talking.
How do you relax?
I sleep, I love to watch television. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going out to eat. But I especially love to watch television.