As The Most Toasted Girl wraps up its long-awaited season, Denise, Ag. Managing Editor of Marie Claire Nigeria sits down with Nengi Adoki in an exclusive interview to discuss her creative evolution, navigating Nigeria’s entertainment industry, and balancing artistry with commercial success.
Few creators have navigated Nollywood’s ever-shifting terrain with the versatility and wit of The Most Toasted Girl herself, Nengi Adoki. An actor, writer, producer, and director, Nengi has built a career that defies convention, seamlessly blending humour, satire, and incisive storytelling. As she prepares to conclude a long-awaited season of her hit series, The Most Toasted Girl, Marie Claire Nigeria sits down with her to discuss her creative evolution, the realities of working in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success.
On Her Craft and Career
You’ve built a career that spans acting, writing, producing, and directing. What excites you most about storytelling, and how has your approach evolved over time?
Honouring the characters I portray and their stories excites me the most. Whether on stage or screen, my goal is to challenge myself, and deliver performances that are more compelling each time. There’s something magical about watching an audience lose themselves in a film because the actor is fully immersed in their role.
My approach has evolved in that I now value transparency and openness when collaborating with other creatives. As a writer and producer, I’m passionate about fostering more inclusive, collaborative spaces in Nollywood — where essential information like financing, casting, and credits is accessible.
Nigeria’s film and digital content space is changing rapidly. How do you navigate the tension between commercial viability and artistic integrity?
It’s an ongoing journey with no easy answers. Both artistic excellence and commercial viability are necessary in today’s landscape. Anyone serious about creating successfully in the digital age must master the balance between the two — delivering exceptional work while understanding how to market it effectively.
What’s one misconception about working in Nigeria’s entertainment industry that you wish more people understood?
That it requires discipline, training, and intention. I often hear people say they want to act but show little interest in learning the craft. Similarly, there’s a tendency to trivialise the effort that goes into acting, writing, or producing. Creative work is still work, and those who do it well deserve the same respect as professionals in any other industry. Success in this field demands grit, commitment, and consistency.
On The Most Toasted Girl
The Most Toasted Girl became a cultural phenomenon, hilariously capturing modern dating’s absurdities. What drew you back to the project after the hiatus?
The hiatus wasn’t intentional. We began developing Season 2 right after the first season, with my production company, TheNengers, partnering with 37thState and Purple Group. But in October 2021, I lost my father, Sir (Chief) Nemi Wisdom Adoki, and needed time to heal.
The ENDSARS protests, post-pandemic struggles, and rising production costs also made things difficult. Still, we pushed forward, filming between fundraising efforts. We finally wrapped in January 2024 and took another year for post-production. Through it all, our biggest supporters have been our audience. We love this show and were determined to bring it back in a way that felt true to its heart.
How has the break influenced your vision for this season? Should we expect any shifts in tone or themes?
Absolutely. In Season 1, TMTG was navigating tricky dating situations in Lagos with wit and charm. This time, we expand beyond toasting — she’s also searching for a job, and we meet her friends and family.
Genre-wise, we experimented. Episode 1 is a thriller, Episode 2 leans into dramedy, and Episode 3 nods to classic Nollywood. But don’t worry — there’s still plenty of toasting! The satirical yet deeply relatable tone remains.
The dating discourse has evolved in recent years. Will TMTG reflect these shifts?
She’s definitely more focused this season. As conversations around love and relationships change, TMTG evolves with them — while staying true to her witty, satirical roots. Let’s just say she has some new lessons to teach!
On Navigating Industry Challenges
The entertainment industry is often seen as male-dominated. Have you had to fight harder for opportunities or respect?
Interestingly, Nollywood has been the opposite of that experience for me. Women producers and directors — like Yemisi Wada, Jade Osiberu, Bolanle Austen-Peters, and Awoba Bob-Manuel — have played a dominant role in my career.
As for respect, I already respect myself and my work. The world will simply have to adjust accordingly.
You’ve worked on indie projects and mainstream productions. Is Nollywood doing enough to support independent creators?
Even before the current economic downturn, life was tough for creatives. Now, it’s even harder to survive — let alone thrive — in a system that often feels built to hold people back.
From my experience producing The Most Toasted Girl, even with some backing, I see the gaps in industry support. Creatives need more — grants, upskilling opportunities, royalties, affordable housing, wellness programmes, and insurance. These are systemic issues I’m determined to help address.
Actors often struggle with typecasting. Have you had to push against it?
Absolutely. To break out of it, my team and I became more strategic. If a role feels too similar to something I’ve done before, we request something different. We focus on opportunities that challenge me. In fact, The Most Toasted Girl was partially born out of my desire to play a character unlike anything I’d done before.
What has been the hardest ‘no’ you’ve had to say in your career, and what did it teach you?
Saying ‘no’ to myself has been the hardest. I’ve stopped negotiating with mediocrity and committed to striving for excellence. That ‘no’ has helped me honour my own standards and values.
Looking Ahead
With The Most Toasted Girl back in full force, one thing is undeniable — Nengi Adoki is not just telling stories; she’s reshaping Nollywood’s landscape. Her journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and an unshakable sense of humour.
As we head into the season finale this Thursday, a huge congratulations to Nengi and her incredible team led by Bolaji Kekere-Ekun for an outstanding season! If you haven’t caught up yet, now’s the time — because what’s coming next is bound to be a ride!
Photoshoot Credits
Creative Direction: Bolaji Kekere-Ekun
Photography: Nnemka Praise Chidubem
Styling: Opara Nwaeze James.
Clothing: Stylelopedia
Make Up: Akugbe Efemena Idolo
Hair Stylist: Priscillia Makinde
Hair: Quivie Hair
