Poignant expression has always been a defining feature of Iremide Adeoye’s acting career since his breakthrough performance as Lolu — a young queer man navigating the complexities of a largely conservative society — in the 2023 Showmax series Wura. If his breakout with Wura somehow didn’t convince, his compelling cameo as young Israel in the acclaimed Funmilayo Ransome Kuti (2023) and his lead role in Showmax’s Under the Influence series definitely lent more to his stock as one of the brightest new-age Nollywood actors. But there’s more to the actor that’s just as distinctive: he’s a fashion icon whose expressive styles  mark s him as a trailblazing African model; a creative director and digital creator par excellence; and a public speaker whose themes revolve around identity, purpose, and creativity.

For his next act, Iremide is stepping onto a new path as a presenter on Bounce 89.1 FM. A multi-dimensional artist in every sense of the word, Iremide’s work with Bounce FM might be his first major rodeo as an on-air personality on radio, but it’s something he has always cosplayed as a kid who was drawn to the mystery of the talking box. “As a child, I’ve always been drawn to radio and the idea of owning my own show on the airwaves in future. I’d listen to the radio and imagine my voice as the OAP someday,’’ Iremide recounted to BSide.

Even as this moment brings his childhood dream full circle, the journey up to this point abided by the natural course of time and seasons,  allowing him to nurture his other creative abilities. “Right now in my journey as an artist, I’m in a place where I’m expanding and expressing my creativity in every way it naturally wants to show up,’’ he said. “Acting remains a big part of my identity, but I’ve grown into a fuller, more multi-dimensional artist; one who’s using every form of creative expression and storytelling in him. Radio feels like the next chapter in that evolution. And you know there’s never a perfect time to share your gift with the world. You start when you feel ready within, and that’s exactly where I am now.’’

“What stands out most about this challenge for me is the fact that I’m exploring a completely new form of expression and storytelling,’’ Iremide admits. “For most of my career, I’ve expressed my art visually, through characters, scenes, pictures and the worlds we build on screen. Radio flips that: It’s just my voice and someone else’s ear. The idea that I can connect and create an entire experience purely through sound is thrilling to me.’’

But the thrill this move promises doesn’t obscure the subtle parallel between his new path in radio and his foundation in TV: the latter demands constant reinvention with every character, while the former calls for a steady, consistent persona. Yet, Iremide charastertically finds a natural common ground between both worlds.

“It’s actually a big part of my excitement,’’ he said. “People know me through characters I’ve played, but radio allows them to experience Iremide and my personality on a consistent level. I like to believe that consistency doesn’t always mean a lack of variety. For me, in this context, it means showing up with the same level of authenticity and intentionality every time I’m on air, even if conversations evolve.’’

It’s this intentionality with his craft and authenticity that endeared him to the audience and earned him the “Your Favourite TV Boyfriend’’ moniker. Iremide is poised to bring these attributes to the airwaves for Bounce 89.1 FM every weekend: Fridays on the Global Radio Show from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays on Back to the Future from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“I’m big on intentionality and authenticity when it comes to my creative work,’’ Iremide said. “I’m coming with charm, great energy, storytelling, and relatability, and I’m stepping into this space with the same presence that people have connected with on screen. I’m about to be Your Favourite Radio Boyfriend, just like I’ve done on screen.’’