Muyiwa Adekunle, widely known as Real Bubblemaster, a London-based digital creator and broadcaster, has opened up about why he left a promising broadcasting career in Nigeria nearly fifteen years ago to relocate to the United Kingdom.
Speaking on the popular weekly radio programme, Ayekooto on Radio (ParrotXtra Hour), anchored by the publisher or ParrotXtra Magazine, Olayinka Agboola, and broadcast live on Splash 105.5FM in Felele, Ibadan, Adekunle said his decision to emigrate, often referred to as ‘japa’—was misinterpreted by many Nigerians as a sign of career failure.
He explained, “I have always worked as a freelancer and also served as a lecturer at the Polytechnic Ibadan’s Eruwa campus. However, there was a misconception at the school that I was not qualified to teach in the Mass Communication department because my background is in Media Art. Following this, I decided to leave and relocate abroad after obtaining a student visa.”
Adekunle described the recent unbundling of the Mass Communication discipline as a positive development for the profession. He noted that some foreign institutions now offer specialised degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Radio.
“Broadcasting is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a practical craft. Many of our curricula are outdated. In Europe, what matters is your delivery and skills. I strongly advocate that students be exposed to hands-on practical training because broadcasting is a performing art, not just a matter of acquiring certificates,” he said.
He further outlined the qualities required of a broadcaster: “A broadcaster is someone who communicates effectively via radio, television, or digital platforms. They must have formal and informal training, be articulate, eloquent, and committed to making a meaningful impact in the profession.”
Reflecting on his time at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Adekunle praised the high standards that prevailed: “No substandard content was accepted then. We had many talented and dedicated professionals even before the rise of private radio stations in Ibadan.”
He observed that the proliferation of radio stations in Oyo State and across Nigeria has created new opportunities, fostering healthy competition and benefiting both broadcasters and audiences.
Adekunle shared that his natural talkativeness and academic training in Media Art at the University of Ibadan’s Department of Theatre Arts inspired his career in broadcasting.
He explained that his programme “Emma Bubble” was designed primarily to entertain and amuse listeners.
However, he cautioned against overextending broadcasters, noting that hosting more than five programmes per week can diminish the quality of their skills.
Packaged by Dare Raji and Oluwajoba Agboola
