Joseph Onaolapo (born May 8, 1994), professionally known as Jay On-Air, is a Nigerian actor, radio and television broadcaster, content creator, and event host. A trained journalist, he gained widespread recognition through his comedic skits on social media, where he portrays characters such as "The Finished Lover turned Tech Bro" and "Mrs. Olaitan," a sadistic HR professional.[1]
Jay On-Air | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Joseph Onaolapo May 8, 1994 |
| Other names | Jay On-Air |
| Alma mater | Adekunle Ajasin University |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Broadcaster |
| Years active | 2012-present |
Early life and career
editIn 2016, Onaolapo began his career in the media industry as a radio intern at Orange Radio in Benin, Edo State. In 2020, he furthered his career by joining UFM Lagos.[2]
Onaolapo has frequently discussed how he began creating content and making skits during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, driven by unemployment and depression. His first widely viral TikTok video, a recreation of a Mercy Chinwo performance, garnered 1.7 million views within days. In a December 2022 interview with Zikoko Magazine, Onaolapo revealed that his mother was the first person to recognize his talent for making people laugh.[3]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Trendupp Awards | Force of Online Sensation | Nominated | [4] |
| 2023 | La Mode Awards | Content Creator of the Year | Nominated | [5] |
References
edit- ^ Zikoko (2022-12-23). Jay On Air | First With Zikoko. Retrieved 2024-08-21 – via YouTube.
- ^ "How Jay On-Air Turned His Passions Into Streams Of Income - Piggyvest Blog". blog.piggyvest.com. 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
- ^ Zikoko (2022-12-23). Jay On Air | First With Zikoko. Retrieved 2024-08-21 – via YouTube.
- ^ Bodunde, Deborah (2024-06-02). "FULL LIST: Tunde Onakoya, Layi Wasabi nominated for 2024 Trendupp Awards". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ Peters, Lilian (2023-07-13). "La Mode Awards 2023: Full List of Nominees For the 9th La Mode Awards #greenoctoberevent2023". Retrieved 2024-08-21.