Obasanjo’s Internet – TMT

Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favorites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them and their work. Today, we are joined by TMT, lawyer and co-host of Submarine And A Roach Podcast as he explains 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Look at my texts and emails. I scan for work and ignore everything else. I look at the non-work messages after I’m dressed and ready for the day.

How do you use the internet for work or pleasure?

Both. For work when there’s sunshine and pleasure when there’s moonlight.

What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?

When I was 19 I used to upload a lot of beats I made on SoundCloud. A 14-year-old white boy asked me for one of them and recorded a song on it, that boy was Jack Harlow. That’s the kind of random bizarre stuff that makes me like the internet.

Your favorite social media platform and why?

Twitter I think. As much as I do enjoy a clever/funny tweet, I find it very easy to disconnect myself from it and ignore it for days on end. I think that’s important. 

What was the last meme you saved?

Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?

I honestly cannot but I think it was in 2010. I was in A-Levels, kinda lonely and thousands of people were interacting with this thing I tweeted on a whim. Celebrities were laughing at it and a few of them followed me. It was a weird position for an 18-year-old. 

What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?

I’ve never actually generated much outrage, it’s not like I play it safe or anything like that but I just try to be more funny than mean. I think my worst post on social media would throw people off and make them wonder if Nigerians truly deserved independence rather than cause shock or outrage…okay maybe a little shock.

What rules do you live by on the internet?

Just one, really. Don’t post anything before you’ve had a meal. Pearl S Buck once wrote that “A hungry man can’t see right or wrong,” I agree with that. 

What is your guiltiest online pleasure?

That’s tough. I do love watching video essays on YouTube, the ones where they explain why a movie or a director or actor is so special. 

Would you say you have an online persona?

I think we’re the same people. 

What’s your favorite emoji and why?

I don’t have one, but I do use this one the most 😂because life is funny and sad.

Are you particular about your feed?

Not even a little bit, I think one day we’re going to look back at people who were and cringe. 

YouTube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?

YouTube. I like a good TikTok, don’t get me wrong but I think I prefer longer, more thought-out video content.

Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of? 

All of them really. Chinasa Anukam, Abba Makama, Dare Olaitan, Me, Adesua Okosun, AYLØ, Yinka Bernie, Tamara Aihie, CJ Obasi, Ife Koleowo. 

Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you? 

The coolest person I follow is probably Sam Jay. She’s funny and super honest and makes me like myself more. The coolest person that follows me is Questlove. In 2019, I made this thread about Marvin Gaye’s son that went viral and he found it and laughed a lot. 

What is your favorite Nigerian podcast?

Submarine And A Roach.

Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online? 

Yes.

5 people you’d love to see answer these questions

Dare Olaitan, Adesua Okosun, Yinka Bernie, Tamara Aihie, Ife Koleowo.

Read previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here.