Arsenal can win two trophies this season – ‘Radio god’ Shonubi

Renowned on-air personality Lanre Shonubi, who is popularly known as ‘The Radio God’ with spells at HotFm and BBC, talks about his career, his love for English Premier League giants Arsenal, the Super Eagles, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

How did you go into the radio industry, and what made you decide to stick with it?

I discovered my interest at a very young age. I was always fascinated by radio and was involved in church activities, where I would present things. My fondest memory is wanting to talk like people on the radio. I would come back from school and record myself presenting a radio show on my dad’s desktop computer. Later, at the university, I started hosting radio shows on Hebron FM. It came naturally to me, and I didn’t need to think twice about it. Having a platform to showcase my talent gave me the motivation to keep doing it.

Did your parents support this career choice?
Initially, my dad wanted me to be sure of what I wanted to do. He didn’t think it was a full-time career path and suggested I do it on the side while pursuing something else. In my early stages, I was pursuing a career in medicine, but I didn’t really want to become a doctor. My dad later realised my passion and helped me get my first opportunity to work at a proper radio station. He knew the owner and reached out to him. Since then, he’s been really supportive. He would watch my shows and give me feedback.

Which is your favourite among places you have worked in?

HotFM will always be a special place to me, but my favourite place to work would be the BBC.
Can you tell us about some awards you’ve won?

I won the Nigerian Teen Choice Award for Outstanding Teen Media and Entertainment in 2014, which I did three years on the bounce. I’ve also been nominated for other awards, but the most exciting one was the first one I ever picked up, which was the Teen Choice award.

Did you participate in any sports while in school?

I wasn’t really a sports person. In secondary school, I played football briefly until someone stepped on my toes during a game. After that, I decided I was too soft for it and stopped playing. Now, I’m more interested in sports through playing FIFA on PS5.

Were you raised in a sports-loving household?

The main memories I have of watching sports with my family are the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. One of the freshest memories is the Nigeria vs. Tunisia match in 2004, which was quite emotional.

Who, in your opinion, is the best Nigerian footballer of all time?
My favourite Nigerian player is Osaze Odemwingie, mainly because I love his name. But if we’re talking about the best, I’d say Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha based on his skills and tricks on the ball, which made him stand out.

If you could go on a date with any sportsperson in the world, who would it be?
There’s this girl who runs for the United States. Sha’Carri Richardson, she’s very bold, beautiful, and confident. She comes to practice and games all glammed up with her nails done. I’d like to go on a date with her to find out where she draws all that confidence from.

If you could interview any sportsperson, who would it be?

Muhammad Ali. I wish I had the chance to have him on a radio show. He seemed very bold and confident, and I’d have loved to look into his eyes and see that confidence in person.

Which is your favourite part of being an OAP?

One of the things I enjoy most is seeing how vulnerable people can get with a presenter. I love getting to know people and having interesting conversations. That’s probably my favourite part.
What do you think of the Super Eagles’ performance lately?

I think there’s room for improvement. I’m not a football expert, so I can’t give a detailed analysis, but I believe they need to employ better strategies to succeed.

Do you support any football club?

Yes, I support Arsenal. Come on, Gooners!

What do you think of Arsenal’s chances this season?

Our chances are high. We finished second last season, and I believe we can do even better this term. With players like Bukayo Saka performing well, I think we could pick up at least two trophies this season—possibly the Premier League and the FA Cup. If we continue at this pace, we might even have a shot at the Champions League.

Would you encourage your children to pursue a career in sports?
Yes, I might. From a young age, I’d introduce them to sports, maybe throwing a football to them as early as three years old.

If your child becomes a footballer of (Bukayo) Saka’s calibre, would you advise them to represent England or Nigeria?

I would leave that for my child to decide. If they asked for my advice, I’d consider which country has the better system at that time. Although my children would likely be born in England, I’d encourage them to make the best decision for their career.