If you’ve been paying attention to the new wave of African digital media, then you’ve probably come across NoteSphere, a fast-rising platform reshaping how African stories are told. At the heart of it is Tobi Bankole, a content creator turned curator, whose journey from promoting music on Twitter to building a media hub says everything about passion, grit, and vision.
In this exclusive chat, Tobi gets candid about his early beginnings, the inspiration behind NoteSphere, what he thinks Africa’s content ecosystem is missing, and what’s next for him personally and professionally.
Introductory & Background
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into content creation and how it led to founding NoteSphere?
I started content creation by promoting artistes contents on my personal Twitter account back in 2020. Things began shaping up nicely when I joined The Upper Ent that same year. I’d say my 5-year journey there helped me discover myself and contributed to me finding my own path.
Q: Who or what inspires you personally and professionally?
My wins. They make me believe anything is achievable. If you can see positive results, then you can put in more work and see even more. The negative results are part of the inspiration too, especially at the professional level.
Q: What inspired the transition from working at TheUpperEnt to launching your own platform?
I already laid a foundation to this answer in my first reply. My stay at The Upper Ent shaped me. I found myself doing things I didn’t know I was capable of, from content curation to handling social media pages. All the experiences gathered there helped me know what I want for myself and how I want to approach it uniquely.
On NoteSphere
Q: What makes NoteSphere stand out in the crowded digital media space?
It’s the brand aesthetics, the vibrant colors, and the way we put out our content. I knew we were doing it right when it began to be imitated at all levels. Also, my co-founder, Emaxee, plays a huge role in this, he handles our designs.
Q: How do you think platforms like NoteSphere can reshape the narrative around African entertainment globally?
We’ve reshaped, and we are still on that quest. There’s a lot of refining to do in this space and loads of narratives to change. I think how platforms can cover solid grounds is by reshaping the narrative with intention. It has to be natural and genuine, not just for the accolades.
Q: In your view, what’s missing in the African content ecosystem, and how are you addressing it?
Spotlight on the people who actually make things work. Too often, people only focus on the surface level. Take music, for instance, graphic designers are some of the most underappreciated creatives in that space. Artists know and value them, which is why many stick to a particular designer for years; there’s already a boundless connection between them. Think of Sore Adebisi x Bnxn, or Bol x Victony, just to name a few.
I could go on about photographers and stylists too, but my answers are already getting a little long haha.
My team and I have been able to address this with NoteSphere, and we continue to do so daily. I’m also glad designers now even have the chance to become Grammy winners, that recognition was long overdue.
Awards & Achievements
Q: Can you share some of the most significant milestones or awards you’ve received in your journey so far, including brands you’ve worked with?
I think my TurnTable recognition has to be one of my most significant milestones, it was so heartwarming.
Awards? None for now. Maybe I could have gotten one if I didn’t always say no to interviews. Yeah, trust me, it was that bad until I finally snapped out of being ‘mysterious.’
As for brands I’ve worked with, Omo, the list is longgg! But honestly, I think I’ve been able to work with all the reputable music labels in Nigeria.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
I’m proud of NoteSphere. That’s my baby. That’s my biggest achievement, and it’ll always stand out.
Q: Has there been a moment in your career that made you feel, “Yes, this is working”?
Hahah yes! I’ve seen ideas come to life. I’ve seen dreams unfold and turn into reality.
Plans for the Future
Q: What are your short- and long-term goals for NoteSphere?
Short-term goal: Our focus is on engaging in physical activities, outreach programs, and community foundations, and most importantly, connecting with our community in person. We are actively exploring unique ways to approach this.
Long-term goal: To impact millions of African and international creatives before we turn 5. It may seem broad, but I believe it’s achievable. Our source of inspiration goes beyond ourselves; our followers, friends, and family are carriers of our legacy and motivation. As long as we have them, everything is possible.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, of course! We’ve only done one collaboration, the Children’s Day collab with Mavin. There could have been more, right? But we are just very selective. We thoroughly value collaborations with people who understand our essence. We place that over any monetary benefits.
Q: What’s next for Tobi Bankole, personally and professionally?
I just graduated uni last month. To be honest, I really just want to create more time for myself and travel as much as I can. Education distorted my personal life psychologically, but I was able to wing it with my professional life, at the cost of losing vital friendships and relationships. Now, I just want to touch grass, make memories, and run.
From promoting music on Twitter to launching a platform that champions African creativity, Tobi Bankole’s story is a reminder that consistency and vision can turn an idea into a movement. With NoteSphere, he’s building culture, amplifying underappreciated voices, and setting the stage for a new era of African storytelling.
And if his plans for the future are anything to go by, this is just the beginning.
