Gist with Tofu

Favour Jesutofunmi

Hey gist partners, join me as we discuss everything relationships, from love, friendships, to family we talk about all of it with very interesting guests. Tag along and let’s roll

  1. Aug 21

    Wait… Nigerian Audio Dramas Have Been This Good?

    What if the future of Nigerian storytelling is happening in sound, not video? Tofu stumbles onto Asoebi, an audio web series - and gets completely pulled in by a format most listeners are still discovering for the first time. From that surprise find on YouTube, she unpacks why audio dramas feel so immersive, how they let your imagination become the director, and why this medium is making a serious comeback across podcasts, streaming platforms, and digital storytelling. She breaks down what makes Asoebi so effective, from the ensemble voice cast to the emotional precision of the performances, and why good audio acting has to carry everything when there are no visuals to lean on. You’ll discover: - What an audio web series actually is, and why it hits differently from film - How Asoebi uses sound, dialogue, music, and atmosphere to build scenes in your head - Why Nigerian storytelling is expanding beyond movies into short films, web series, audio dramas, micro-content, and video essays - How podcasts helped make audio-first storytelling feel natural again - Why creators can only keep making ambitious shows if audiences actually show up and watch, listen, and share Tofu also connects the rise of audio drama to a bigger conversation about Nigerian creativity, especially the struggle to get people to support experimental work before it disappears. If you’ve ever wondered why innovative local stories keep getting overlooked, or if you’re ready to find your next obsession in an unexpected format, this episode is for you. Perfect for anyone who loves Nigerian pop culture, emerging creators, short-form storytelling, or just wants a reminder that some of the best stories don’t need a screen to hit hard.

  2. Aug 14

    The evolution of short films in Nigeria

    Short films are quietly having a comeback, and this episode explains why they might be the smartest storytelling format in Nigeria right now. I aka Tofu, break down why short movies are hitting harder than ever, why Zikoko’s short-film work is getting attention, and why a 10-minute story can stay with you longer than a three-hour blockbuster. He traces the evolution of Nigerian short films from YouTube uploads and festival circuits to more intentional, cinema-standard projects, then zooms in on the films that brought him back into the genre. He gives flowers to Zikoko Life and Uzoamaka Power for turning editorial stories into standalone films, and makes a strong case for why short-form storytelling deserves more respect from viewers and creators alike. You’ll discover: - Why Nigerian short films are becoming more polished, more serious, and more emotionally effective - What makes Zikoko Life stand out as an anthology format - Why Uzoamaka Power’s work feels so human and memorable - How *When Tari Met Voke* sparked a bigger reflection on temporary connections, missed chances, and the beauty of stories that end before they overstay their welcome At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful idea: not every connection needs to last forever to matter. Sometimes a short encounter, a short film, or a short story leaves the deepest impression because it knows exactly when to end. Perfect for anyone who loves Nollywood, Nigerian web films, strong character-driven storytelling, or just wants a fresh reason to start paying attention to short films again. If you have a favorite Nigerian short film, this episode will probably make you want to revisit it and recommend a few more.

  3. Aug 7

    What’s the worst that could happen?

    What’s the Worst That Could Happen? After months of silence, Gist with Tofu is finally back. 🎙️ And honestly? This comeback didn’t go the way I thought it would. I stepped away from the podcast because I thought it needed a rebrand. I wanted a new direction, a fresh look, and basically… everything to be perfect. But the rebrand never even made it out of my drafts. 😂 Somewhere along the way, I realized the podcast wasn’t the problem. My perfectionism, overthinking, and fear of not being good enough were. I also found myself overanalyzing the numbers and wondering if people still connected with the podcast the way they used to. Instead of creating, I questioned everything. And before I knew it, months had passed. So I started asking myself one simple question: What’s the worst that could happen? What if the episode isn’t perfect?
What if everyone doesn’t listen?
What if someone doesn’t like it? What if I just… do it anyway? In this comeback episode, I’m talking about perfectionism, fear, disappearing from something you love, the pressure to get everything right, and why I’ve decided to stop waiting for perfect before I start. Because maybe the worst thing that could happen isn’t that you fail. Maybe it’s that you never try at all. So if you’ve been sitting on that idea, that dream, that content, that business, that podcast, or that thing you’ve been telling yourself you’ll do “someday”… This one’s for you. Start it. Record it. Post it. Do the thing. And when the fear kicks in, ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? 🤍 Welcome back to Gist with Tofu.

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Hey gist partners, join me as we discuss everything relationships, from love, friendships, to family we talk about all of it with very interesting guests. Tag along and let’s roll