Bemi Orojogun, affectionately known as the “London Bus Aunty,” has become an international sensation, charming audiences from her spot on the vibrant streets of London. Amidst the iconic red double-decker buses that define the city’s pulse, this quietly radiant figure has transformed simple, daily interactions into a globally celebrated phenomenon.
According to Duchess International, her TikTok presence, built on clips as straightforward as her sharing a warm smile with a passing bus, has garnered millions of views, reaching far beyond the United Kingdom.
Orojogun, originally from Ondo State, Nigeria, started her impactful journey at Community Grammar School in Ilaje. Even then, she showed deep empathy, a desire to help others, and sensitivity to people’s emotions.
These natural traits led her to the United Kingdom, where she studied mental health nursing at City, St George’s, University of London. Her education changed her perspective, developing her compassion, integrity, and attentiveness.
These values are now clear in her strong social media presence.
The 56-year-old has worked for years as a mental health nurse in London. As a nurse, she always helps people when they are most in need, offering support, stability, comfort, and encouragement.
The same good qualities—patience, kindness, and being truly sincere—show up in her TikTok videos. People like her because she is genuine; her smile seems real, her actions are not planned, and her joy feels natural.
She became famous on TikTok very quickly. Her videos, where she showed off her colorful clothes and headscarf while posing next to London’s red buses, went viral. People loved her warmth and positive attitude.
Her simple, inspiring message was: “Don’t allow your age to stop you. If you love it, do it.” This encouraged young people to be creative and older people to follow their old dreams.
When Bemi Orojogun’s videos first became popular, some viewers were concerned that she was putting herself in danger by filming so close to traffic. However, her explanation that she uses safe positioning and “perspective tricks” actually increased her fame and drew more public attention.
In 2025, she won Video of the Year at the TikTok UK & Ireland Awards for her content’s positive message and cultural impact. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, personally congratulated her, recognizing her joyful presence as a part of the city’s culture.
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Her genuine smile and spirit brought diverse people together, creating unity through simple interactions.
She told the BBC in an interview, “Any way I can showcase London in a positive way, I will do so. I want people to see London the way I see it.”
Orojogun has, however, used her platform for more than just fun; she used it to make meaningful contributions. She worked with big global companies like Burberry, H&M, and IKEA. More importantly, she partnered with Transport for London and the Mayor’s office to encourage sustainable travel.
According to Deeds Magazine, she partnered with model and fashion creator Wisdom Kaye and made her debut at a fashion week show. She also graced the cover of a Burberry campaign.
Her influence, which began on the streets of London, has expanded significantly; her image is now featured on billboards, in fashion magazines, and in luxury advertisements.
