The purpose of this blog is to provide an overview and evaluation of the performance of the Master of Ceremony MCEE AZUTOPSHUTTER. As an MC I have played a crucial role in hosting and managing events, ensuring their smooth progression and engaging the audience. I started this journey way back in 2013 exact date being February 28th
In the Mass Communications class at Zetech College, we were introduced to a unit called, Radio Production, and it was on that day that I realized I love the microphone more than I loved Gor Mahia. Fast forward to my first-ever paid event. Mr & Miss Environment Kenya. The event organiser paid me 400 bobs (2 200 shillings note)
That was my transport to Nakuru after I got an invitation to attend an interview at Hero Radio. The fare to Nakuru those days was 200/- so I was left with so much money to spend on the road. I went for the interview a day before the D day and all I remember telling the boss, “I can’t do heavy content only entertainment” I read some newspaper about some political event in Tanzania, and I couldn’t even feel myself.
He asked me to assume Redsan was coming to perform in Nakuru, (wuuuuuuuuuwiii sema kuuuaaa!!) I nailed the intro and all I could see was a smile. He asked when I was ready to start my first show? With confidence I answered ‘NOW’ he just laughed and asked me to come tomorrow. The next day I found a huge crowd of people with files and I wondered where my file was since I never carried one. I am my own file since all my documents are in my thoughts and my mouth is the envelope.
Long Story short, me and the Microphone became best of buddies, to date. I later met MC Genius who introduced me to the events and entertainment market in Nakuru. And my biggest gig was hosting a show Jose Chameleon was supposed to attend. That night is when I realised my strengths as an MC. The below report aims to highlight my strengths, areas for improvement, and overall effectiveness in executing duties.
Overview:
My primary responsibility was to guide the event proceedings, maintain a lively atmosphere, and ensure a seamless flow of activities. I was tasked with introducing artists, managing transitions between segments, engaging the audience, and keeping the event on schedule. The role required excellent communication skills, stage presence, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Strengths:
Confident and Engaging Presence: I demonstrated a strong stage presence, exuding confidence and enthusiasm throughout the event. The energy and charisma as always effectively captured the audience’s attention and created a positive atmosphere.
Smooth Transitions: The clear and concise instructions ensured that participants and attendees knew what to expect, maintaining a seamless flow without any noticeable delays or confusion. BUT…… Will continue after the pointers.
Audience Interaction: Everyone who has been to my event can tell you I am always actively engaging with the audience, employing various techniques to foster participation and excitement. The crowd always encourages me with applause, laughter, and cheers, creating a sense of camaraderie and involvement among attendees.
Flexibility and Adaptability: I have always exhibited adaptability when confronted with unexpected situations, such as technical difficulties or changes in the event program. Always remained composed and quickly adjusted my approach, keeping the event on track and minimizing disruptions.
To continue with my BUT…. On this day, nobody told me what time the artist will arrive or perform. Nobody gave me a list of performers; I couldn’t even tell where the DJ was. I can’t even remember who brought me the mic, but boom, the show started and I did what I always do best. Some minutes later artists started telling me how they are on the list and they haven’t heard me call them and they are performing.
Smooth Transitions kicked in with the bit of knowledge of being a radio host. I asked them to come backstage and I kid you not, they would sing and pass the mic to the next available artist. Ghafla Bin Vuu, it’s 1am and the main artist was nowhere to be seen. All curtain raisers have performed and I got nobody else to call to the stage, hunger is killing me, and event organisers are nowhere to be seen.
Some drunk guy came to be me and asked what time is Chameleon performing, and I just (sahii tu) in just a few. That was at 1:30am. He came back after an hour, this time drunk than the previous hour. He just shouted, MC wewe lazima nikupige, ulinidanganya an hour ago and upto now Chameleon hajafika. Wuuuuuee this caused some little aggression from the people around. And as the security team was trying to ease the situation, the main artist motorcade entered the venue.
The attention was switched to the other side and I dodged the situation. (It was at this point I disliked Popularity) So Jose gets out of his car, I go towards him to give him the microphone. The guy ignores me and says later. I stand there wondering later to do what. Before I come out of my thoughts, the guy is on stage with no microphone (laughing emoji (so many)) I kept him waiting for a few minutes laughing my brains out, coz we have been waiting for this guy since yesternight and all he could was being arrogant. Gave him the mic at 2:45 am and by 3:00am, he was done. Left the stage and walked to his car and disappeared.
Areas for Improvement:
Script Preparation: Although as the MC I displayed commendable improvisational skills, there were instances where I seemed underprepared or relied too heavily on a script. Enhancing my familiarity with the event’s content and speakers would further improve my ability to provide seamless transitions and engage the audience more naturally.
Time Management: While the MC is generally meant to maintain the event’s schedule, there were a few instances where segments ran longer than anticipated. Further attention to time management would help ensure that all planned activities can be executed within the allocated timeframe.
MCEE AZUTOPSHUTTER
A master of ceremonies (MC), also known as an emcee, is an individual who serves as the host or presenter of an event, typically a formal or public gathering. The primary role of a master of ceremonies is to facilitate the flow of the event, engage the audience, and ensure that the program runs smoothly. They act as a bridge between the organizers, performers, and the audience, creating a comfortable and entertaining atmosphere.
A master of ceremonies is often charismatic, and confident, and possesses excellent public speaking skills. They are adept at capturing the attention of the audience and setting the tone for the event. They are skilled in connecting with people, making them feel welcome and involved.
Before I went professional, I didn’t know everything there was to know as an MC and up to date, I am still learning. But it gets crazy when someone comes and tells you, “You speak too much, you don’t have to say that, you didn’t say this, that was, this wasn’t, late payments, no payments and the worst of all, SWITCHING OFF THE MICROPHONE.
I strongly believe most of my mental health issues are caused by that simple act of switching off my mic while I am talking. (That’s like Telling Kipchoge he is running too much or Sauti Sol is singing too much. I never come to your office to switch off your computer because you are overworking. This act has happened now more than 4 times and the reasons were just funny. I always laugh, return the mic and drink my poison, since I was already paid.
Sad that nobody comes in person to tell me to my face. You don’t have to love me or my craft. All you need to do is just respect the craft. I don’t have to be your favourite and you don’t have to be my fan, as long as we don’t cross each other’s boundaries.
This issue has been affecting me for a while asking whether I am in the right career if I just have so many non-supports. I have kept my calm for a long keeping MC AZU out there and not going home, but Dennis Githu is a little fed-up and needs a break. This is not giving up; this is taking a step back to re-strategies and giving others space to shine their light since they want to dim others light.
To my fans and supporters, Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatuendi Home. Wacha nikae home kidogo, I won’t be available for a while but we are still together like diabs…. I know you will ask why, I only had two choices, stop cycling or postpone the mic. The mic is my first love but I am no longer comfortable around her.
I will be back again soon with a bang and if I never do, then it was a pleasure to have made your events the best ever. As always nawapenda sana. Kama Poghie……… NIMERUKA NJE
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