MCEE AZU FINALLY GOES HOME

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

Beat Breast Cancer through Art

To most people, make up artists are just people who make them look good during weddings, beauty fashion events and those flashy moments infront of the camera. To one make up artist by the name Brenda Mokeira Oyaro, being an make up artist is like a dream she has been having since the day she was concieved.

Mokeira Oyaro is a 23 year old professional freelance make up artist from Nakuru but currently based in Nairobi, Kenya. ‘I have always had a passion for arts,’ she says. Finishing her Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) at Kenyatta University.

Today she loves to paint, draw and express her creativity. While in campus she worked at a makeup counter, it is then that she discovered her passion for makeup as well. With no formal training, she perfected the art as years went by. Educated herself on the current trends and what is new in the Fashion makeup industry.

Attending events became her norm, just to learn and see the different skills and techniques to deliver to her clients. After a few events, she decided to invest only in the best products for her kits, so as to ensure her clients may look their best. She continued to inspire her clients and the creative collabos that she had the pleasure of working with.

Working with different brands and cosmetic companies including Muthoni Drummer Queen, Phy, Kaka Empire, H_Art The Band, Amina Abdi, Pauline cosmetics, Zaron cosmetics among others has really helped perfect her skills.

Project FX Africa is the first makeup reality show in Africa; set to impact the next generation of creative makeup artists in Africa, one country at a time. It is a platform for every young makeup artist to showcase their winning masterpiece as they compete against one another.

​Project FX Makeup Show Africa is all about creativity, education and versatility. these are key to a career in make-up artistry, and PFXAfrica provides that across Africa. Established in 2016, this show gives you the tools you need to grow as an artist in theater, film, TV, fashion and editorial. PFXAfrica is Africa’s first and largest celebration of creative make-up artistry.

Kenya has become a hotbed for makeup and beauty. Hosting PFXA on 27th Oct in Kenya with the aim of uniting the makeup and beauty community with the creativemake-up effects community under one roof in Nairobi.”

With Project FX Kenya; it was there hope to continue discovering talents in makeup artistry, inspiring them and developing them for their successful careers in Makeup and beauty by providing the education and tools for these young make-up artists to succeed and thrive!

Mokeira was among the artist to showcase at PFXAfrica, her theme being Breast Cancer. She managed to beat all odds and emerge the best of them all.

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Plain Jane

This was the first look, a beautiful woman going about her business in life and is suddenly diagnosed with Cancer, this news devastates her. She sees herself dead, six feet deep and the scared part is the representataion of how she feels about herself.

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African Warrior

The second look is a representation of her defending herself from the disease. When going through Chemo and the removal of cancer cells, she needs to be strong and believe that she will get through it. this is to show how strong she is throught the whole treatment process.

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Queendom

This is the master piece, representing the lady after going through the whole process, from the diagnosis, to the treatment process and is ready to conquer the world with positive vibes only. She is stronger than ever, ready to share her experiences and create awareness to other women fighting breast cancer.

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Mokeira will be representing Kenya at IMATS (International Make-up Artists Trade Show) in Atlanta Georgia, an all expense paid trip to the trade show. She will also get an year mentorship with professional makeup artist in a long and continuous process and lastly make up products from PFXAfrica makeup sponsors.

Congratulations to you Mokeira. For bookings email, mokeiraoyaro@gmail.com

Follow her on Instagram; instagram.com/mokeira_oyaro

KAHAWA NA SHUKA

This Saturday 14th April, Black Coffee Movement presents a platform for people of all age to come together with the goal of interacting with one another at a personal level. Most people forgot how it feels to have a conversation without using our advanced technology. #KahawaNaShuka is an African centered idea to bring back the ‘Wakanda’ power. Coffee comes on board to help us just chill and enjoy a cool moment with, DJs, Designers, Photographers, Models and even Event Sponsors. Shuka represents the African heritage.

Most people want to use their talent to make their own path, but wonder how to go about this. Well don’t ask no more. Come join us on the 14th At Mugzy Gardens Next To Nakuru Library. From 11Am-7Pm then then head to Grill Park for the After party….. You don’t want to know what happened on news, internet and newspaper, come see it for yourself.

It’s gonna be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Bring Your own Shuka

Come enjoy some Fine Irish Whiskey and 5199 Coffee

ENVIRONMENT IS HOME 🏡

Have you ever wondered to yourself why you may often become ill 😷 or have to take your relative to the hospital for some minor check up?

Well the quality of our environment affects all of us nomatter where you live in this part of the country, or the world 🌎 at large. The environment is our number one home. If it’s not healthy then we are also bound not to be healthy at all.

Today we deal with Sustainable Development.

Sustainable development is the use of worlds resources for development in a way that ensures future generations do the same. You don’t have to go to Dubai to make the change. Start from the most simplest method ever. Sustainable development helps us in balancing the need of humans with the needs of the environment. That at the end of the day no harm is caused to the environment.

The International Importance on sustainable development was felt during by the World Community during the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷 1992. The world and it’s leaders are working their best to make sure the world is beautiful once again. Day in day out everyone somewhere in this world help at one point or the other destroy or build the environment.

People get offended and some feel insulted when they see others caring for the the endangered species. Many haven’t seen the importance of this course yet but if you sit down with Jim Nyamu an activist for saving Elephants 🐘 in this great nation then you will realize that you are not the only one who thinks the environment is not worth. This animals too depend on this environment that we don’t care about it’s existence.

The sooner we care for the environment the better for us. It is visible all over the world how the weather patterns have changed. We now experience more droughts is some parts of the world. Flooding has become a natural disaster for a long while due to our neglegence in controlling how we take care of the environment. For the past few months there has been rise of temperature 🤒 due to the ozone layer being destroyed by the waste products emitted from different sources.

There are very so many ways in which one can do to ensure the Environment is Safe and Healthy for each and every person. The most simplest ways are ones that everyone can practice anywhere anytime.

* PLANT TREES 🌲

I wonder why you would want to go and cut down half a forest 🌳 in the name of firewood and other home necessities and yet you can’t allow someone come to your house and steal half your belongings and leave you with very little to manage. The rate at which the environment is being robbed is too high that it will be of no essence to talk of a beautiful nation with very little forest cover.

The next time you feel or see anyone trying to cut down any tree, challenge that person. Instead of cutting down all of them at one time, reducing the amount of Oxygen into the earth system, cut the few you need, leave the rest and plant new ones to help the environment have a beautiful look no matter how many times we try to destroy it. This helps in creating green living areas for the future of tomorrow.

Stop ✋ the greed for having everything for ourselves and none for the rest of us. Stop ✋ the use of unhealthy industrialization, think 💭 of that person who doesn’t benefit from your product at any point of time. Plant a Tree and Save the World.

*COMPOSTING

On a visit to Manor House Agricultural Center- Kitale – a leading Biointensive Agriculture (BIA) training and research Institution, empowering farming communities for properous livelihoods and environment conservation. Learned a very important lesson in using waste to benefit the little things around our homes. Rich nutrient filled food/manure to help in the fast growth of plants 🌱 The food we throw away in our homes, may not be good for human consumption but bery useful to the plants at our compound. This helps reduce waste and maintain a clean environment.

*CONSERVE WATER 💦

Water being the most important commodity in life but yet we may just watch and do nothing when we see it being misused by everyone around us. Look around you ad. You will notice free water being taken for granted. Running taps, unchecked water leakages and over flowing water trucks are some of the unnecessary things that should be stopped to help conserve enough water for a longer period.

The country is experiencing alot of rain ☔️ at the moment, it may not be your county but try your best and harvest the little that you can. This will not be necessarily for domestic use but will be of help for the flowers 🌺 in your back yard and also help you in washing your car 🚙 Be Smart. Care for the Environment.

*STOP LITTERING

Thank Madam Cs Wakhungu for the great work on Ban Plastic, the idea 💡 may not be of a great impact now becaus it’s new and somewhat unusual to most of us but step by step it will be embraced.

Speaking to Mr J Wakibia who initiated #BanPlasticsKe you will understand the importance of using reusable bags. Instead of using disposable plastic cups, plates, spoons etc try reusable,washable flatware and get an extra set for those activities that require them so much. For the-go coffee ☕️ lovers always carry your thermal with you at all time. Your coffee will always remain hot at all time. And this helps in reducing the amount of trash collected in our homes.

Focus on Prevention rather than solving the situation. It may not be today tomorrow or the near future but the more we unite together to help maintain the environment. Hold open discussions with different people and give them more knowledge on environmental conservation.

#AzuSays, ‘If your manifesto doesn’t talk about the environment you are not a favorable candidate. The government has very little framework and responsibilities provided to them by NEMA. This includes Land planning and development, natural and cultural resources, pollution control and waste management.

Different Government departments have various responsibilities to ensure that the environment is in good shape clean and healthy.

Striking a Balance between development and healthy environment may take centuries but being together and supporting each other will help save the planet from deteriorating.