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 28^th

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

Did I Even Make Sense ?

So far we say thank you Jah for the blessing and the gift of life. You will meet so many different people as you try to maneuver around the world trying to find a living (in Kenya we call it hustling). Nobody knows about tomorrow even if you have the highest IQ ever. Jah gave everyone a reason and purpose on this earth. Bob Marley once said ‘if you know your history then you would know where you are coming from.’ 

We loose a lot of friends and relatives due to simple things that could have been prevented in the most simplest manner. You may want to ask yourself so many questions but still fail to get any answers, some simple small matters that could just be solved by a text message is now solved in court because everybody wants to have their own space and not be pushed around to always be there for someone they don’t even know.

Your purpose is life is very different from the person next to you or so close to you. You may share 90% of interests in life with someone you love so dearly or despise but you may not even spend a minute with this person getting to know the person in details since smart phones took over. Everything became a private and legal affair of once self interest. One day a man was reporting about a murder he witnessed. The way he explained how the incident happened made him so famous that his name (Bonoko) has become an In House brand.

Bonoko was reporting a murder he witnessed but his presence at that scene made him a Star, people forgot about the murder and focused on the Witness. And that’s how his life changed and life moved on. We write about International personalities and forget that in Africa (Kenya my Subject) have a lot of potentials and stories to tell. At times you sit alone, no phone, no contact and just ask yourself, why do some things happen to some people and not to others.

They called it ‘Karma’ and we all agreed she is a BEACH. Something about my country we will always  have social media support from people you never thought of, but after you trend for a day or two, if your story is too good you get some sponsors on board and some few spotlight moments. This is a dream to everyone out there, Justin Bieber made it from youtube but you wonder why you would beg some to just subscribe to your page and yet show nothing of interest to the following.

‘Bahati ya mwenzio usilalie mlango wazi’ wahenga P-Unit apparently dont know them either and i can’t start digging all that info na ya Adam and Eve bad sijasahau, sahii tungekuwa tumetupa all leaders nje ya garden of Eden since where there is Peace, Joy will always be there. Nobody will ever be convinced that we spent almost 1 billion just to have peace campaigns and then watch as two bulls lock on each other. If Trevor Noah could do an episode on Kenyan politics you will notice that its no longer about which leader is good, its about how much you can spend.

‘God made man, man made money, money made man go mad.’ Most of you can remember the picture on that post, mostly in matatus (now Ma3). I remember Circuit and Joel (Manyake) hit makers back in 2010, were banned from airing their music video since they used meat (nyake) to represent women to raise awareness on the Importance of using Condoms to avoid HIV (Tumia Juala ama Utaharibu mwili). That was one song most people didn’t want to listen to when with parents but back in the day, very few programs on tv, so a lot of music.

The digital generation ruined the fun of having friends and just having a nice time together in a camp or night out, everything became about who has the money and who has the fame, not everyone has all that and maybe they may never see it forever unless on a tv from the neighbor. But that doesn’t give you the right to make this people feel like they don’t belong. I tend to believe some people are human and others aliens. That will be a story for another day.

‘Daddy wherever you are remember me, in whatever you do, I love you.’ He may not answer your prayer today tomorrow of the near future, that doesn’t mean he won’t, your day is coming and your star will shine so bright that nobody everybody will want a piece of you. ‘Akiseme atakubariki hakuna atakaye zuia kwani eye ndiye Mungu mwenye baraka zote.

#AzuSays, you don’t have a complete story yet because Jah is still watching on you. There is something you haven’t done right, confirm correct and enjoy the benefits.

 

Children With Nature

Everyday you meet a new person, no matter they age, race or political affiliation. one amazing thing about the random people you meet, most of them are just amazing in their own unique way. During my short break away i met a young beautiful little angel passionate and crazy about the environment in a way no fully grown person can explain apart from her own words.

Meet Ellyanne Chlystun Githae the 7 year old girl who is making the environment her first priority. Ellyanne started planting trees in 2015 at the tender age of 4 years. Over the years Ellyanne has made so much impact to the environment that has got her recognition from UNEP Nairobi.

Ellyanne during her interview by UNIC Team

I thought to myself, why is it that some parents will allow some kids do good and others just leave the kids to roam around on their own like they don’t belong to anyone in this society. Ellyanne wishes to change the thoughts of other kids in order to create a peaceful surrounding for the future of tomorrow. Environment is home and i believe if we get 10 more parents who are willing to support their little ones with the passion they have.

Ellyanne is one of the many kids who are changing lives and ensuring the environment is taken care of. This year alone, she has been able to plant 321 trees and she is not stopping anytime soon until she confirms that the number of trees cut are less compared to the ones planned.

In Kenya, the widespread cutting of trees is a leading cause of environmental degradation. The practice is a major contributor to poverty, drought and famine.

80% of the world’s forests are already destroyed.

80,000 acres of forests disappear from the Earth every day!

300 billion tons of carbon are stored in the Earth’s forests, which helps regulate its climate by regulating atmospheric gases, stabilizing rainfall, and protecting against desertification

To address this, 7-year-old Ellyanne Chlystun-Githae has taken up tree planting.

Ellyanne started tree planting in 2015. At a mere age of 4 years. She did a project in Kindergarten on heroes due to their work in impacting the world. These heroes included Martin Luther King Jr, Wangari Maathai, Barack Obama, Henry Wanyoike among others. She later narrowed down to Wangari Maathai and Hennry Wanyoike as people she would want to emulate.

Ellyanne visit to the UN

Why Wangari Maathai? Ellyanne’s Achievements

Ellyanne feels that what Maathai believed in is one of the most important things in the world…planting trees. She believes all trees were planted by Wangari Maathai, who will be upset in heaven seeing them being cut. She says that even projects like infrastructure development which lead to mass cutting of trees should be re-thought and alternative measures to be taken so as to avoid tree cutting! As her contribution to mitigate deforestation, Ellyanne has planted 321 trees mainly in Karura Forest.

Ellyanne planting

Her passion and zeal has not gone unnoticed. Young Ellyanne was invited by UNEP Nairobi on 5th June 2017, for the celebrations of World Environment Day, whose theme was Connecting with Nature. She was excited to listen to great people like the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Madame Sahle-Work Zewde.

 

As a build up to World Environment Day 2017 Ellyanne planted 12 trees with young students on 31^st May in Karura forest, Joined Youth at USIU University on 4^th June for an environment awareness talk & planted 2 trees. She received a Certificate of Recognition, for her participation. She also joined Mr. & Miss Environment on 3^rd June for fashion show geared towards creating awareness on the environment at Southern Sun May Fair Hotel

 

Ellyanne’s mother, Dorothy Githae, has supported her daughter’s passion by starting a tree nursery in their backyard. They currently have 600 tree seedlings of INDIGENOUS, EXOTIC TREES & FLOWERS that they aim to plant by end of 2017 in collaboration with kids from Cheleta Primary School (a school for Githogoro & Huruma Slums kids) located in Runda.

 

Tree planting is an important measure in combating global warming. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, contribute to soil health, retain water, and cool overheated urban areas. The earth needs more trees! With passion like Ellyanne’s, probably we may be able to plant just enough trees to solve global warming.

I urge everyone to stand with #ChildrenWithNature, they are on the forefront of environmental conservations and i believe if we all agree to come on board and support them, our environment will never luck.

 

 

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.