Ogunleye Ayanfeoluwa Ebenezer, popularly known as 'The Beloved MC', comes from Itaji, Ekiti state. Botany graduate from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, discovered his passion for the cozy event after realizing, in his words, “nobody wants a bad event.” Promoted by the desire to create exceptional experiences for social and corporate meetings in Nigeria, he transition to the world of event accommodation. In this perspective interview with Aderonke Adesanya, he deepens the fundamental roles that MC plays in entertainment, event planning, culture and society.
How and when did your journey begin as Event Mc?
I started organizing events when I was at university. I realized that I love to organize and unite people. Shortly after, I decided to start, as a university student, a senior colleague Yemi Kings asked me to organize a last year brothers dinner on the campus I accepted, and from there, I began to see myself as a host of events. The rest, they say, is history. It was an opportunity that I expected, and by 2022, I described my business professionally. In addition to the passion for speaking and helping guests to create lovely moments, I was paying the invoices, so that was how I could make the decision.
Did it seem a promising path?
Honestly, it was not an easy decision, however, I was happy to make the decision. It was not easy because when I was officially professional, I had no concerts in the line, so leaving my banking work in Guarantee Bank as an agent of the contact center for an unknown world was a bit scary, but I was happy I was finally going to do something that he loved full time, without containing himself.
How does your work inspire you?
The MC has the power to connect people and create unforgettable experiences. Accommodation events allow me to combine my passion with the construction of the community, which makes each event memorable. While I perfected my skills, I realized the impact that the MC can have on the success of an event and the memories created, seeing the people who join from different cultures, united by a shared experience, witnessing moments of joy, surprise and inspiration. There is the creative challenge of elaborating unique and attractive content, knowing individuals and sharing their stories as well. I am learning and continuously improving my trade with these. They fulfill me all the time.
What makes you highlight as MC?
I am an energy reinforcement. My charisma energizes the crowd, creating a contagious atmosphere. Also close the gap between the audience and the DJ/Band and I can find ideas to adapt to unexpected moments easily. So, I bring my creativity and attention to details to find interesting stories that involve my audience.
Are significant social networks in this creation of memorable experiences?
Social networks have played a very important role in making many unpopular jobs become viral, in the most interesting way. I think there are many people with the talent of speaking and involving an audience. However, when they find others that do so on social networks and have so much impact with him, they are interested and can also begin. So, social networks are the biggest influencer.
With the high inflation rate in Nigeria in recent months, how do you keep up of the financial situation and make it affordable for customers?
I will say that we can all see and feel the effect of the high inflation rate on the county. Many have no choice but to increase services prices. However, I think this will affect the demand, so many have introduced discounts and packages to help customers choose what adapts to their budget. Some provide additional services such as social networks promotion, music selection/creation of reproduction lists, content creation, concept creation, some even help with scripts writing to justify their prices. I am also a brand specialist for my clients. At the end of the day, it is a situation of winning for both parties where customers can still reserve for services and MCS do not feel short either.
Would you say that Nigeria is a fertile terrain for MCs then?
Nobody wants a bad event. I think many people come to realize the impact that a host of professional events manages their events because most customers now have objectives for their events. Of course, it is only more likely that a professional will handle the event process well. I don't think Nigeria's climate needs much convincing.
How do you work without problems with other professionals at events?
You have publications on your social platforms that show that you share the stage with others … As much as I have fallen into the temptation to say that MC is the life of the party, I would only say that everyone coexists to bring the best. Out of an event. However, the MC is the central figure that connects the event to the audience and guides the event.
Do you have public figures you admire in the industry?
There are many people to admire in the entertainment accommodation industry and events such as Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, Tẹjubabyface L, Ebuka Obi, Ik, Tee A, Damolaismyname, Ajele, Dayaice, Mojibade Show, Joyce Daniels, Olive Emodi, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy , Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy, Nancy. Isime, and more.
Are you all outgoing MC, that could be a notion, or there are only special skills that you must possess?
No, not all MCs are outgoing. Many are not on full -fledged optimistic. I'm not even one. It does not have to be outgoing to be a professional MC, it must be trained to be one. It could be an additional advantage for an MC for that, not the Quid of being a professional host. It is about building relationships, understanding customer vision and adapting their approach to meet their unique needs, as well as to guarantee perfect execution. Treating with customers before, during and after events is an interesting, rewarding and dynamic experience as well. Clear communication, a sample of empathy and central professionalism must guide the approach of one, since it is about exceeding the expectations of customers and building a lasting relationship with them.
After all the events, in the end, I assure myself that there is an opportunity to reflect, collect comments and celebrate the successes along with my clients.
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