24th January, 2025
By Michael Adesina
In an industry where charisma and showmanship reign supreme, one name is rapidly becoming synonymous with exceptional entertainment: MC Opeyemi Olawuyi.
As the nephew of the legendary Kola Olawuyi, Opeyemi grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the hospitality industry.
Now, he’s forging his own path, using his infectious energy and quick wit to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
In this exclusive interview, we sat down with MC Opeyemi Olawuyi to discuss his journey, his inspirations, and his vision for taking the family legacy to new and exciting heights.
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into the event hosting industry?
I’m Olawuyi Opeyemi, proudly from Ibadan, Oyo State, and born into the family of the late Surv. Gbenga Olawuyi.
My journey into event hosting began with inspiration from my late uncle, Kolawole Olawuyi. Watching him anchor the popular ‘Strange But True Program’ (Nkan Mbe) sparked something within me. His use of indigenous proverbs and words left a lasting impression.
As someone who enjoys engaging with others, I discovered my passion for talking, asking questions, and creating humor. My involvement in church activities at CAC further helped me uncover my innate talent. I can remember my nick name way back was – RADIO WITHOUT BATTERY. I’ve always loved to work on a radio or TV station.
I’m grateful to Pastor Kolade Fagade, Senior Pastor at KCC, who played a significant role in nurturing my gift. His guidance helped me discover my purpose, and I believe that’s something we all need at some point – a push to unlock our potential.”
What inspired you to become a master of ceremonies, and what motivates you to continue in this profession?
Interestingly, my journey as an event host was influenced by several key figures. My late uncle, Kola Olawuyi, was a major source of inspiration. Additionally, I’ve always admired the stage presence of Dr. Smile and Omo Baba No. 1 – their energy is truly captivating.
However, what really transformed my approach to hosting was secretly following MC SACO. Observing his techniques and style revealed a new dimension of hosting to me, and this has been a driving force in my continued growth and passion for the craft.
How would you describe your style as an MC, and what sets you apart from others in the industry?
As a seasoned Master of Ceremonies (MC), I would describe my style as engaging, charismatic, and adaptable. With a strong background in event hosting, I’ve honed my skills to seamlessly connect with diverse audiences, creating an atmosphere that’s both entertaining and inclusive.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique blend of creativity, humor, and cultural sensitivity. I take pride in crafting customized experiences that resonate with each client’s vision and goals. My ability to think on my feet, paired with exceptional communication skills, enables me to navigate any situation with poise and professionalism.
Furthermore, my passion for storytelling and indigenous culture allows me to infuse events with a rich, authentic flavor that leaves a lasting impression on attendees. Ultimately, my aim is to elevate every event into an unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations and fosters meaningful connections.
What’s the most memorable event you’ve hosted, and what made it stand out?
One of the most memorable events I’ve hosted was a wedding reception that still brings a smile to my face. What made it stand out was the unexpected twist that tested my adaptability as an MC.
Originally scheduled to start at 1 pm, the event was delayed, and I didn’t begin hosting until 4:06 pm. Despite the shortened timeframe, I efficiently anchored the ceremony from 4 pm to 6 pm, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for the guests.
Interestingly, the prolonged wait seemed to energize the audience, and they were highly receptive to my hosting. The event turned out to be incredibly successful, with guests showing their appreciation through a generous cash gift.
This event not only created lasting memories but also led to additional hosting opportunities, further solidifying its place as one of my most memorable experiences as an MC.
Can you share any particularly challenging experiences you’ve faced as an MC, and how you overcame them?
As an experienced event host, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenging situations. Here’s one that stands out:
One particularly memorable challenge I faced was during a high-profile corporate event where the keynote speaker’s flight was delayed, and he wouldn’t arrive on time. The audience was already seated, and the event was scheduled to start in 15 minutes.
To salvage the situation, I quickly assessed the audience’s mood and adapted my hosting strategy. I began by engaging the audience with some light-hearted humor, icebreaker games, and a brief, impromptu speech that tied in with the event’s theme.
Meanwhile, I worked closely with the event organizers to adjust the schedule and ensure a smooth transition when the keynote speaker arrived. When he finally took the stage, I seamlessly handed over the microphone, and the event continued without a hitch.
The client was thrilled with how I managed the situation, and the audience praised my ability to think on my feet. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility, quick thinking, and effective communication in high-pressure situations.
This challenging experience reinforced the value of:
1. Staying calm under pressure
2. Effective communication with event organizers and stakeholders
3. Adaptability and creative problem-solving
4. Engaging with the audience to manage their expectations and mood
As an event host, being prepared for the unexpected is crucial, and I’ve carried the lessons from this experience into my subsequent events.
Have you hosted events for any high-profile clients or celebrities? If so, can you tell us about those experiences?
I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with several high-profile celebrities and clients, creating unforgettable experiences. Notably, I’ve co-hosted events with renowned comedian and event host, Omo Baba No.1, on multiple occasions.
In addition to my work with Omo Baba No.1, I’ve coordinated and hosted events for distinguished clients, including Hon. Fateema Mohammed. I’ve also shared the stage with esteemed celebrities, such as:
– Prof. Israel Ogundipe (Unstoppable Genesis)
– Dele Omo Woli
– Woli Agba
– Funsho Adeolu
– Pst. Adeniyi Adeyemi (No. 1 Bishop of Real Estate in Africa)
– Evang. Tope Alabi
– Beejay Sax
– Big Bolaji (whose guidance and support I’m deeply grateful for)
– Bishop Funke Adejumo, who generously provided me with her volume of tapes to inspire my growth
These individuals have inspired, guided, and encouraged me throughout my career. Their support was instrumental in the success of my first major event, the MOTIFIED YOUTH SUMMIT, held at the UNILAG Main Auditorium in November 2019.
Working with these high-profile clients and celebrities has taught me the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and look forward to continuing to work with esteemed clients and celebrities in the future.
How do you prepare for an event, and what’s your process for researching and understanding the audience and client needs?
To ensure a successful event, my preparation process begins with extensive research, reading ahead and understanding of the audience and client needs. Here’s a breakdown of my approach:
Research and Understanding
1. Reading and Staying Informed: I believe reading is essential to staying updated on current events, trends, and industry developments. This habit helps me remain knowledgeable and articulate on various topics.
2. Client Briefings: I conduct thorough briefings with clients to understand their objectives, expectations, and specific requirements. This ensures I’m aligned with their vision and can tailor my approach accordingly.
3. Audience Analysis: I strive to understand the demographics, interests, and preferences of the target audience. This involves researching their industry, company, or community to create a personalized experience.
4. Event Conceptualization: With a deep understanding of the client’s goals and audience needs, I develop a customized event concept that meets their expectations.
Preparation and Rehearsal
1. Scriptwriting and Content Creation: I craft engaging scripts, introductions, and content that resonate with the audience and align with the event’s objectives.
2. Rehearsals and Timing: I rehearse my delivery to ensure a smooth, well-timed performance that keeps the audience engaged.
3. Technical Checks: I confirm the technical requirements, such as sound, lighting, and visuals, to ensure a seamless execution.
4. Contingency Planning: I prepare for unexpected situations by having a backup plan in place, allowing me to adapt quickly and professionally.
Can you walk us through your approach to writing and delivering engaging content, such as jokes and introductions
As an event host, I craft engaging content for diverse audiences. To do this effectively, I research the audience to understand their demographics, interests, and preferences. I then define the tone and theme to ensure my content aligns.
Next, I brainstorm relevant topics, jokes, and anecdotes from current events and personal experiences. This helps me write original jokes, introductions, and transitions that are concise and clear.
Rehearsal is also crucial to ensure a smooth, well-timed performance. When on stage, I deliver content with confidence, authenticity, and enthusiasm. To maintain audience engagement, I make eye contact, vary my tone, and adjust my content in real-time.
Ultimately, I strive for originality, relevance, brevity, and respect in my content. By following this approach, I deliver engaging content that resonates with audiences.
How do you handle last-minute changes or unexpected events during a live show?
As an event host, I’ve encountered last-minute changes and unexpected events. To handle them, I rely on thorough preparation and rehearsal. I maintain open communication with the event team to ensure everyone is on the same page. When issues arise, I remain calm and composed, thinking clearly to assess the situation. I quickly improvise to address the issue, often adapting my content or schedule. Effective communication with the audience is also crucial in resolving unexpected issues. My experience and instincts guide me in making swift decisions. By staying flexible and calm, I ensure a seamless event experience.
What trends or changes have you observed in the event hosting industry, and how do you stay ahead of the curve?
Let’s face it, the Nigerian event hosting scene is like a Nollywood movie – unpredictable and always changing! To stay on top, I’ve got to keep learning, and network like my life depends on it (because, let’s be real, it kinda does!). And of course, I’ve got to keep the clients happy, or else! So, if you want to stay relevant in this industry, think ahead!
What advice would you give to aspiring MCs looking to break into the industry?
No be say mesef don reach peak oooo… But, little I know is; If you want to make it in the Nigerian event hosting scene. Think on your feet, or “dey think am quickly” as we say! Be prepared for anything, from power outages to missing speakers. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and remember, rejection is just part of the game. Network like say na heavenly race, and don’t forget to eat – you can’t host on an empty stomach, abi? Keep calm, be confident, and always be ready to entertain! And most importantly, don’t faint on stage, that’s just embarrassing!
How do you think the role of the MC has evolved over time, and what skills or qualities are essential for success in this profession?
As a Nigerian event host, I’ve witnessed the role of the MC evolve significantly. Today, an MC is not just a host, but a storyteller, a comedian, and a crowd engagement expert. To succeed, one must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Creativity, adaptability, and quick thinking are also essential. An MC must be able to think on their feet and handle unexpected situations. A strong stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences are also vital. Ultimately, a successful MC must be a versatile and dynamic performer.
If you could host any event in the world, what would it be and why?
If I could host any event in the world, it would be a presidential inauguration ceremony, specifically, the inauguration of the President of Nigeria, or even better, the Governor of different States, precisely my dear Oyo State.
Who knows, maybe I’d even get AMVCA, HEADIES, GRAMMY gig.
Can you share a funny or embarrassing story from your time as an MC?
The drama that unfolded at that burial ceremony in October 2024 was a real-life Nollywood movie!
So, I showed up to anchor the event, thinking I was the only host with the gig. But, lo and behold, I met another host, and to make matters worse, another music band showed up as well! I was like, “What kind of burial ceremony is this?”
I requested the funeral E-flyer from host A, and when I saw it, I just lost my mind! Same picture, different flyer designs, same venue… I was speechless!
My inner dialogue was a whole comedy skit:
Spirit: “Opeyemi, you’ve been paid, you no lose, just vibe with it!”
Soul: “Na devil be dis oooo! What kind of confusion is this?”
Body: “Eat as much as you can, your time no fit waste. Make sure you chop that jollof rice, amala, pounded yam no matter what!”
I managed to keep a straight face, but inside, I was dying of laughter. It was definitely a burial ceremony to remember!
Laslas, I co-hosted.
If you weren’t an MC, what would you be doing instead?
If I weren’t an MC, I’d probably be a Nollywood superstar! I mean, I’ve already had a taste stage plays and screen. Thanks to TRUE ACTS THEATRE HOUSE who gave stage platforms and Mr. Abiola Olaoluwa, who gave me a starring role in the movie MISSING ROAD. I’m pretty sure I’d have won an Oscar by now, but alas, the MCing bug bit me harder!
But, on a more serious note, I’d probably be a gospel music sensation! I love to sing, and gospel music is a passion. Who knows, maybe I’d be the next big face in the Nigerian gospel music scene! Can you imagine it? “Opeyemi, the gospel music sensation, selling out concerts and topping the charts!” Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but a guy can dream, right?
For those who want to work with you, how can they reach you?
Those who want to work with me can reach out to me via Instagram and TikTok (@Iamolawuyiopeyemi) or call 08148381482.