Compering gives me fulfilment – Lady MC

Mojibade Sosanya worked in a bank for years before making a detour to the world of comperes. In this interview with CHRISTIANA UNAKALAMBA, she expresses the joy she finds in hosting events

---

You moved from banking to being master of ceremonies, what was the attraction?

Growing up as a child, I always wanted to become a public speaker. I remember I started volunteering to host my relatives’ birthday parties as early as nine-years-old, and I totally enjoyed doing it. At different occasions, my mother would call me talkative. Little did she know that I was training for a future I desired.

When I started out as a banker, I got different opportunities to host bank events and I never rejected any. It was always a pleasure for me. I love public speaking, and as I hosted more events at the bank, my confidence was strengthened. This further fuelled the passion I always had for public speaking. After years of volunteering for these hosting gigs, I became the go-to person for several events and I started to use the opportunity to expand my network.

Once I knew I had honed my skills to an extent, I decided to take a leap and go after what had always been my dream.

 

At what point did you decide to become a lady master of ceremonies? 

“The Lady MC” nickname came as a point of differentiation for my brand and me. I had heard of the lady mechanic, the lady carpenter, the lady cobbler and the like. Also considering the fact that when most people hear of an MC, they typically assume it is a man.

 

What has the journey into the compering world been so far?

Very interesting and fulfilling, I must say! I absolutely love hosting events and much more meeting new people. The events afford me that.

The journey has not been without challenges, especially with the advent of the Coronavirus Disease, but I keep adapting and re-inventing myself. There has been a gradual shift to virtual events this period and it has been a season of learning and unlearning.

 

It was said that a good product sells itself, but recent marketing theories have put a lie to the assertion; so, how do you promote your brand?

Even the greatest brands require promotion to stay relevant. The primary thing for me is to be excellent; I ensure that I bring my A-game to all my events. A lot of people approach me after hosting an event and book me for their next because they felt I did a great job. Excellence is my watchword, regardless of the size of the event.

I also ensure that I put my work out on my social media platforms because social media is definitely a market place. My next client can see my profile and body of work anytime, even without recourse to me. So, while you expect a good product to sell itself, I’m also very deliberate at selling my brand.

 

Aside compering, what other things are you good at?

I love to plan events, especially the surprise ones, and I think I’m great at it. I’m also great at managing relationships.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years, and what is your ultimate target in the compering business?

Change is constant. Hence, in the coming years, I plan to remain adaptable to the times and seasons. That is the only way to remain relevant in the industry. I also have to keep re-inventing myself and delivering superior value to my clients, as that is the key to staying competitive.

 

What is your advice to ladies who would love to venture into what you do?

Know the actual reason you want to become an event compere. Purpose is always key before venturing into anything. They should also seek out mentors (direct and indirect); people who can guide them in this path. Finally, they must invest in their network, because “your network is your net worth.”