‘I’d like to be a Host at FIFA World Cup’ - AKO No.1 Ring Announcer, Rubbertainer

JDbaba’s blog sat down with Emmanuel Fajuyitan a.k.a. Rubbertainer, Africa’s leading Ring Announcer for Mixed Martial Arts under African KnockOut (AKO), headed by former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamarudeen Usman. Rubbertainer is also a seasoned Master of Ceremonies (MC), voice-over artist, model, actor, and all-round entertainer. Here are excerpts from the engaging chat:

 

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Emmanuel Fajuyitan, popularly known as Rubbertainer. I’m an entertainer by profession, but a versatile one. I’m comical; I’m a great event host, a fantastic voice-over artist, a model, an actor—and currently the official ring announcer for Africa’s biggest fight promotion, the African KnockOut (AKO). People often refer to me as Africa's Number One Ring Announcer.

Tell us about your journey into MCing.

It’s been an exciting one. I started around 2006/2007. I’ve always been very entertaining, even in casual conversations. So, a friend of mine, Sunday Obembe (we call him Obems), used to get gigs at primary and secondary schools. One day, he had a slot and asked me to tag along. At the event, he dressed as Santa Claus, and I wore a clown outfit. We entertained the kids and had a blast. That was the beginning. Later, while at Ekiti State University (then University of Ado-Ekiti), I’d do funny football commentaries at a local field in Ori Apata. People loved it and started coming specifically to hear me. Eventually, someone invited me to emcee her birthday. That was my first real gig.

How was it like and how did it feel standing in front of the crowd for the very first time?

I’ve never experienced stage fright. A lot of my colleagues often say they do, but for me, it’s not an issue. I believe certain life experiences shaped that confidence in me. For instance, I used to sell items at Computer Village in Ikeja. If you’ve ever sold anything there, you’ll understand—it toughens you. You encounter all kinds of people: the calm, the eccentric, the unpredictable. That environment built a layer of boldness and resilience in me. When I landed my first MC gig, I called up a friend of mine —Seun Ode. He came with his room speakers and microphones, and together, we just showed up and entertained. The client paid me five thousand naira. This was back in 2007. To put it in perspective, when my elder brother and I were in school, our parents gave us five thousand naira for an entire month. Earning that same amount from just one event was a clear sign; I knew instantly that this was the path for me.

What actually inspired you to take on the microphone professionally?

As I transitioned into becoming a professional, my passion for entertaining people kept growing—it was intense, almost consuming. It felt like something inside me constantly pushing to come out. The joy of doing what I genuinely loved was my biggest motivator. Interestingly, it was much later that I found out my dad had a thing with MC in his time but he never mentioned it to me. So I venturing into emceeing was purely coincidental. By the time I was nearing the end of my university days, I was already making decent money hosting events on campus. I leaned more towards the corporate side of event hosting, taking on professional gigs. People were paying me ₦20,000 per event when my school fee was just ₦35,000—so going professional made perfect sense. I also can’t leave out the role of a good friend, Bisi Akindele. He was incredibly supportive. He followed me to gigs and was great on the keyboard, so we formed a sort of partnership. Then as time passed in school, my four-year course stretched into six years. Reality hit me hard during those extra years, I knew I had to buckle up and focus. Thankfully, I was one of the lucky few who discovered their path early and stuck with it. Despite finishing with a third class in accounting—which I admit was a tough pill to swallow, I already knew where I was headed. By the time I was graduating, I had begun getting booked to host events outside Nigeria: in Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo. It was already paying my bills, and I realized I could build something solid out of it.

So would you say you got the MC thing from your dad?

I consider myself lucky, especially after finding out that my dad also used to do something similar. It feels like I inherited a part of him, and that’s something I deeply appreciate. But beyond the inheritance, I’m grateful for the journey and the process of growth. Because the truth is, even if you inherit a gift or talent, if you don’t nurture it, it dies. So, while I acknowledge that I may have gotten this from him, I also take pride in the fact that I’ve grown and developed it over time. Where else would I have gotten such a passion from? He had been doing it, and maybe it influenced me, not just his skills but also his personality and values. My dad has always been someone I looked up to. He introduced me to wrestling—we had shelves full of VHS tapes of WWE legends like Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior. He really made me love it. I admired everything about him—the way he dressed, the way he smelled, the way he carried himself. Back then, he worked as the head of the transport unit in a continental merchant bank. He would wear his suit and drive a plain Coaster bus to pick up staff. It may have seemed simple to others, but to me, it was iconic. He became my role model without even trying. So, yes—I believe I picked this path from him, even if it happened unknowingly.

But professionally, do you have anyone you?

Like I mentioned earlier, I see myself as an octopus when it comes to entertainment—multi-armed, multi-talented. I’m one of the lucky few who are not just creative but able to express that creativity across several fields, and do so effectively. In the comedy space, one of my biggest role models is Kevin Hart. I admire his storytelling style—how he paints vivid, graphic pictures with words. When he speaks, you can literally visualize the scene in your mind, and before you know it, you’re laughing. His delivery is powerful and relatable. When it comes to emceeing, I draw inspiration from Steve Harvey. His stage presence, charisma, and ability to connect with the audience are unmatched. But for ring announcing, it’s got to be Bruce Buffer—he’s the undisputed number one in that field and I watch him closely. Voice-over work, on the other hand, started more as a survival tool than a dream. It kicked in during one of those seasons of financial drought. Someone once told me, “You have a great voice; you should try voice-overs.” That small encouragement eventually became a big part of my portfolio. As for modeling—funny enough, I didn’t set out to be one. I never even knew I had a “model face” until I drove a friend to a TV commercial shoot for one of the big telecommunications companies. The director couldn’t take his eyes off me. He kept insisting I get on set. I protested at first— ‘I only came as a driver’—but they wouldn’t take no for an answer. I finally agreed, and that commercial turned out to be a major hit. Since then, I haven’t looked back—TV commercials kept rolling in. Throughout this journey; I’ve remained intentional, constantly researching, setting goals, and chasing them because in this industry, if you’re not deliberate about your growth, you can easily get swept away.

From all of the role models you have just mentioned now. I need you to come back to Nigeria, do you have anybody you look up to?

In Nigeria, I really look up to Teju Babyface. He’s classy, funny, and professional. He resonates with me.

When you go for an event, how do you get prepared? Do you have a personal checklist or rituals that you do before you get into the event?

First, I thank God. Then, once payment hits the account—that’s solid motivation [laughs]. I stay hydrated, look clean, smell nice, and get to the venue early. I also study the audience to understand the tone and language that fits—Pidgin, English, or mixed.

So, any rituals in front of the mirror?

Not anymore. I used to when I started—practicing my smile, mic grip, posture—but I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years now. The experience has replaced that.

Have you had any moment when the energy was low, when the rhythm was not there?

I always look forward to those moments—those seconds before I hit the stage. I live for them. You see, when it’s your time to step out and own the spotlight, there’s a certain energy you tap into. I welcome it. To put it into perspective: think of an island. What we see above the water is the landmass—is only about 5% of the whole thing. The real strength of that island lies beneath the surface, deep down, in its solid foundation. That’s exactly how I view my journey. The foundation I’ve built over the years working as a TV presenter, a model, an MC has been solid. It has rooted me so deeply that stage fright doesn’t stand a chance anymore. I remember when I used to be on a programme on MiTV, speaking to the viewers I couldn’t even see—hoping, believing they were connecting with what I was saying. Social media wasn’t even a thing at the time. But when we returned to the studio and the producer would say, “You guys killed it last time,” that was all the confirmation I needed. It became my fuel. So, no—stage fright was never really a thing for me. With the kind of grounding I’ve had, it simply fades away before I ever touch the mic.

How do you improvise when things go wrong?

Let me share two defining experiences. The first happened while I was on TV, handling the comic segment of a show. I wasn’t even the main presenter at the time. On this particular day, all three lead presenters didn’t show up. It was just me and the show had to go on. Right there on set, I had to make a decision. Thankfully, spontaneity is one of my biggest gifts. I also have a knack for mimicry, so I tapped into that. I began to impersonate all three absent hosts on the spot—the lady presenter, the Hausa guy, and the Igbo guy. I switched voices, styles, and mannerisms. I completely took over the show, embodying each of them one after the other. The audience loved it. That day taught me something important: when I’m cornered or faced with what seems like a dead end, spontaneity becomes my superpower. Whether I’m on TV, on stage, in a commercial, a movie set, or performing live at something as grand as the African KnockOut (AKO), there are moments when fatigue creeps in. But when that happens, I remind myself how far I’ve come. That memory alone reignites the fire in me. The truth is, no matter how many people are clapping for you, there are just as many waiting for you to fall. And beyond that, there are also people whose own rise depends on your rising. These are the thoughts that center me, push me, and fuel me to keep going harder and stronger.

So, you've never had a show where you're supposed to share a stage with a co-presenter or a co-compere and the person did not show up?

In this part of the world, people often choose competition over collaboration. When you're on stage with someone else whether for a co-hosted event or a shared presentation, it shouldn't be about outshining the other person. It's not a battle; it's a partnership. Yes, competition can be healthy, but only when it's balanced. When it becomes excessive, it turns toxic. A competitive spirit is fine as long as it doesn't overshadow the collective goal. If you’re given a script to co-deliver, it means there's a shared objective. Your focus should be on bringing that script to life together, not turning the spotlight solely on yourself. I’ve been in situations where I was paired with someone who came in through a high-profile connection, while I came through a less visible channel. The person assumed the event was about who could be louder or more dramatic. But that’s not it. It’s about knowing what to do at every moment. Sadly, many overlook a key principle: know your job. If you’re hosting a wedding, you shouldn’t be cracking jokes suited for a burial. Each event has its own tone and rhythm, and as a professional, you must understand and respect that. People can sense your energy from just the sound of your voice. They can tell if you’re being authentic or fake, relaxed or anxious, confident or insecure. They can tell if you’re genuinely in sync with the mood or if you're simply trying too hard to compete.

Have you had an event with diverse audience especially with mixed demographics? How do you get connected to them?

There was one particular job I’ll never forget—it actually turned out to be a bit of a disaster. The project involved hosting events across 16 locations in Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, and several cities across the northern and southern regions. When the opportunity came, I was desperate for the money, and the pay was exactly what I needed at the time. So, I confidently claimed I could deliver in Hausa [laughs]. Everything went well at first. I handled the Lagos and southern region shows with ease, got great feedback, and was applauded for my performance. But then came the northern leg of the event and that’s where it all fell apart. It was time for me to speak in Hausa and I couldn’t say a word. I stood there completely blank. I felt so embarrassed. That experience taught me never to over promise just because of money.

So, what happened, how did you get the job done?

Fortunately for me—maybe it was just God’s way of teaching me a lesson to slow down and be more careful—something unexpected happened. There was a guy in the audience that day, just a regular guest who came to watch the show. Apparently, he liked my energy and what I was trying to do, so he stepped in and started interpreting for me. Before I knew it, the whole thing turned into this hilarious preacher-and-interpreter setup. I would speak in English, and he’d translate it into Hausa with so much flair that the crowd loved it. It ended up feeling like we rehearsed the whole thing. Somehow, it clicked.

What’s the key to keeping your audience engaged and excited throughout an event?

If it’s a live production and there’s a script involved, it’s clear the scriptwriters have already done a fantastic job. They’ve played their part—now it’s your turn to bring it to life. The key is to thoroughly understand the script, digest it, and then deliver it while infusing your personality into the lines. If the situation calls for spontaneity, that’s where you weave in your unique energy and personal flair. Take the African KnockOut (AKO) Championship for example. That’s one of the live productions I currently work on. I don’t just stick to the lines; I bring in energy, facial expressions, and a commanding tone to say something like (in his signature announcing style): “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to…” because in that moment, it’s about hyping the fans, making them feel the intensity, and letting the fighter know—this is his jungle, and he’s the king. Now, when it comes to social gatherings or formal events, the approach is slightly different. Before the event, we (myself and the sponsor) typically go through the programme together—back and forth. I’ll send the schedule, you’ll give feedback like, “Take this out” or “Let’s rework this part.” By the time the event arrives, I already have a sense of the flow and the type of audience. The first thing I do at such events is take a walk around, listen in, observe. I sample the room to get a feel for the kind of guests in attendance. Are they more relaxed and prefer a blend of English and Pidgin? Or is it a strictly formal crowd? Once I determine the most effective mode of communication—because as the anchor, communication is everything—then I know exactly how to carry the event. At that point, it’s game on.

In instances where you have audience with low energy, how do you cope with that?

There are many factors that can affect the audience’s vibe at an event beyond just the performance of the MC. For instance, if the ambience isn’t right, or if the sound quality is poor, especially when the speakers screech or produce jarring noise—it becomes difficult for anyone to enjoy the experience. Even if you have a great voice or solid delivery, the audience will only hear noise, not your message. So first and foremost, when the technical elements like sound, lighting, ambience are properly in place, it becomes much easier to connect with the crowd. Also, as an event host, it’s important to bring in humour. Crack jokes. Lighten the mood. One of the best ways to do this is through relatable comparisons, people love them. Compare past and present: the cars we used to drive versus modern ones, the way sports were played then and now, or even politics in the old days compared to today’s drama. Talk about how parenting has changed over the years. These kinds of comparisons always get people engaged because they can relate. In fact, this is free advice to anyone aspiring to become an MC; your content bank should be wide. Know how to draw from everyday realities to entertain your audience and keep them hooked.

Have you had times that you have to manage a tense situation in order to deliver? Probably bad audio projection, noise coming from the sound, how did you handle it?

There are moments when you simply can't connect with your audience and it’s usually due to technical glitches. But before I go further, let me say this as a joke (or maybe not): as an MC or event host, make sure you get your full payment upfront! (Laughs). Now, back to the point. I’ve had an experience where I was in the middle of my delivery and the sound suddenly went off. At that moment, two things came to mind. First, I knew I had a naturally loud voice, and I’ve been in situations before - big halls, large crowds where I had to project without a mic. So I walked right into the center of the hall and shouted, “Everybody keep quiet!” It came across as rude at first, but it shocked everyone into paying attention. Before they could react negatively, I quickly followed up with, “I’m just joking!” and that immediately eased the tension. It worked like magic. However, there was another event where the sound cut off completely and nothing was working. I was genuinely upset on stage. So I pulled a classic football move, I made the hand gesture like I was being substituted and walked off briefly to find out what went wrong. Thankfully, the sound came back shortly after. I had already lined up two or three jokes to break the tension like a icebreaker when I returned. I made light of the situation and turned it into a laughable moment. In times like that, you have to think fast and keep the energy alive.

What do you think are the most common misconceptions people have about MCs?

One reason is that many people have never had the opportunity to closely observe someone who has built a successful and financially stable career as an emcee. They might see it from a distance but not up close enough to believe it’s truly possible. So, I don’t blame any parent for saying no to it as a career path. But the beauty of my journey is that, aside from emceeing, I have other gifts and skills I engage with daily. For instance; take my newly launched podcast, I can tell you that my inbox is already buzzing with inquiries and feedback. So, my advice to any aspiring MC is this: we all know how unpredictable events can be, sometimes it comes, and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s why it's important to have additional streams of income. That way, you won't become frustrated with the job, especially if you’re genuinely passionate about it.

But at the time you started emceeing in 2007/2008, we had had some MCs like Joseph Benjamin do MTN Project Fame; Frank Edoho on Who wants to be a Millionaire; Ebuka Obi-Uchenndu on BBNaija; Gbenga Adeyinka ‘the 1st’; Yemi Sodimu, amongst others

Yeah, I think maybe our parents at that time weren’t really exposed to that set of people. That’s what I meant. Those individuals were already making serious money. Just look at the names you mentioned—the list is long. And you didn’t even include Ali Baba! There are so many others.

What's the connection between comedians becoming professional MCs? 

If you have the ability, then why not? Even the likes of Steve Harvey and Kevin Hart do it. I see it as a kind of metamorphosis, you have to evolve. You can’t stay doing just one thing forever; growth is essential. Opportunities will come your way. For example, as an emcee, someone might approach you to be the face of their video game simply because of the way you deliver your lines. That’s another income stream right there. Now, in the comedy space, comedians constantly have to come up with new material, which is becoming more challenging especially with skit makers dominating the scene. Yes, people still attend comedy shows, and those shows still attract crowds. But the audience is now split. Some prefer to laugh from the comfort of their phones, while others still enjoy the atmosphere of live events. Most of what people now watch on their phones is skit-based content, and interestingly, many stand-up comedians have transitioned into skit making. I see this shift as a sign of growth if you're genuinely good at it. But please, if it’s not your strength, stick to what you’re good at.

In Nigeria, how do you think MCs have evolved over the years, especially with the use of social media?

Massive. Do you know why? Before social media came into existence, MCs were already doing well. I honestly don't know how people got to love the late Gbenga Adeboye, but somehow, they did. That’s why they say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” In our own time, social media has made things easier. Whenever I go to an event, I have a content creator who follows me around, captures every highlight and make sure nothing is missed. Because once a memory isn't captured, it’s easily forgotten. They compile all those fantastic moments into a reel and post it on social media platforms. So, when clients approach you, they don’t just rely on your words—you’re not just saying “I hosted this.” They can actually see the evidence of your work. Right now, being an MC is a blessing.

Do you think social media has heightened the level and the brand of MCs?

It has amplified it coupled with the emergence of the internet. You can stay here and watch someone inspire you from China. You can watch someone inspire you from Canada. There are enormous materials online that you can diverge in and put your personality into it. Turn it into your own content.

What makes a memorable event for you as an MC, not from the audience's perspective?

Memorable events, for me, are those where I deliver exceptionally well—when the sound is great, the ambience is perfect, and my performance aligns with my expectations. I won't lie to you, before every event, I always visualize how it's going to unfold. So, if things played out to at least 80% of what I imagined happen, then it’s a memorable one for me.

Do you collaborate with event planners or you run solo to get events or to bring up your own events?

I think someone asked me this question year ago. First of all, at every event you attend, your full contact details are out there, so it’s very likely that someone will reach out to you afterward. Event planners often call, some already have my number. Beyond that, the wealth of experience I've gathered over the years from working on different events has given me vast knowledge. So, sometimes, people don’t just come to me to host an event—they come to me to help put together the entire production. They've seen me on one or two production sets or concerts, and they liked how I delivered. That’s how my company, Tainer Entertainment Network, was birthed. So, it’s not just about being hired as a company, it’s about putting together full productions. There is Rubbertainer as a person: a host, a fantastic anchor, an actor, a voice-over artist, and a Podcaster. There's also the side of me as Africa’s number one Ring Announcer. And then there’s Tainer Entertainment Network, a production house and event consulting firm, where I work with a dedicated team.

So, let's go to the brand - Rubbertainer. How have you been able to market yourself and stand out in the MC Space?

I consider myself fortunate to have started early while I was still very young. That gave me room to make mistakes and, more importantly, to learn from them. Those early experiences shaped me and taught me how to think more logically and strategically over time. When it comes to marketing myself, I let my work speak. If you’ve had any encounter with me, you’ll know I’m good at what I do and I keep improving with every performance. I don't stick to one style; I constantly refine and evolve my brand by adding fresh elements. That continuous reinvention keeps me relevant and appealing. One of my strongest strategies is what I call scarcity. I intentionally make myself scarce. You won’t find me everywhere, and that creates a certain demand for my presence. It keeps the brand exclusive and that, in itself, is a powerful marketing tool.

How do you mean, your diary is already full of appointments?

No, it’s not about having a packed schedule. I intentionally use scarcity as a strategic tool. In the creative industry, when something becomes too common or overly visible, it tends to lose its value. Creativity is like juice, once too many people start sipping from it, the essence begins to fade. Especially when life’s responsibilities and distractions start piling up, it’s easy to lose that spark. So, I choose to be intentional about my appearances. You won’t see me everywhere, and that’s deliberate. It keeps the demand for my presence high. I’ve turned down several event offers, not because I didn’t need the money or the fee wasn’t good enough but, because they didn’t align with my brand or long-term goals. Scarcity, for me, is not just a tactic—it’s a principle.

So, from your view of your own brand now, do you think it has played out to give you gigs that are premium?

Yes, it has. So, what I do is I make sure my job is always out there. Content is out there for you to see before you come and prize me. Then when you come to me, I'll assess the event because there are events that if you climb those podiums, your career dies. There are events like that.

So, are you saying now that there have been events that you have turned down based on your brand?

Numerous events. Numerous, Numerous events that I have turned down.

Can you cite one?

Ah, you're trying to put me on the spot now! Well, I’ll share this carefully. There was a particular religious event I was invited to host, and while I respected their ideology, I knew the nature of the event didn’t align with the image I wanted to project. So, I declined; not because I had anything against their beliefs, but simply because I didn’t want to be associated with that space in a way that could define or misrepresent my brand. Same thing happened during the last general elections. A political party approached me with enticing offers—big promises and very attractive pay. But I turned it down. I knew deep down that associating with them could damage the integrity of what I’ve built over the years. That’s why I often emphasize the importance of financial freedom, especially for emcees. When the jobs are flowing and the money is good, don’t assume it will always be that way. Invest wisely in things that support your everyday life—your family, your home, your peace of mind. Because when you’re financially stable, it becomes easier to say “no” to the gigs that don’t align with your values.

What has been your biggest career lesson so far?

Always learn to say no when it's needed. Two is Integrity. Don't joke with it. When you tell people I will be there, please be there.

What's the most unforgettable event you have hosted and why did you host that event?

The most unforgettable event I’ve hosted, without a doubt, is the African KnockOut—now known as the African KnockOut Championship (AKO). It’s an incredible platform, and I must give full credit to its principal, the former UFC World Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman. What he’s doing with AKO goes beyond sport. It’s about using your light to ignite others. That’s exactly what he’s doing for us here in Africa. Right now, AKO stands as the biggest MMA promotion on the continent, and for me to be the official ring announcer—Africa’s number one—is a huge honour. It’s more than just a gig; it’s a defining moment in my career.

How do you get to unwind after a particular event?

After every event, there are cool spots in Lagos that I always go to. I have a friend who is an orthopedic doctor, we call him Gboggy. I call him up and we go play snooker. I love to play snooker. I love it. That's just the way. I don't take alcohol, I don't smoke.  When I need to unwind, I just have a decent meal, drink water or juice and play snooker with music not so loud.

What are you passionate about aside being an MC?

I’m deeply passionate about entertainment, but equally passionate about growth—both mine and others. I genuinely love to see people evolve and succeed. That’s why I often find myself pushing those around me toward greatness, sometimes giving so much of myself in the process. Yes, I’ve been hurt along the way. There have been moments when I’ve had my fingers burnt. But over time, those same individuals usually come to realize that my intentions were always sincere and rooted in a desire to see them thrive.

What's your advice for such people and those towing the line to be a MC?

First, to those who are being supported and later turn against the very people helping them. My advice is this: when you find genuinely good people, hold them close because they are rare. Now, to those aspiring to become MC or event host, understand this— the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. If you’re getting into this field just for the money, it’ll be short-lived. The jobs don’t always come consistently, and when they don’t, what happens? Especially if you have responsibilities like a family to cater for. You need to be absolutely sure this is what you want to do. Find a mentor or a role model, it doesn’t mean you have to live with them or run errands for them. No, that’s not the point. You can study their life and career from afar, reach out respectfully, and learn from them. Use their journey as a guide to shape and redefine yours.

What do you think of the future of live events coupled with the role of an MC? Do you think AI will come in?

Well, AI can't give you emotions. As much as I tilt towards this great unique AI stuff. I use it a lot but AI can't actually give you that emotion in an event. It can't. There is a flow and AI can't give you that smooth emotion. That is what we humans have over AI.

If you say AI can't create emotions, I came across this news about the story of a boy in the U.S. who took his own life as a result of his relationship with AI believing in its emotions. The case is ongoing in court since last year as the mother of the boy had sued the company who built the AI to court. What’s your view on that?

Well, that being said, first, I would like to say rest in peace to the deceased. At the same time, if you consider my generation especially those of us raised in African homes—we’re not typically driven by emotions. We are very logical people. I say this with all due respect: if that person had been interacting with a real human being who failed to meet his expectations, would he have taken the same action? I understand that people take their own lives for various reasons, but that is never the solution. Taking your life not only ends your pain, but it spreads sorrow to those who love you. I do not support that in any way. As for AI, I still believe it cannot replicate human emotions. It might get close someday, but at least for now—while I’m still here, it’s not quite there. AI can’t truly crack jokes that resonate or create laughter in the same way a human can.

 Is there anything we should watch out for, any project coming from Rubbertainer?

There’s a lot happening in my life right now, and I’m truly grateful to God for choosing me as a vessel to carry and execute these projects. So many things are unfolding at once, and I don’t take it for granted. To start with, I recently launched my podcast on July 2nd, 2025—a very special day for me because it’s not only my birthday, but also my mum’s. The first episode focused on conquering fear, a subject very dear to me because, to be honest, I should have started that podcast four or five years ago. The idea had been sitting with me all this while, but I kept holding back out of fear. Launching it was a huge breakthrough. The podcast now airs every Wednesday at 6PM across all my social media platforms—YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and more. In addition to that, there’s another exciting project I’m currently developing. It’s still in the incubation stage, but I’m working towards a potential collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Sports. Then, as Africa’s Number 1 Ring Announcer and an event host, my journey with the African KnockOut (AKO) continues. We’re pushing boundaries to take Mixed Martial Arts in Africa to the next level, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. Looking ahead, one of my long-term goals is to initiate a project targeted at secondary school students, aimed at helping them discover and express their creative talents. I want to show them that it’s possible to succeed by doing what they love. There’s still so much to come—and I’m just getting started.

I must commend you for that and I must say congratulations to you on your birthday and congratulations to you on launching out your Podcast. So, if you weren't an MC, what would you have been doing today?

Ah! if I am not an MC, I think if not for the injury I had, I would have tried to pursue football career.

Okay, so let's have this quick fire round just for fun. Your dream event to host?

FIFA World Cup.

Why so?

Yeah, there is a place for announcement so FIFA World Cup. I'd like to be at the World Cup.

Most embarrassing moment on stage?

When my trousers torn and it was white and I was putting on pink pants (laughs).

One celebrity you did love to co-host with on stage?

Globally, Kevin Hart and in Nigeria, Teju Babyface.

What's always in your event bag?

My phones, power bank, a charger, face towel, mouth wash, my complimentary cards and maybe my ATM card.

Your Go-To line whenever your crowd is flat. What do you use to rescue the moment?

First off, I usually fall back on one of my signature openers—my voice. I let my thick, commanding voice do the magic and kick things off with a light-hearted line that always gets the room going. I’d say: “Ladies and Gentlemen, please turn to your neighbor. If she’s a lady and she’s beautiful, say ‘Baby, you’re beautiful.’ If it’s a guy, say ‘Man, you’re handsome.’ But if he looks as ugly as I am just say, ‘Oh my God!” That line is my go-to icebreaker—it never fails!