Follow Us on Google
• Dreams to work with Nigeria’s, Africa’s biggest events planners
By Rita Okoye
Ayo-Olaito Oluwasanmi Oyeleye, who is popularly known as MC Sanmikul, and called “The Event King, is a graduate of Chemistry Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a seasoned master of ceremonies, comedian, and a public servant with the Lagos State Government.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the dynamic and versatile compere reflects on his journey into the entertainment and events industry, as well as the challenges and misconceptions associated with his profession.
Enjoy!
How did your journey as an MC start?
I started this journey in December 2019. While working in a school, I was compelled by my boss to host a birthday party for five-year-old child. She had said I handled the planning of the school’s first end-of-year party very well, so she believed I could also handle her husband’s sister’s child’s birthday.
I tried sending a friend, as I did for the previous party, but she declined. So I had to anchor the party myself.
After the success of the party, something was awakened in me. I realised I could anchor events. Moreover, the same audience from the school event, who were also present at the birthday party, testified that I did better than my MC friend who hosted the previous party. That encouraged me to start.
How was your first outing like?
My first outing felt almost predetermined. I had always had people request that I host their events, but I declined because I felt I lacked professionalism and also believed that if you couldn’t crack jokes, you couldn’t host events—unlike now, when you can simply engage people and still have fun.
So when I anchored my first event, it was pretty smooth as I doubled as a comedian, crowd engager, and games master. The real deal was when I got engaged for a wedding in 2020, my first-ever wedding reception.
Reflecting on your journey, what was the defining moment that made you commit to event anchoring?
The event space changed from the narrative that you had to be a comedian before you could host events, and that was my major fear, which prevented me from starting earlier despite the opportunities.
After my first event, I checked Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms and realised that being a professional Master of Ceremonies was quite different from being a stand-up comedian. This changed my perspective, so I committed myself to learning more from leaders in the field and how they operated. I also reached out to friends already in the industry to connect me with seminars and opportunities that could foster my growth.
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage?
No, I don’t think I’ve really had one. However, not all events go as smoothly as planned. Sometimes the sound doesn’t function properly, or another vendor, like the band, may not comply with the flow or direction of the programme. But over the years, I’ve learned that to avoid embarrassing moments, you must “read the room” and know exactly what to say and how to react—most especially proactively.
What’s the most challenging part of being an event MC?
The entire mood of the event relies on your capacity, though most people don’t see it that way. Some think you’re paid just to talk, crack jokes and make people laugh, but the job requires much more. The work of every vendor at the event needs to be complemented gracefully by the MC, and just one mistake by the MC could ruin everyone’s effort.
Another challenge is the number of people in the space who are not well-informed, detailed or skilled enough. Talent is important, but there must also be room for refinement, where one learns, relearns and unlearns. Unfortunately, many people have talent without the required skill.
I witnessed your craft recently. What was the most interesting part of the wedding for you?
Eucharia and Okezie’s wedding was the definition of a perfectly planned party. I also tried to ensure that every moment was well curated with no dull moments. However, the couple’s entrance is usually the major highlight of the event. Those few moments, when the couple and their friends are out, are when the MC often has the total attention of the crowd, and a good MC makes the most of it. So, I’d say the couple’s entrance and the games session with their friends was the most interesting part.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about the life of a professional MC?
The biggest misconception is that all our dates are fully booked and that we are always busy. Some days are actually very free. Then there are days like April 26 and December 20 last year, when I had about 9–10 inquiries for the same date.
This is one of the major challenges of professional MCs—multiple bookings on the same day. We can’t repeat clothes or accessories, and there’s also the brand perception that we are already “made” in life because we try to appear luxurious and worthy of the occasion.
Do you script your shows or rely purely on spontaneity and street sense?
I am one of those MCs who find it difficult to plan rigidly for events. I rely mainly on spontaneity and street sense—reading the room, understanding the audience, and applying the right materials when necessary.
What advice would you give young Nigerians who think being an MC is just about cracking jokes?
The work of an MC goes beyond cracking jokes. Back then, you had to be a comedian before you could anchor events. The popular question was, “Can you make people laugh?” But things have evolved. Now it’s about how well you can engage your audience.
Even comedians now rely heavily on audience engagement. As an MC, you must be clean with your words, humorous, and able to make your audience feel safe, confident, relaxed and respected. Unlike some forms of comedy that may use derogatory remarks for laughs, an MC must uplift the mood without demeaning anyone.
It is easier to be an MC than a comedian. Just connect with your audience, have a good sense of humour and be spontaneous. In fact, some veteran comedians who run out of joke materials have switched to being MCs
If you are not anchoring an event or in school, what would you be caught doing?
Creating content—taking good pictures and clean videos for editing.
Looking back at your years in the entertainment industry, do you have any regrets?
No regrets at all. I feel I could have started earlier because people had noticed the talent in me while I was still in school. But I was held back by the belief that only comedians could be MCs and my fear of not being funny enough. That delayed me until I learned better.
In five years, where do you see your voice, your brand, and your stage presence on the African entertainment map?
Global. I take Dayoice, one of the top leaders in the MC space, as a model. He anchors over 34 events yearly outside Nigeria, across Europe, Asia and Africa.
In a few years, I see myself also testifying to such growth, with my brand gaining international recognition, becoming more refined, and having a stronger stage presence and performance.
Lastly, what’s your dream event? Which celebrity would you like to work with?
My dream is to work with the best event planners in Nigeria and Africa, such as Sapphire Events, LH Events, Event Kapitol, Just Eclat, and others I admire. As for celebrities, I don’t have a specific preference—working with any would be great.
