Creativity helps in the delivery of top-notch anchoring – Stephen Ipalibo

Stephen Ipalibo Lawson is a dynamic and highly sought-after Master of Ceremonies in Nigeria, known for his charisma, eloquence, and ability to engage diverse audiences. With a strong presence on stage and a knack for delivering seamless events, he has built a reputation for adding style, energy, and professionalism to corporate functions, social gatherings, and high-profile ceremonies across the country. In this interview with MediaConsortium editorial team, he talks about the state of public speaking business, challenges and other sundry issues. Excerpt

State of the Master of Ceremonies / Compère in Nigeria

Master of ceremonies craft can be for social, entertainment and corporate events. It is a role that is critical, because the task of an Mc can be the difference between the success of an event, or it’s failure.

The MC role in Nigeria has matured from “someone who just reads names” to a professionalized, visible craft with clear niches — corporate MCs, award-show hosts, conference moderators, wedding comperes, religious-event anchors, broadcast anchors and hybrid entertainers who cross into comedy, TV and brand hosting. Great MCs now combine public speaking, event management awareness, brand safety, and personal branding. That makes the MC both a creative performer and a risk manager for events.

Looking at the market dynamics, the demand for corporate and brand-safe MCs for banks, telcos, government events are high. Conferences and international summits are raising the bar as organisers expect MC/moderators who can handle tight timing, high-profile speakers, and live broadcast/streaming.

On the aspect of professionalisation, training providers, academies and agencies now offer MC/masterclass training, certification and placement, and a few MCs run their own training businesses or agencies.

Personally, we run executive workshop series in public speaking where we educate participants on diction, scriptwriting, time-keeping, stagecraft and crisis handling.

The Industry is growing speedily, and it’s a welcome development. As many organisations begin to place premium on experience, training and brand, the Mc service will certainly be the winner in it all.

Challenges Facing the Sector

Some of the challenges include low recognition, inconsistent pay and contracting. As a matter of fact, many MCs are still hired informally (word-of-mouth) and paid poorly or at the last minute. This undercuts professionalism and makes it hard to plan financially. Also, the market expectations of “free” hosting for friends and family undermines market rates.

Another challenge is poor audio-visual support. Bad sound, and inconsistent tech support can ruin an MC’s performance especially where microphones fail.

There is also the challenge of the lack of standard contracts and intellectual property protection where there are actually no common industry contract for rights, exclusivity, or usage of recordings. MCs often discover their voice or performance was repurposed without consent.

Note worthy is the challenge of oversupply at entry-level and poor differentiation, where many people call themselves MCs on social media but don’t appreciate it takes a high level of professional, training and experience. This makes it difficult for clients to tell quality apart which goes to drive prices or fees down for competent professionals.

There are also skill gaps in non-speaking parts of the job such as time-keeping, running order management, sponsor read etiquette, and crisis handling which are not always taught in informal training.

Regulatory rules are an aspect that are not yet codified. Finally, for cross-border work, issues such as visa, flight cancellations, and local security situations affect pan-African bookings.

How industry players are solving some of these challenges

There are different approaches and strategies which include training and certification, professional agencies and talent management, standardization of contracts and advocacy through event based associations.

Another solution is niche positioning and personal brands. Many MCs are increasingly specialising, for example, I am a corporate Mc that focuses on intellectual and corporate based events. Others specialise in weddings and other kinds of events.

As specialists, it allows for the command of higher rates and also the reduction of direct competition.

To expand service bases or offerings, many MCs are adding facilitation, moderation, or broadcast hosting to their skill set to become more valuable for streamed events and panels.

On the areas of production Top MCs insist on minimum tech riders (audio checks, in-ear monitors) while some travel with technical leads or partner with trusted AV companies to guarantee quality.

Significance to the Nation’s Economy and Contribution

The events and creative industries are significant employers and demand drivers for hospitality, catering, transport, production, fashion, and media. An MC is a pivotal node, when events happen, they create cascading revenue for dozens of suppliers.

Reports on Nigeria’s creative economy show rapid growth and measurable GDP contributions across film, music, fashion and events. Figures vary by analysis: some sector reports estimate the broader creative economy contributes a substantial (single-digit percentage) portion of GDP and supports millions of jobs; other focused reports estimate billions in revenue within sub-sectors.

Large events attract sponsors, bring hospitality revenue, and generate media value. The MC’s skill matters because good hosting keeps programs on time, keeps sponsors visible, and improves repeat bookings. So MC quality directly affects event ROI.

ARCON Ban on Foreign Voice-Over Artistes and Foreign Models

In August 2022, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), under the ARCON Act, issued a directive banning the use of foreign models and foreign voice-over artistes in advertisements exposed to the Nigerian market. This was an explicit local-content policy which held several significant pluses as the ban protects and creates opportunities for Nigerian voice artists, models, casting directors and companies, including MCs. Agencies that previously outsourced voice-over to foreign talent now source or train local voices. The localisation of this policy means more revenue is retained in-country. It also supports skills development and jobs for Nigerians, and accentuates our cultural authenticity. At the end of the day, it compels the industry to improve on its deliverables through trainings, skills development for both talents and production.

How it All Started

My sojourn into the Master Of Ceremonies business started over a decade ago. It was a natural progression as I started my creative career as an actor with NTA Telemovies where I acted in some telemovies, notably, Winds of Destiny, and Murky Waters. I was produced by Late Sadiq Daba, Late Enebeli Elebuwa, all of blessed memories. Sadiq actually gave me my first slot in acting because he liked the way I speak and saw the talent which he encouraged. Afterwards, I ventured into television hosting and learnt on the job. With some self paced trainings in public speaking, I started professional MC business and have grown to Anchor local, national and international high-level events.

I actually started with small events such as church programs, university events, and conferences.

I also invested in my craft to become an expert in the business coupled with experience, I built credibility by delivering consistently which led to corporate bookings and agency referrals.

Some of the Ups include building a high level network of professionals, access to Csuite executives. As a TV host, I gain additional visibility, and most of most jobs have come from referrals and recommendations.

The gounding a training program in public speaking also create recurring income.

Some of the downs include No-shows for some periods or seasons, last-minute cancellations, or late payments after significant prep.

Poor production (mic failure) that impacts your reputation even when it wasn’t your fault.

Burnout can happen especially when you have back to back events. Another downside is clashing dates and organisers not informing the MC in other to schedule efficiently.

Maneuvering Personal “Down” Moments in the Career

Some of the ways are as follows:

• After a difficult event, I do a short review to ascertain what went well, what failed, what was fixable. I turn failures into procedural adjustments.
• If a public mishap occurs, I acknowledge it quickly, explain corrective steps, and move on. I have come to understand that clients respect accountability.
• I have an advisory board that guides and also helps in keeping me focused. Also, associations and alumni networks are very useful.
• I also create a diversified revenue base through training, and corporate retainers so a couple of lost or missed engagements don’t create financial crisis.
• One thing I don’t joke with is self-care. Its imperative to manage bookings so as to reduce burnout.

Competitive Edge in a Crowded MC market

My clients identify my intellectual prowess and my sense of humor. Excellent time management and improvisation gives me an edge.

I have created a niche as a Corporate MC. If you see me anchor a wedding for example, I have a comedian by the side, as I am not a comedian even though I engage my audience with doses of jokes. Those jokes must be appropriate and neat. My angle is to leverage adlibs rather than crack jokes.

I also have created an image of reliability and professionalism in the industry. Emotional intelligence and audience adaptation in my business are very defining. The skill is a must. The ability to read the room, change tempo, and manage speakers and delegates can always make you invaluable at high-stakes events.

Punctuality is no joke and one must always have contingency plans in case of crisis. Like I mentioned, most of my clients are through word-of-mouth referrals which comes from consistent delivery.

I also offer added services such as moderation, speech writing, sponsor liaison, agenda setting, events development for organisers.

Creativity truly is the backbone that distinguishes a professional MC from a rookie. Creativity helps in the delivery of top-notch anchoring.

From customised opening sequences and creative segues that move between speakers or break a monotony, to creative but tasteful sponsor mentions that feel native to the event rather than it being read.

One aspect that creativity plays well is in crisis improvisation, where you turn a technical failure into a light, controlled improvisation that keeps audience goodwill and engaged.

Advice to Young People Starting a Career in Anchoring/MCing

Invest in the craft. Take diction, voice, and stagecraft training. Learn run-sheet management, sponsor etiquette and basic event logistics. Short courses exist so take them. Build a professional resume. Create a basic contract clear payment terms that covers deposit, balance timeline, cancellation. Even though, many organisers may seem averse to it. Specialise and choose a niche and become the go-to in that niche. Network with production folks and event planners. They’ll recommend you when they trust you.

Price fairly and reinforce value. Remember, lowball pricing trains clients to expect discounts. Charge what you’re worth and explain the value.

Finally, protect your well-being and health, and never stop learning.

Do you have a compelling story to tell? Contact us via our email: espinewsng@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp on 08032519246.