Accra: Ghanaian MC and hype man Kojo Manuel has called on event organisers to give MCs and hype men the same level of attention and care they offer headline artistes. Speaking in an interview with Giovani Caleb on TV3, Kojo Manuel highlighted the demanding nature of their roles, emphasizing the need for proper support to maintain energy and deliver effectively during events.
According to Ghana Web, Kojo Manuel explained that being an MC requires more than just holding a microphone, particularly when they are required to remain on stage for several hours without respite. He stressed that MCs and hype men should be treated with the same regard as headline performers, citing his experiences to underscore the challenges they face. "Treat the MCs and hype men the same way you treat the headline artistes. I've been on a particular stage for like six to seven hours," he stated.
Kojo Manuel further elaborated that while MCs at parties have the opportunity to move around, take breaks, or refresh themselves, the dynamics change significantly when they are the sole MC at a major event. He recounted hosting the Global Citizen Festival under challenging conditions, performing on an empty stomach and highlighting the importance of hydration over eating or consuming alcohol.
The MC advised both event organisers and performers to be cautious about their pre-performance consumption, particularly avoiding alcohol. "You don't need alcohol because the thing about alcohol is that it will take you up and once it starts to wear off, it will bring you down," he explained. Kojo Manuel's insights aim to raise awareness about the crucial roles MCs and hype men play in event success, advocating for them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.