Today we’d like to introduce you to Uzo Diru.
Uzo, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started back in Nigeria where I used to casually attend parties but end up being the hype man to bring the party to life and make it more fun. I always got invited to be the host at parties and I did it without charging a dime. After I relocated to the US, I kept at it till my friend who’s an event planner suggested that I monetized it since it was my gift. I wanted to do what I love, which was to make people laugh as well as keeping events in order so I ventured into being a Master of Ceremony (MC) as well as an event host. Primarily, I’m more involved in Nigerian weddings and parties which is where I’ve focused on since 2012.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road since the “African time” culture typically gets in the way more often than desired. This is a major issue within the African community and to be more specific, the Nigerian community since my service caters mostly to them. I can say it has gotten a lot better over the years and it is amazing how time management and execution comes into play in my line of business. I have learnt over the years to pick and choose the events where I render my services due to my principles and the brand that I want to be affiliated with.
There’s also the struggle of new clients taken-aback by how much it costs to plan an event and what it takes to make it a success. There’s a lot of preparation and planning that come into play when a MC/Host is involved and sometimes people trivialize it. I have learnt to convey the importance of my services and this has led to successful events.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Uzothemc story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m known as a Master of Ceremony (MC) at wedding receptions, birthday parties, naming ceremonies & baby dedications and I host comedy shows. I direct the order of events, keep the crowd engaged and entertained while maintaining order alongside.
I’m well known for being able to cater to any age group and getting a quick sense of the crowd and how to get them going. Also, I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients and other vendors in the industry which have led to long lasting friendships.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see my industry getting much more appreciated &, more respect for the need for an MC at an event also a clearer knowledge to the difference between an MC and a comedian. And most importantly, the demise of African time lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: uzothemc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @uzothemc
- Facebook: Uzothemc
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
