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It's not easy to manoeuvre a male-dominated field, but Phylis Maina is trailblazing as a female master of ceremony (MC). Female MCs are increasingly creating a niche for themselves in the world of events and entertainment.
As an MC, you are the face and voice of events, conferences, and other special occasions. You are the go-to person for setting the tone and atmosphere of the event. It is a great way to use your wit and charm to make sure that attendees have the best time possible.
With her professional attitude and enthusiasm, MC Phylis is bringing an edge to the stage that is hard to ignore. She recently won Kenya Wedding Awards as Best Female MC of the Year 2022/2023. Besides that, she is a freelance voice-over artist and an actress.
What started as a hobby became a career, one she says she doesn't regret. With her natural gift and flair for talking and her chronic desire to be unique from a tender age, she grabbed the opportunity and ran with it.
"I would perform at weddings at the age of four and was also in drama festivals, which further enhanced my aspiration. Additionally, in high school, I was the Christian Union chairlady, as well as in college, and with all that exposure, I built a lot of confidence. I started following great MCs like MC Abel and Dr Ofweneke; I got connections to MC Abel, who would invite me to various functions he was hosting and gave me opportunities to at least say something on the mic."
Challenging industry
She admits it can be challenging to navigate the complexities of the industry. From the difficulty of finding the proper gigs to the pressure of having to deliver a perfect performance, the journey can be daunting.
"Most often than not, when a client finds out it's a female MC who has been referred to host their event, they decline since many believe a male MC is commanding," she says.
While there are a few people who naturally possess the qualities of an MC, most have to hone their skills through practice, experience and self-assessment.
According to Phylis, her audience dictates the type of content she is going to curate around the event. "I have to identify with the event and the audience and also ensure I set the perfect tone of the event."
Her day in the office simply is normally smooth as she always prepares in advance. "In addition, I meet up for rehearsals with the clients a week before the event, and if it's a wedding, we go for rehearsals with the bridal party. This help in bonding with the team and creating a good rapport."
But even after mastering the necessary skills, female MCs still face other challenges; there is lack of support and recognition for women in the industry.
From hosting popular shows to organising their own events, female MCs are becoming more visible and making a name for themselves. With her five years of experience in a path that she majorly describes as daunting, she holds that with the right attitude and perseverance, anything is possible.
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