One of Ghana’s most revered event hosts, Kafui Dey, has said emceeing goes far beyond talking, stressing that the role is largely about managing events.

Speaking to Joy FM’s arts and culture journalist Kwame Dadzie on the station’s award-winning entertainment analysis programme, Showbiz A-Z, he said many MCs make events about themselves instead of the people they are meant to serve.

According to him, it takes more than the ability to talk, dance, sing or crack jokes to succeed as an MC.

“Emceeing is about event management. The talk is about 20%,” he noted.

He cited an instance where he was hired to MC a wedding. He said he and other guests had to use the headlights of their cars to provide light at the venue because the couple had spent so long at a faraway location for a photoshoot. By the time they arrived at the reception, it was already dark and there was a power outage.

Kafui Dey said he had to think on his feet to devise a way of lighting up the programme and was glad the bride and groom were happy with the outcome.

He added that a good MC ensures other elements ahead of the programme are well organised. He also indicated that a good MC arrives early to collaborate and prepare with the DJ, food vendors and other key players involved in the event.

In the meantime, Kafui Dey, who has emceed high-profile events such as the Ghana Club 100 Awards, the MTN Ghana Business World Executive Breakfast Meetings, the African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and several corporate galas and state functions, said he is available to host the Telecel Ghana Music Awards if the organisers reach out to him.