Before Stardom With… Izik Erikemu

Did you start your career as a broadcaster?

I actually started my career as an event host, hosting red carpets and various events, before venturing into broadcasting. What inspired this shift was my deep passion for storytelling and communication, which led me to explore the media space professionally, understand its ethics, and learn from experienced broadcasters.

How has the journey been so far?

The journey so far has been incredible, filled with growth and valuable experiences. However, I always emphasise a key turning point in my career, attending the IK Talks in 2019. That experience opened the door to a session with Joyce Daniels, and the insights I gained from that session truly transformed my career trajectory.

As an MC, engaging a crowd is crucial. What’s your secret to keeping audiences entertained and energised throughout an event?

Engaging the audience is at the heart of what I do as an MC. My approach begins even before the event. I always ensure I have a detailed conversation with my client to understand the vision behind the event. This helps me align my hosting style with their expectations.

I also conduct an audience and event demographic analysis to get a sense of who will be in the room. This allows me to tailor my interactions, ensuring that my content, tone, and activities resonate with the crowd.

While I always have planned activities to keep the energy high, I believe in staying flexible.

Events can be unpredictable, so I read the room, adapt in the moment, and follow my intuition to keep the energy at its peak. The key is to stay dynamic, spontaneous, and fully present, matching the audience’s vibe and elevating it when needed.

Every profession has its ups and downs. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an event host, and how do you handle them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an event host is getting clients to pay my true value. For a while, I struggled with negotiating my worth, but over time, I developed the confidence and skill to stand firm on my rates.

The turning point for me was learning to say no. I realised that not every client is my client, and that’s okay. Understanding when to walk away from opportunities that don’t align with my value has been crucial in building a sustainable and fulfilling career.

You’ve hosted many events. Can you share one particularly unforgettable experience—whether exciting, unexpected, or even embarrassing?

Every MC, at some point in their career, has experienced both thrilling highs and humbling moments. Let me share one of each.

One of my most embarrassing moments happened around 2018 or 2019 when I was invited to host an event without fully understanding my client’s vision or analysing the audience demographic. I arrived prepared with my best English-speaking lines, only to realise that the majority of the audience primarily spoke Igbo and Pidgin English.

The disconnect was so evident that the organisers had to bring in another MC mid-event to assist in ensuring the programme ran smoothly. That experience was a tough but valuable lesson. It taught me the importance of audience analysis and preparation, which has since become a core part of my hosting process.

On the flip side, one of my most exciting experiences was hosting the Forward Live with REO Conference 2024, where I had the opportunity to engage with an audience of over 2,500 attendees, including business executives, captains of industries, government officials, and young leaders.

The diversity in the room made the experience both dynamic and fulfilling. Being able to connect with such a broad audience, communicate my client’s vision effectively, and receive overwhelmingly positive feedback afterwards was truly a career-defining moment for me.

In Nigeria, the entertainment and events industry is highly competitive. What does it take to build a brand as a successful MC, and how do you stay relevant?

For me, authenticity and originality have been key to thriving in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment and events industry. Staying true to my unique style and voice has helped me stand out rather than blend in.

Beyond that, staying updated with industry trends has been crucial. The event landscape is constantly evolving, and keeping up with new formats, audience preferences, and technological advancements ensures that I remain relevant and adaptable.

Additionally, I have embraced taking on new challenges and expanding beyond my niche.

Exploring different event types, roles, and responsibilities has not only sharpened my skills but also positioned me as a versatile and in-demand MC. Growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones, and that willingness to evolve has been a game-changer in my career.

A great MC is often a reflection of their personality. How would you describe yourself off-stage, and how does that influence your performance when hosting?

I’d describe myself as an ambivert, which has been a great asset to my work as an MC. I know when to be calm and when to be expressive, allowing me to adapt seamlessly to different event moods and audience energies. This ability to switch between personalities is not just a skill; it’s part of my style and originality as a Master of Ceremonies.

Beyond that, my upbringing has played a significant role in shaping me. I grew up around older individuals, which naturally influenced my perspective and communication style.

That depth of wisdom, despite my young age, has helped me thrive, particularly in the corporate event hosting space, where professionalism and poise are essential. Ultimately, who I am off-stage directly influences my ability to connect with diverse audiences and create meaningful event experiences.

Many young people admire your work and want to follow in your footsteps. What advice would you give to aspiring event hosts looking to break into the industry?

My advice to aspiring event hosts is simple: know your why—your purpose will keep you motivated. Be original and authentic by finding what makes you stand out. Stay updated with industry trends, as the event space is always evolving. Seek mentorship to gain guidance and insights from those ahead of you.

Trust the growth process. There are no shortcuts, and every event is a learning experience. Most importantly, stay connected to God, as spiritual grounding plays a key role in sustaining success. Finally, enjoy the journey. Commit to learning, growing, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Beyond event hosting, do you have any other career ambitions?

Beyond event hosting, I am actively building a career in brand and communication strategy, helping personal brands and non-profits craft impactful messaging. I also serve as a public speaking coach, training individuals and organisations in effective communication.

Additionally, I work as a community engagement consultant, developing human capital projects for high-net-worth individuals and influential leaders.

In the next five to 10 years, I see myself gracing TV screens not just as a media personality but also as a Nollywood actor. I also look forward to hosting my own talk show and bringing a documentary project to life—though I’ll keep those details under wraps for now. Ultimately, my vision is to establish myself as a grounded media mogul, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Mo Abudu