GALP ENERGIA GARDEN MC: SIYABONGA DLAMINI
How do you feel about being invited to Luju as the Galp Energia stage MC?
Honestly, I feel really honoured and humbled; although this was in my wishlist. I am still in awe and really ecstatic about the gig! I wouldn’t downplay the fact that the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is ranked among the most revered gatherings in Eswatini. Moreover, I strongly resonate with the fashion, food and lifestyle components, so dearly. Even if I wasn’t an MC, I would definitely be spending my weekend at the Luju garden lawns.
What are you most looking forward to during the festival?
As an MC, it is so easy to get lost in maintaining the flow of a programme; but fingers crossed, I hope to be present in the moment and take in as a much as I can for my creative journey. I look forward to the nerve-ridding conversations with artists backstage; the electrifying performances; exchanging energies with the crowd, as well as appreciating all the storylines woven into and by the cultural diversification.
What do you promise to deliver while on stage?
On the flipside of what I most certainly look forward to consume, I highly anticipate sharing a light moment with the masses and making them feel and become more aware of what a great part of the show they are. Also, the best service delivery to promise definitely has to be the well wrought introductions of every artist, no feeling compares to that of hearing your accolades articulated adequately, while you are battling the nerves backstage.
What inspires you as an MC and how has it helped you in your line of work?
Lately, I have been very much fascinated with the show biz and understanding how all the creative dots connect to make a beautiful masterpiece. Working behind the scenes as an event organiser or providing MC duties has inculcated the importance of collaboration, and that is what inspires me. This essential aspect amplifies why an artist should opt for jobsharing strategies, instead of stretching themselves into playing every role in the field. Speaking of which, I really commend events like the Standard Bank Luju Festival you never find a Master of Ceremony stretching them over to act as stage managers and artists liaisons; a well coordinated teamwork always makes the dream work!
What set’s you different from other MC’s?
The facets of such a role have harnessed the discipline needed for one to keep a delivery short and straight to the point; swerve a crowd over to their own path; the importance of a phenomenal stage presence, intonation, the art of reading a room and knowing when you are no longer welcome on stage! Unfortunately, none of these can be efficiently taught theoretically, everyone learns how to harvest their own ‘luju’ by risking a bee sting, trust me the rewards are sweet and soothing.