BRIAN SHEMA NATETE, has stepped on a number of stages that he never imagined he would as a multi-event professional emcee, specialising in concerts and sports events.

He is the official emcee and Public Address Announcer of the Basketball Africa League inaugural season, happening at the Kigali Arena. The 27-year-old shared his emceeing journey.

Excerpts;

When did you start emceeing, and what has the journey been like?

I started my career as a professional emcee on November 5, 2016. I will be celebrating my fifth anniversary in a few months’ time. My interest to speak at events started way back in school when I hosted some of the school’s events at Apred Ndera.

I was drawn to this profession by my best friend, who believed in me and saw my potential. He advised me not to sit on my talent but to expose myself to the world. I started looking for gigs through people in the entertainment industry like MC Tino, Alex Muyoboke, and others.

Did you do any training in emceeing and what was your first gig like?

No, I didn’t get any training in emceeing. I think it’s a God-given talent, though I always learn from the best talents and work on my mistakes.

My first gig was at Charly na Nina’s concert, which was organised by Alex Muyoboke, and I really nailed it. It was a blessing because it opened doors and connections for me.

I was filled with mixed reactions, happy yet at the same time nervous. What a moment to reminisce!

How can one be able to excel in this business?

Being able to grow as an MC is a little hard. But I personally, it has been through maintaining discipline, getting my facts right, respecting and paying attention to every little detail during any event. If you have a sense of humor, it’s also an addition so as not to bore the audience.

 What makes one a great emcee?

Enjoying what you do, interacting with the crowd, doing it with passion, and remembering that you are the one driving the show or the event. You also have to be versatile, creative, and good at timekeeping.  An emcee has to be well informed and do research, and devoted to what they do. Also, know your audience and what to offer them. A good emcee is prepared for anything. If something goes wrong or someone is acting unruly, he is in charge of calming the situation.

Professional emceeing is beginning to pick in Rwanda,  but how were you able to get connections four years back?

When I started my career, I used to call event organisers to ask for any opportunities to expose my talent for free. I worked freely for almost a year but after some of the events’ organisers recognised my potential; they started paying me. When I look back from where I started, to where I am now, it’s been hard work and commitment. I am now paid for all the events. This is a profession that requires patience and if you’re money-minded, you might give up easily.

What are some of the events that you have hosted?

I work with different event organising companies like Rwanda Events, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Sensitive Ltd, Legacy, and many more. I also work with different sports federations like Ferwaba, Ferwacy, Ferwafa, Rwanda Athletics Federation, and so forth.

I was the official MC for the AfroBasket qualifier games in November 2020. I have been the official MC of Tour Du Rwanda since 2019, it’s been three years working for Ferwacy in their Cycling events too.

I was also the MC for singers Meddy and The Ben at their roadshow concerts, as well as the official MC for Riderman’s album launches for his last three editions. 

What has your experience been like since 2016?

They say your network is your net worth and throughout the four years in this career; I have gained connections with a number of companies and talented people in this entertainment and sports industry. I have been able to showcase my talent on several platforms. Financially, it is now paying. 

Who or what would you attribute your success to and what is your message to young people, who aspire to be like you?

My appreciation goes to the people that believe in young and fresh talents.

I would like to encourage the young generation to use their talents the right way, and stay focused. We have opportunities, and our country is relying on the youth, it’s our time to shine, because we are a golden generation. Let us use all possible resources and don’t be obsessed with money, but rather make use of your talents.