Ntokozo Sibanda aged 25 from Duduza has been an MC for the past eight years.
His journey began after completing matric.
Sibanda was a footballer but after failing his final trials with Sundowns back in high school, his love for soccer started fading.
“I think I was doing grade 10 when my love for football started to come to an end due to the lack of opportunities and several attempts to make it to the pro level. Time was not on my side because in football at a certain age, you need to be at a certain level for your career to start,” he said
He started Mcing as a hobby which is something he did for fun until he really fell in love with it.
His friend advised him to take his hobby seriously as it might take him far in life.
“My friend saw potential in me way before I could see it. That is when I started shifting my mind to becoming a Mc,” he added.
He mentioned that he got his motivation from several things.
“I used to listen to Leehleza growing up and the likes of Tallarsetee De Mc, an Mc from Gomora, and my love for entertainment and music grew fonder.
“Growing up I used to stay with my dad and he was a music lover. He played a lot of kwaito music the likes of Bricks and Mzekezeke. That is when I also started listening to DJ Cleo and a lot of other musicians,” he mentioned.
He furthermore added that he attended a lot of events that had Mc’s just so he could imitate some of the things they said and did.
“Because there’s no school that teaches you how to Mc, it’s like a God-given talent.
“My journey has been a fun and hurtful one. In the beginning, it was hard to find gigs especially when you are not well known in the game, you have to try hard to be accepted and build a solid foundation fit for yourself,” he said.
He mentioned that a fan base is hard to find, other places invite him to Mc but do not pay.
“Over and above everything, it’s a nice career because you get to be part of big events, meet celebrities, get to network, tell them more about yourself and what you are passionate about,” he added.
Like every other job, he mentioned the disadvantages that come with his job stating that it does not nurse anyone’s feelings.
“You can go for months without any bookings, there are a lot of gatekeepers and sometimes you feel as if quitting is an option.
“When you are not financially stable it is hard to make it to the top.
“The industry requires an individual to always remain humble, work hard, and have self-discipline,” he highlighted.
Respecting people is a huge requirement. One needs to know people who are within the game for them to open doors.
“When you get an opportunity grab it with both hands. Other times you will find yourself having stress and anxiety because of multiple disappointments and pressure but above it all it requires hard work and dedication because talent alone is not enough,” he concluded.
By Simphiwe Nkosi