•Traditional MC, MODUPE EGUABU
Among notable traditional MCs who are making waves and gradually changing the face of engagement compering is the gorgeous-looking Mrs. Modupe Eguabu (Aya_alayo). She is widely known as Alaga Omoluabi, a special title she bagged courtesy Goldberg, a brand of the Nigerian Breweries. Watching her compere traditional engagements and weddings is always fun. She is highly-creative and passionate about the art and act. No wonder many socialites and celebrities don’t joke with her. She is indeed a hot cake in the industry. Her clients do enjoy her service. They enjoy having her anchor their occasion. Recently, City People’s JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) who has been observing her spice up numerous events engaged her in a chat where she revealed how Goldberg endorsed her as Alaga Omoluabi, a privilege she enjoys till date. Below are the excerpts:
How long have you been into the Alaga events compering?
I have been into it for like nineteen to twenty years.
20 years in business, how has it been?
It has been fun. When you do what you like, when you do what you love doing, when you are doing what you want to do, it will always be fun. Alaga is a ministry on its own. It’s a calling. We are called to do things like this. I will say we are also Ministers in our own traditional way.
Let me take you back a bit; how did you start the Alaga business?
Twenty years ago, I started with my boss who is my mum and mentor. She is the life matron for the Alagas. She is Chief (Mrs) Moronke Aduke Sewoniku. She is a well-known Alaga and a veteran in the business. But, she has relocated to the United States now. I started with her back then. I have also worked with a couple of prominent Alagas, many of whom are making waves up till date. We still meet at events and work together. Like the person I’m working with today, Mama Sokoyokoto. I have been seeing her and admiring her for a long time. We’ve worked a couple of times together and it’s always fun working with her. So, all I would say is that it’s been God all the way.
Why did you choose to go into engagement compering?
I was born like this. I’m very outspoken. As a baby, they said I was too sharp. It’s in-born. Everything about me is entertainment. I do theatre, I do engagement, I have a band and I also sing.
How did you get endorsed as Alaga Omoluabi?
It’s God. Let me just say that Nigerian Breweries, Goldberg brand did their research well. They were looking for what they got. That’s what I would say. That is why I will always say; anybody that is doing anything in this life should please do it with all your heart. Keep doing it well because people are watching you. I think they watched us; they did research, they did an audition for us and they finally picked me and they taggedme an Omoluabi. They were looking for an Omoluabi and to the glory of God, we are here.
What event would you say gave you the break and brought you to limelight in the industry?
I have done a couple of jobs. I have worked with a couple of senators and top politicians. I have worked with well-known people in the society, I don’t know. I can’t actually mention the particular job that made me popular. I have enough of them. I have worked with Senator Aganga- Williams. I have worked with a lot of people and well-known people for that matter.
How do you cope with the numerous challenges of the job?
Let me say that the job is not what you can just run into. You need to learn it because today, you can be in Ijebu, tomorrow, you are in Osun. So, it means that you really need to learn. When you take time to learn what you want to do, you can only do better by adding creativity to what you know. You can’t give what you don’t have. There’s no challenge that comes with our job that we will not be able to stand because we are ambassadors and that’s it.
What event would you say gave you the toughest challenge as an anchor?
Yes, there are jobs like that. There are jobs that when you get there you realize that your hosts are neither Christians nor Muslims. They are just neutral. And you should make sure you do not call Jesus and you should make sure you don’t call Allah but you have to do the job! We have seen jobs like that. We also get some jobs where there are more than enough dignitaries. You have to manage the event. You know it can be challenging.
What does it take to succeed as an Alaga in the 21st century?
I would say that the Alagas of our era have more advantages than those before us in many ways. We have more of elites. The advent of modern technology has really helped many of us trend. If you belong to our era, you will agree with me on this. But we need to give kudos to our predecessors. They have really worked hard. They have really done their best by laying the foundation upon which many of us now build our careers. They put so many things in place. They have really sacrificed a lot and they deserve our accolades. They have paved way for many of us and we are reaping from what they have worked for in the industry. So, it’s now on us to ensure we don’t soil the profession by getting out of the line to do what we are not supposed to do. We are ambassadors of culture and everything happening now is to our own advantage if we really know what we are doing.
Is there anything people like you are doing to train and mentor the younger ones?
Yes! We have classes and we have schools. We have those that are learning from us. A number of us in the industries have been doing it; the likes of Sokoyokoto. Some of them already have schools. Those of us that already have mentees do tell them in our classes that even if you know some things, there are still many other things that you need to know in order not to exceed time. We are getting feed backs from clients and our fans. You know people will still complain despite the fact that they like our styles and modes of performance. Our culture is the source of inspiration but still, we need to caution ourselves in some ways. Those of us in this generation can add lots of value to it. Reason why we have classes to ensure our mentees are properly groomed it’s is culture and traditions of our land.
You are very stylish and always look beautiful at events. What is the secret behind your good looks?
I’m just saying it’s God. It’s nature. I’m like this. This is me any time, any day. Check my page, check me on YouTube; anytime any day, I’m always like this.
What would you advise the younger generation of Alaga, who look up to you as role model?
What I would say to them is that they shouldn’t look at the money attached to the job. They should be passionate about it. When you have passion for what you do, you will put in your best. Your passion first is what is required! it’s a ministry. It’s not a business. It’s a calling. So, if you want to do what you are called to do, be sure in your mind that you have passion for it. Passion first, then money will follow.
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