Joyi Rebecca Mautin anchors wedding receptions, birthdays, funeral parties  and school events, especially in the Yoruba language.

In this interview, the Yoruba culture enthusiast speaks on how she found her calling, the challenges she confronts in the industry and she manages unforeseen circumstances that events throw up.

Excerpts:

 How did your journey into the business of alaga (master of ceremony) begin?

If someone had told me I would be an alaga, I would not have believed it. I did not fancy them while growing up at all because when I was younger, my mother had followed a relative whose son was getting married to their in-laws’ place. They ended up spending the whole day at the event. I manned the shop that day, at the same time caring for my younger siblings; by the time my mum returned, I was really stressed. I disliked the alaga because some had the penchant for taking time and would not allow my mum to come home on time. Alagas then were synonymous to time wasters and I never planned to be associated with them. I even vowed not to have them at my wedding. The journey started when I started writing on Facebook and people started noticing my strengths and skills. My love for the Yoruba language and culture was evident in my write-ups. Notable among my mentors who advised me to spread my tentacles are Mrs Funmi Hector-Olukoya and Mummy Fatoba. Going into the field was not just about making extra money; it was a way to express myself. Again, just like any profession, there is a high level of quackery and exploitation, so I decided to learn the trade and ropes at Alarede Engagement Academy under the tutelage of Mrs Folusho Ogunjimi aka Sokoyokoto. I am glad I did because it helped strike the much-needed balance between professionalism and passion.

Let’s take you down memory-lane. How was your first experience?

The first experience as an alaga was a real test of my strength. We hadn’t been out of the academy when I got my first job. I was fine until a few days before the wedding. I and one of my classmates, Mrs Olufawo, a very supportive mummy in our set anchored the engagement. Even though I didn’t experience stage fright, the palpitations were real. My first job was inter-ethnic and inter-religious. I thought of my teachers and the efforts they put in teaching us over the months. All I wanted to do was to make them and my clients proud. We did our part by rehearsing vigorously, we did have fun, and we had a memorable event. It was hard for anyone to believe that was my first time anchoring an engagement from beginning to the end.

You must be highly versed in culture and tradition to function as an alaga. How did you equip yourself with the necessary cultural skills?

As I said earlier, I love the Yoruba language. I don’t claim to be the most versed in cultural skills, it is still a work in progress. I am a work in progress.  I just ensure I prepare well and bring to the fore important values of different cultures on the day of the event. A particular trait that cannot be overemphasised is humility, with which I approach mentors, elders as regards sourcing information. Sometimes we get information not just from the internet but from the indigenous people. We have over 350 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, making the job a perpetual learning curve for me because I am in constant need to research the culture of others outside the Yoruba tribe. Something which keeps fostering our unity in the face of cultural diversity.

In this age of westernisation, what are the chances of more young people learning the ways of culture and even taking up similar job roles?

On the contrary, there is a rebirth, not just only in Nigeria and Africa, but also in the Caribbean, so this has brought about a revival and renewal of our cultural values. We have also seen an increase in the celebration of our culture during bi-racial marriages between Nigerians and foreign nationals.  Migration and social media play major roles in the rise of intercontinental marriages. We have seen increased love for our cultural food, dressing and marriage rites. I must commend those parents for not relegating our culture to the background at such events. Oftentimes, our culture takes centre stage. Younger people now see how they can come in and infuse their contemporary methods into the game. Gone are the days when the job was meant for older people or married people alone, as long as you know your onions, you are good to go.

How do you keep the energy level high throughout an event?

Going through the training and having anchored a couple of engagements have given me insight on what to expect, what to give, and even for the unexpected. Keeping the energy level high through an event is not so much of a rocket science. Let us be clear on the fact that with proper discipline, such engagements/events shouldn’t take more than 120-150 mins. I have anchored an engagement in 37 minutes. So, with proper engagement of the audience, sticking to the order of programmes, and with an amiable personality, I think keeping the same energy level all through is achievable. The drummers, those Yoruba call Onilu/Ayan will sure spice up the event and get the atmosphere frenzy.  Once you have good hand-on knowledge of relatable songs to unfolding circumstances, you’re good to go. 

In a few words, what does it take to succeed as an alaga?

To succeed in any craft takes its mastery, discipline, good interpersonal relationship, and being open to learning. No two events are the same; you have to keep learning, unlearning and relearning. Prioritise your client’s satisfaction. Remember the engagement is not about you, it is about the couple, make them feel good and special. You must have a good grasp of relatable songs, you must be patient, jovial, innovative and ingenious in managing emotions and crises. All these will come handy, especially when there is rift or tension in the build up to the events or on the day. Lastly, you must know when to be firm, patronising and friendly. Be fun and create memorable events and, most importantly, be time conscious. Being reputed as a moderate and considerate engager does a lot of good to the brand. Also, put yourself out there. Make use of social media and let people see what you do. Lastly, prayer, prayer, prayer! The role of prayer in this field cannot be overemphasised.

How do you handle unexpected situations or timing issues?

It is all about emotional intelligence. You must be emotionally intelligent enough to handle the situation without messing up their day of joy. For example, in one of the engagementa I anchored; within 37 minutes, the groom’s family, the guests, the couple, everyone save for the bride’s family were present hence we couldn’t start at the scheduled time. But with the help of God we did the necessary aspects and the couple was able to meet up with the church programme. Because of how I managed the time, I got four other gigs from that event. You just have to find a way to make do with the time available. You don’t dwell on wasted time. It’s like crying over spilt milk. You just accept that the deed is done and cannot be undone, irrespective of how much you sulk or bicker over it. Moreover, your job and duty is to anchor the event as an alaga to see to an exciting and happy ending to the day. You dig deep into you to bring to fore the wit, humour and friendliness you have in you in abundance.

Tell us your experience with Nigerian weddings and traditions as an alaga…

It’s been an awesome one because one job gets me the next. Yes, they don’t offer the same economic gratification, but the professional satisfaction and sense of fulfillment is constant. It has granted me the opportunity to witness other cultures and traditioms, the beautiful culture of Edo, to the kolanut exchange by the Igbo among others. And in some situations where I am the alaga iduro and the alaga ijoko, and it is not someone with whom I am familiar.

In those cases, I deploy humility and emotional intelligence to deal with them and so far, I’ve come across reasonable people with whom we worked fine. I try as much as possible to put my clients’ happiness and satisfaction above ego or anything. That has been a stable experience as it increases from one event to the other. This is not to say there had been some unfriendly situations, but this is always at the kick off of event, by the end of the day, we are all clapping our backs and punching the air.

Are there challenges you face in the course of your work?

There are challenges. It is an unregulated business, although there are existing attempts and frameworks to put a semblance of ethics and standards in practice, but anyone who have a personal conviction, (whether right or faulty) that he or she can do the job, thinks that is all that is needed to be an alaga. So you find out that there are no regimented routines or processes for events. The uncontrolled or uncensored vulgarity is another issue for me. The need to sound so vulgar in a bid to be humorous is off-putting for me. Also, the hunger to go viral on the internet has got to many who in the bid to do something extraordinary put their couples on the spot, unconsciously embarrassing their clients.

  Lastly, we are yet to deal with alagas being an afterthought while planning traditional marriages. We are still far from the recognition we deserve. For example, a small section of the hall is usually allocated for the engagement party which most of the time is not good enough.

 How do you ensure timely execution of wedding plans even when guests try to prolong segments?

 I usually have a meeting with the couples before the day where we share our plans, wants and non-wants. I share my plan also with the event planner (if available) so we are all on the same page. If there will be another alaga at the event, we agree on the scheduling so we are all on the same page.

 Do you have a contingency plan for unexpected events?

 Let us pray and keep hoping the last-minute changes and emergencies are not medical or disruptive. Any of such will be managed to the success of the event. If the weather changes, let us say it begins to rain unexpectedly, we probably will start out by singing showers of blessings. It is the art of improvising and being calm in every situation. For example, no matter what’s happening or going on, I am muttering to myself that today will be a great day. That’s my mindset and belief, and God always takes all the glory.

 Do you have a contingency plan for unexpected events?

I’ve come to understand that every couple wants their unique experience irrespective of the general dictates of their culture and tradition. All you just need to do is strike a balance and create a win-win situation for everyone.

There are usually conflicting views at wedding ceremonies; how do you deal with such?

I always keep in mind that as an engager, we are the custodian of our culture and also as long as what I am doing is acceptable and alright by my clients, then I have no other concern.

 What gives you joy about what you do and would you toe this path again if given a second chance?

 My joy comes from the fulfillment I get and keep getting from the job, which validates my conviction. This job has availed me the opportunity to stand before men and kings. It has stretched me and increased my thirst for knowledge. Looking back from where I was coming from, I only wish I had embarked on this journey earlier. I must say this, the sense of pride I see in those who defined this journey for me, my teachers, mentors, friends and those who believed in me and supported the dream makes my joy limitless. Yes, I will choose this path a million times if given a million chances.