The power of service: How Olajide Adebayo became a top MC

What began as a simple role in church services has grown into a full-fledged business, as Olajide Adebayo transformed his personal passion into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

Olajide, popularly known on stage as ‘JideScata’, is a professional MC and hypeman whose career in event hosting began in the Catholic Church through service and leadership.

“I developed gradually through service, leadership, and consistent exposure to public speaking. I served as a youth president and hosted numerous church programmes such as bazaars, harvests, and major church events,” he said.

“These early experiences laid a strong foundation for my confidence, discipline, and stage professionalism,” he added.

Olajide continued harnessing his entrepreneurial skills through service and leadership, even while in the tertiary institution at the University of Ibadan (UI), where he was an active member of a drama group and later became a director.

According to him, “This phase significantly sharpened my stage presence, performance skills, and audience engagement. During this time, I hosted several university events such as student union weeks, hall events, and campus programmes.”

Olajide, through community services, has honed his entertainment business expertise, and today, he hosts a wide range of events spanning weddings, children’s events, cultural programs, product launches, charity events, entertainment shows, and club performances.

Inspired by his service and leadership, first in the church, and then in the university community, Olajide discovered the power of communication and the responsibility that comes with addressing and leading people, observing leaders around him, such as John Alamu.

“Hosting programmes in the presence of bishops and priests within the archdiocese taught me composure, respect, and confidence. Combined with my drama background at the University of Ibadan,

“I realised I had a natural ability to command stages and connect with diverse audiences, which inspired me to pursue MC and hyping professionally,” he emphasised.

Speaking of his future expansion plans, he emphasised that his business future plans include expanding visibility further in the international market, hosting larger concerts and high-profile corporate events, and strengthening his brand across Africa and Europe.

“I also plan to mentor and develop upcoming MCs by sharing knowledge gained from years of experience across different event types and cultures,” he said.

Olajide highlighted that despite many other entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s entertainment space, he has a niche over his competitors in the areas of his versatility and foundation.

“What differentiates me is versatility and foundation. I was built through structured environments, church leadership, academic settings, drama, and professional events.

“I can confidently host a solemn event, a corporate function, a cultural gathering, or a high-energy concert. I also place strong emphasis on preparation, audience understanding, and professionalism, which helps me consistently deliver value,” he said.

However, he pointed out that the industry is not without its own challenges, such as a lack of structure, inconsistent standards, and limited support for event professionals.

And to mitigate these challenges, he said that it requires better organisation, respect for creative roles beyond artists, proper compensation, and continuous professional development across the industry.

Evaluate Nigeria’s music industry, Olajide said, “Nigeria’s music industry is one of the most dynamic in the world, with immense talent and global influence.

“Afrobeats has placed Nigeria firmly on the global map. However, to sustain this growth, the industry needs stronger systems, documentation, and professional frameworks that support long-term success.”

The challenges notwithstanding, he said the Nigerian entrepreneurship landscape is improving because, according to him, more young Nigerians are embracing entrepreneurship, especially in creative and service-based industries.

However, he reiterated that challenges such as access to information, technology, and international exposure have significantly improved the landscape, continues to clog the progress noted.

To the upcoming MCs and Hypemen, he advised them to take the craft seriously by building their confidence and working on their communication skills.

Besides, he urges them to respect every stage and remain professional. “Growth takes time, consistency, humility, and preparation will always pay off,” he said.

Olajide said he is grateful for every stage he has stood on, from church programmes to university events, Nigerian entertainment platforms, and international stages.

“Since 2022, I have extended my reach to the UK market, hosting events across major cities in Scotland and England, while pursuing my MBA at the University of East London. My journey is a reminder that discipline, growth, and faith in the process can take you far,” he noted.

Charles Ogwo is a proactive journalist, driving education, and business innovations for over 10 years.

He leads initiatives leveraging tech to enhance storytelling and build topnotch performing team.

Charles is passionate about harnessing technology to inform, engage and empower communities.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date