What I’ve Learned from MCing Events This Year & Every Year

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By Shemara Ramnarain

My love for the mic started when I was just 14 years old at a local radio station. I still remember the excitement of sitting behind that mic for the first time — the nerves, the thrill, the strange comfort of hearing my own voice reaching others. As time went by, what started as curiosity turned into a true passion.

I’ve always loved people — talking to them, laughing with them, celebrating with them. Over the years, MCing became my way of connecting. There’s something truly special about walking into a room full of strangers and leaving with warm smiles, heartfelt compliments, and genuine appreciation. It’s in those moments I knew: I was born to do this.

After over 25 years on the mic, you’d think I’ve seen it all — from wild weddings and polished corporate dinners to spiritual fundraisers and birthday milestones. But if this year has taught me anything, it’s this: no two events are ever the same, and growth never stops — no matter how long you’ve been in the game.

MCing isn’t just about keeping the mic warm and the crowd engaged. It’s about presence. It’s about reading the room, shifting energy, bringing rhythm where there’s chaos, and calm where there’s nerves. Every event this year has reminded me why I fell in love with this work all those years ago.

1. People remember how you made them feel

More than your jokes, your voice, your look — people hold on to energy. I’ve learned to lean in deeper to emotion. A heartfelt pause between toasts, a gentle reminder for gratitude at a fundraiser, or a perfectly timed laugh — these small things anchor memories. I’ve had guests come up to me months later saying, “You made the night feel easy,” and that’s a gift.

2. Preparation is powerful, but flexibility is magic

No matter how perfect the programme is on paper, things change. People run late. Tech glitches. Weather shifts. And in those moments, I’ve had to trust my instincts more than ever. This year, I’ve learned to work with the moment, not against it. The best MCs aren’t scripted; they’re attuned.

3. Your voice carries more than words

Tone, tempo, presence — these aren’t just technical. They’re spiritual. Whether I’m MCing a temple event or a vibey cultural celebration, I’ve seen how a grounded, intentional voice can carry people — calm them, lift them, guide them. Speaking from the heart is still my strongest tool.

4. Cultural nuance matters

Especially in our South African setting, I’ve become even more aware of the importance of understanding people’s traditions, sensitivities, and rhythms. Respect isn’t just polite — it’s professional. Whether it’s pronouncing someone’s name correctly or honoring a family’s custom, this year I’ve dug even deeper into being a culturally aware host.

5. I’m not just the MC — I’m the anchor

This year I’ve embraced the deeper role I often play: calming nerves before the couple walks in, hyping up a tired crowd, subtly fixing a timing issue without anyone noticing. The MC is the thread that holds the moment together. And doing it with grace — that’s the art.

As I look ahead to the rest of the year, I carry these lessons with gratitude. Being an MC is more than a profession — it’s a calling. And after all these years, I’m still learning, still evolving, and still showing up — mic in hand, heart wide open.

If you’re planning an event and want more than just someone to “keep things moving” — you want someone who brings presence, precision, and heart — then you know where to find me.

bookings@shemara.co.za

With love,

Shemara Ramnarain

Voice of experience. Heart of service.

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