I Was Always Bound To End Up On Stage
Phiwo Dhlamini is undoubtedly one of Eswatini’s most talented Master of Ceremonies (MCs). Hosting one of the biggest festivals on the African continent for four consecutive years is no easy feat. With a captivating voice and an energetic and enthusiastic approach to MCing, Phiwo owns the stage. It is no surprise that she has also hosted high-profile national events such as the double celebration of the 55th year of Eswatini’s independence and the 55th birthday of His Majesty King Mswati III, as well as Standard Bank Eswatini’s Blue Table Talks online series, among others.
The Journalism & Media Studies professional speaks to us about her career and how she has remained grounded, always seeking to improve her craft while maintaining a passion for public speaking that has been with her since her school High School days at Sifundzani.
Q: The country knows you as an amazing MC, but who is Phiwo Dhlamini?
I am a people’s person, a conversationalist, and a wanderlust. I enjoy meeting new people, travelling, and working. I’m truly privileged to work in a profession that I chose and studied towards, so every day brings bouts of fulfillment and growth. I attended Sifundzani High School and studied Journalism and Media Studies with majors in Politics and French from Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Q: What inspired you to be an MC?
I’ve always enjoyed public speaking. I first took it up in high school, where I participated in inter-school competitions and hosted the school’s music concerts. From there, I would MC family gatherings and friends’ parties out of sheer love for it. Looking back on my career, I’d say I was always bound to end up on stage one way or the other. Growing up, I was never into sports. Instead, I was very active in my school’s arts curriculum. I was either in a theatre production, playing in the orchestra, singing, or MCing.
I became the first student to host the annual music concert at Sifundzani High School, which had typically been directed by our teachers. I was also part of the school’s public speaking Club and participated in interschool debate competitions. All of this contributed to my familiarity with the mic and my ability to be comfortable on any stage.
Q: What was your first professional MC Gig?
I scored my first professional MCing gig after auditioning for and winning the MTN Bushfire Festival MC Search in 2019. This remains the biggest and most fulfilling highlight of my MCing career. I was strongly encouraged to audition by Ph.D., Eswatini’s most talented and charismatic MC, who had seen me MCing at a friend’s 21st birthday party. He believed that I had what it takes to be a professional MC. I’m certain that I wouldn’t have gone through with the audition if it weren’t for his vote of confidence. Over the past four years, hosting the MTN Bushfire Festival’s Main Stage has allowed me to hone my craft and develop an even deeper passion for MCing. The festival has given me the unique opportunity to engage with an international audience of over 23,000 people from 55 nationalities across Africa and the world, creating an experience like no other.
Q: What other events have you hosted?
I have had the honour of gracing several stages across the country. Most people know me as the official MC for the MTN Bushfire Festival Main Stage, which I have hosted for four years. Others may recognize me from Standard Bank’s Blue Table Talks online series, which I hosted for two seasons. Beyond these, I have hosted several entertainment, corporate, lifestyle, and historic national events, such as His Majesty’s King Mswati III’s 55/55 Birthday & Independence Celebrations, as well as the premiere of the acclaimed local film Baka Ngwane: The Birth of a Nation.
Q: You have a unique voice, were you ever conscious of that and how have you used this to your advantage?
I wasn’t always aware that I had a stage voice until I was approached (well, more like instructed) by my English teachers to join the Public Speaking Club in high school. I was always the one student selected to read texts and deliver presentations in front of the whole classroom. My dad a polished speaker himself – also played an instrumental role in encouraging me to take up public speaking. I have fond memories of him helping me out with my speeches. He would have me interrogating and quoting famous philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, which introduced me to the importance of reading and researching various themes and theories for a stellar delivery.
All in all, I would say that a good voice is only a fraction of the menu of skills required to excel as an MC. It’s important to invest in expanding your knowledge and consuming the right information so that there’s substance in what you say. I’ve been very lucky to use my training as a speaker to explore both MCing and hosting online shows.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an MC?
For me, the most exciting part about being an MC is the opportunity to engage with the different themes, topics, and ideas that I am exposed to with every gig. I get to learn a lot about different industries and interact with brilliant minds, thought leaders, and change makers. It’s both refreshing and empowering.lity to be comfortable on any stage
Q: Do you ever get stage fright?
I am always nervous before I take to the stage, and I honestly prefer it that way. I embrace nerves as a reflection of my commitment to honoring the event organizer’s objectives and satisfying the audience’s expectations. I choose to believe that nerves affirm my standards and desire to facilitate the programme with professionalism and attention to detail. So, I control my nerves by focusing more on the task at hand, researching as much as I can on the event’s focuses, and making sure that I give it my absolute best.
Q: How do you handle the unexpected, while on stage?
It’s critical to approach MCing with agility and a solutions-driven mindset. There are always last-minute changes, new information that arises, and challenges that need to be managed. So, it’s important to master the art of being proactive and innovative in handling the unexpected.
Q: You are also a Corporate Communications practitioner, how has it aided your MC career?
My profession as a communications practitioner and my training in journalism certainly influence my conduct and ability to fulfill my MCing duties. I work with words a lot. So, when I receive a brief, it’s easy to translate and convey key messaging in a well-structured narrative that creates a memorable impression with the audience while reflecting the event’s mandate and objectives. My job also involves a lot of public speaking, so MCing is an extension of what I do regularly.
Q: What do you make about the state of MCing in Eswatini?
We have many talented MCs in Eswatini, most of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Some of the country’s veteran MCs have certainly played a crucial role in redefining what it means to be an MC and advocating for the professionalization of this field. I would love to see MCing being embraced as a noble profession as it is in other countries. I look forward to a time when we commit to training and creating more opportunities for aspiring speakers, moderators, and presenters in recognition of the incredible role that they play in enhancing the quality of our events in Eswatini.
Thank you for your time Phiwo, and may your career continue to blossom.
It has been a pleasure.
Becoming a very good Master of Ceremonies – Phiwo’s Tips
Read voraciously – Reading improves your vocabulary and delivery. It also helps to be a knowledgeable speaker with references on topical issues, interesting facts.
Embrace your individualism – Let your unique personality shine through, don’t try to imitate anybody or suppress the qualities that set you apart.
Agility – Always keep an open mind and responsive attitude to change, it makes you easier to work with and relieves you of any potential stress.
Polish up your interpersonal skills – Strong people skills allow you to address audiences in a more conversational and relatable manner. You’re more likely to capture the audience’s attention when you speak to them and not at them.
Practice, practice, practice! – Never say no to a good public speaking opportunity because this is how you perfect your craft.
Read the room – Study your audience and adjust your delivery accordingly.
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