Sylvanus Oluoch aka MC Sura Mbaya is not just an actor but also a popular master of ceremonies and show host in a fast growing television station. He tells Silas Nyamweya how his resilience in exploiting his talent made him quickly move up the ladder.
Briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Silvanus Oluoch. However, due to my profession, I have been baptised MC Sura Mbaya, a name that I have since embraced. It has become my brand name and I love it. Despite being called Sura Mbaya, I am quite a handsome man, giving many Kenyan women sleepless nights. I only have excess melanin but they still love me that way. I work as a presenter on Addtech TV Kenya where I am mostly involved in the Dunda Na Wasanii Show. I am also a content creator and event planner, being the mind behind Momo Premier Fun World.
You are a passionate MC and DJ tell us how you started out?
I started DJing like a joke. I used to be invited to different functions, such as wedding, graduations, talent shows, fund raising, burials, sports day, kids festival sand youths rallies. Later, I graduated to corporate events then to hosting the TV show.
What else do you do other than being a show host?
Beyond just being a show host, I am also a content creator and an event planner. I am currently running the Momo Premier Fun World, which mostly deals with bringing together children for entertainment.
Many parents frown upon their children joining some careers such as in entertainment, what has been your experience?
In my journey, I must admit I have faced many challenges. However, I was lucky that my parents never fought against my passion and desire in entertainment. In many ways, they simply embraced it. This, therefore, gave me an easy time. I had the blessings of my parents and that has indeed kept me going. I thank them for the same. Because of them, I’m able to put food on the table for my family and also support my parents.
Any memorable event in your career?
This is a tough one to answer, given that life has brought many great memories to the doorsteps of my brain. However, I can still say one of my most memorable and personal life experience is the time I was invited to the State House for a kid’s festival.
What impact do you think the show you are hosting has on your audience?
To the artistes, I believe that the show ensures as they grow they share their struggle and journey. This will help their fans to identify and connect with them. This will in the long run see them gain new and bigger audience, and eventually a solid fun base.
To my fans, it is my strong belief that beyond just the entertainment they enjoy from the show, it helps them to feel good but beyond that, they also get motivated in a big way, especially in pursuit of their life dreams.
Who has been your support system?
My greatest support system has indeed been God and my able and humble head of Addtech TV Kenya. He has accorded staff, especially me, to a great working condition. His open humility has also given us a room to be creative as we plan for shows. My other important support system has been one Douglas Ojiambo, who is one of our staff and colleague.
Your parting shot?
I would simply say that all we have to do, in whichever field we are in, is to be passionate, committed and disciplined. At the end of the day, hard work indeed pays.