“Hold up yuh hand if yuh have on yuh own clothes,” the MC bellows from the microphone.

Some members of the crowd raise their hands while others look on in disgust. Such is the scenario at a number of events that feature MCs working alongside disc jocks.

The MC is the person who introduces the songs, ‘builds a vibe’, and creates excitement while the song plays. But how important are MCs to an event? How necessary are they?

While some believe that MCs are irrelevant and talkative, there are others who believe that they bring value to events.

With some 14 years hosting, Chavaughn Oneil, who has been associated with events such as KGN 5, French Toast, and SIP, said MCs are vital to the party experience.

“Without an MC there wouldn’t be the delivery that patrons love. MCs steer the party, especially if the patrons are in a lethargic mode,” Oneil told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday. “Some a dem overdo it by chatting too much, and that is the disadvantage. A small introduction to the song is very relevant, but talking out the song, even your favourite part of the song, that can be irritating.”

For the past two and a half years Fyah 105 FM’s Fyahman has been making a name for himself as an MC. He has performed at some of the biggest events locally.

“MCs are the glue that holds everything together, keeping the energy high, the audience engaged, and the programme running smoothly. A skilled MC sets the tone, transitions seamlessly between segments, and ensures there are no dull moments. They have the unique ability to read the crowd and adapt, creating connections that elevate the overall experience,” Fyahman told the Observer.

He continued: “The MC isn’t just a host — they’re the heartbeat of the event, ensuring it feels cohesive, dynamic, and unforgettable. Without an effective MC, even the best-planned event can lose its momentum or fall flat. The downside of being an MC lies in the constant pressure to deliver flawlessly. You’re expected to maintain energy, handle unexpected issues, like technical difficulties or timing delays, and keep the audience engaged; all while staying composed. It can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, especially when juggling the demands of the organisers and the expectations of the crowd.”

Fyahman explained how he got into the field.

“I got into the field by hosting forums and social events in the UWI space, where I discovered my passion for engaging with audiences. Along the way, I was inspired by DJ Mac, Baba, and Kev Star, who showed me the potential and artistry of being an MC. Their influence encouraged me to take it seriously, and I’ve been building from there ever since,” he shared.

Kristoff Wellesley, better known in music circles as Worl Baba, is an MC who works alongside DJ Mac.

“The MCs bring command to the event and our role is very important… [T]he MC brings the vibe and energy for the most part. Mi know mi a bad MC and mi a do mi ting,” said Worl Baba, who has been in the field for three years.

He took a break from the music field to do a regular 9-5 job. However, his passion for music brought him back to the mix.

Flamez, who does MC work for Kryptic Live, says he got into the game because of his love for entertainment.

“Honestly, I love entertaining a crowd, but I also realised that people are paying big money to go to events, and they are not really enjoying the party. My aim, as MC, is to make people enjoy themselves,” he told the Observer.

Asked if he believes MCs are respected for the work that they do, Flamez said: “Honestly, yes and no. Some a unnu say we chat too much, or we bawl out too loud, but in reality we are the ones trying to keep up the crowd’s energy. All love to all MCs, we’re doing our work… If you want the crowd to be interactive, then I’d say yes. The MC is necessary.”

Insaneo of Juggling Masters argues that, “The challenges that we face being an MC is trying to please everybody,” said the 8-year professional. “…MCs must also learn to mix as well, because it depends on the gigs that you get; whether it’s corporate or hosting events. Yes, I do agree that sometimes MCs chat too much, literally. Sometimes we a intro too much of a song weh we nuh need to,” said Insaneo, whose real name is Jahved Skeen.

For Chromatic’s JR, the high points of his MC career was when he toured South America last year and Japan in 2018. He said being an MC pays his bills, a profession that he has been doing since 2010, and charged that they are important to events.

“[T]hey are the people who take charge and control the crowd. Music alone don’t speak for itself and, whatever instructions the MC gives, that’s the direction the people follow,” JR reasoned. He, however, added: “Some a di man dem ova dweet and chat too much.”

Coppershot’s Cyclone, whose given name is Kevin Walker, says every event is different.

“I prepare mentally, just knowing the type of event and what I will bring to the event, because as MCs, we bring that added piece of energy. We are definitely needed and, for me, the experience has been a great journey,” said the 14-year self-styled performer.

Cyclone of Coppershot .

Event organiser Chavaughn Oneil
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MC Flamez, with Kryptic Live.

Insaneo of Juggling Masters.

Chromatic’s JR.