16 May 2017

Public speaking is not an easy art as people may perceive.

It requires eloquence and high degree of confidence and oratory skills to convey a message to the audience.  

It demands creativity, ability to use words to evoke emotion and describe situations in meaningful ways.

A speaker is able to capture even the tiny nuances of life and bring them to the attention of the audience.

It is an art of speaking or giving a lecture to a group of people in a structured manner intended to inform, influence or entertain an audience.

It is through it that a good orator can be judged by the way they are able to change emotions of a listener and not just inform them as it could be the initial intention.

It has several components such as motivational speaking, leadership/personal development, large group communication and mass communication.

Locally, public speaking is done as master of ceremonies at various events.

Out of the various components, Bernard Moseru, a 40-year-old Hukuntsi resident has opted to utilise his talent as a hired master of ceremonies to put bread on the table.

Unlike the urban emcees who are usually radio and television personalities, Mc Ben Mos, as he is affectionately known to his legion of fans, has a unique story.

He has never worked in any radio or TV station; however his is a calling from God.

The genesis of his emcee enthusiasm is traceable to his youthful days at the University of Botswana when he used to rap some rumba music lyrics.

But little did he know that he was building his profile from a humble beginning.

His inspiration was further nurtured by veteran MC Bulldawg in 1998.  Also the likes of DJ Killar from Ncojane and DJ Matosane had impartation on him as he learnt from them how to keep the audience excited.

Often times he volunteered at various ceremonies and social gatherings to grow his talent.

Fast forward to 2006, his talent was appreciated by locals thereby defying the Biblical proverb of a prophet without honour at home.

“I’m really humbled by the appreciation and recognition that people in my locality have given to me. Initially when I started, I thought hiring an emcee for an event was a town phenomenon. Surprisingly locals are in touch with any development that happens in urban areas,’’ he said.

Since then offers for MC gigs have painted his diary. From weddings, social and corporate events, Mc Ben Mos has been the man directing who to speak and is now a household name in Kgalagadi North.

In 2008 he was the emcee at the former Kgalagadi North MP, Phillip Khwae’s wedding, Vee’s local festivals, second session of Kgosi Cosmos Moapare’s enthronement in 2015, and he also mesmerised fans with his jokes last year when he presided at the Hukuntsi Cultural Night during Botswana’s golden jubilee.

He has not limited his scope to Kgalagadi North. 

At the peak of his popularity, he shared the stage with Dollar Mac of Yarona FM jointly preceded at the world renowned Hip Hop artiste Ja Rule’s show organised by DC Tours in 2014.

With his plate full of opportunities characterised by weekly bookings, he plans to brand himself and advertise his services due to high demand. ENDS