It’s yet again cry season for most Cameroonian entertainment lovers and we know best why most of them are crying a river. If you don’t know, then the problem is that Ebuka Uchendu, the most talked about event host in the continent has been tipped to be the host of the #BDMA. The news was earlier received with much excitement, especially given that Cameroonians love what Ebuka has been doing with Big Brother Naija and would want to have him host an event in their own country.
The tables only broke when THEHOTJEM.COM reported the amount of money being paid to bring Ebuka to Cameroon. This is when most entertainment platforms got agitated, fans dramatized the whole situation, questioning why the the BDMA would pay yo to $21,000 excluding logistics for #Ebuka. They are questioning why Dulafe Valery Tata cannot host the event.
Over the years, the past BDMA editions have been hosted by strictly Cameronians. Let’s not forget that. Some of the editions were hosted by President Tchop Tchop and Vicky Fokala. The team surely decided to give it another thought, by inviting the hottest MC in Africa, at least as it stands, and this is why it should not be a problem.
Firstly, being the hottest MC in Africa, doesn’t make Ebuka the best MC (arguably). He might be the best to “A” and not to “B” and this is just based on preferences. In as much as Ebuka will not host the event in the months ahead in my opinion, Cameroonians need to be ashamed, that they don’t even value their own. Just so you know, Dulafe had been earlier announced as the host of the same award show, which I still strongly believe he’ll host at the end of the day, but everyone complaining and vouching for him to host, ignored the flier that the BDMA sent out a few days back. This was an indirect message that, “we have seen, but we’re not impressed”.
Moreover, Muriel Blanche was named the co-host alongside Ebuka, and when the amount for Ebuka was revealed, no one even cared or bothered to find out how much Blanche is being paid. Take note that Blanche, if not the richest female actress in Cameroon, then she’s amongst the top three at least accroding to popular opinion. But why do cameroonians not value them as much?
The BDMA is a private entity, and organizers can choose to go to Mars to bring whosoever to host the show, as long as their cheque is good enough. By the way, what if their goal is to be international?
In as much as Dulafe is a complete tv/radio and event host, very bilingual and excellent at all he does, he knows and understands that everyone in this this game (hosting/Mc’eeing) has their time. Obviously, we know one international show can change his entire profile, and he’ll definitely break a bank when it happens.
Instead of fans trying to mount pressure and instigate hate and disrespect in this profession, it’s rather, they promote Dulafe more, solicit for beautiful and bigger stages for him to do exploit. Till then, Ebuka’s profile is huge, he’s even at his prime. It didn’t come overnight. These are years of hard work and input, paying off considerably and everyone who works hard should reap from where they sow, and Ebuka’s time is now…
Dulafe Tata will be headlining many shows in this festive period, he can host a million, because he deserves it, but at least Ebuka hosting one, won’t distort his opportunities or that of others. Ebuka won’t be hosting in Cameroon everyday. Just to know that $21,000 is still a cause for tributaries originating from people’s emotions, it then tells you why we must connect to the international stages. That money might be much, but it isn’t! And yes, Dulafe at the moment won’t break the same bank as Ebuka. Literally, Ebuka’s name in a few days, has sold the show more than ten Dulafes would, but it doesn’t make Dulafe Valery Tata less talented and less effective, no!
By the way, Ebuka Obi Uchendu is the dream host, a low key mentor to many of your favorite hosts back home, and it’s just facts. In as much as we see this as Bonteh Engelbert’s smartest move to sell his event, we would still have to keep emotions aside and let Ebuka host, if it’s been agreed to be so!
The movie #BackToKinship, will be premiering in three days, starring Stanley Enow, Okawa Shaznay and more, Dulafe is the host of the event, but why is it not trending? Do you now see how we push event organizers to go for what will make you talk and sell their shows? It’s obvious!
