Oluwapelumi Tolaniran Afolabi is an Exquisite introduction who is passionate about compering traditional weddings and engagement he is popularly called Akanni Alaga is a specialized traditional engagement compere who has been in the field for years. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Linguistic and other business professional’s certificate. He shares his experiences on the field as a man in a women’s world. Excerpts and what it takes to be seasoned on the job.

1.	Who is Akanni Alaga?
My name is Oluwapelumi Tolaniran Afolabi I’m a native of Oye-Ekiti in Ekiti State. Commence my elementary knowledge from Fortlad international school Mushin Lagos. I obtained my bachelor degree from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko Ondo State. Also Professional Certification: Associate Professional in Customer Service and Relationships Management Resources Management Certification Institute. United Kingdom my hobbies includes Reading, Traveling, cooking and networking.


2.	Give us an insight on how your journey into the Alaga business started.
My journey into the Alága business started, when my mother asked about which handiwork I’d like to learn, because she want her children to have an extracurricular knowledge, so my passion made me chose Alaga because I’ve always had an interest in this business right from younger age. And yes my mother supported me and the rest is testimonies of today’s impacts and success. 

3.	As a man, how easy do you find yourself doing what we can call a female job? 
I find it much more easier because almost everyone loves a male that does a female job diligently (I said diligently) though there are some who wouldn’t want you as their Alaga because you are a male, (which is not common) So the compliments I get as a male Alága from my audience and clients keeps me forging ahead 

4.	Talking of the first ever event you coordinate as a traditional wedding compere what was your experience like?
It was a great experience, because I’ve always been dreaming of it, since when I was learning, even though I was a little bit nervous before the day, but the professionalism in me as a well-trained traditional wedding compere wouldn’t let me fuck up.

5.	Do you officially train to become Alaga or you just got talent.
Yes! I officially trained for more than 3years and after my years of training, I was still under by boss for tutelage for some years before I stood on my own as a brand. 
6.	 What does it take to be a good Alaga?
It’s takes the spirit of God 
It takes learning, culturally inclined, patience and virtue, professionalism; these and lot more are what it takes 

7. Tell us the most memorable function you have compered so far?
One of the most memorable function have compered was that of Adekemi Adejuyigbe (a princess from the Ewis lineage of Ado Ekiti) and Ademakinwa (A prince from Ijebu Isiwo) which held at the Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti 
8. What are your future aspirations?
I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything and I’m fulfilled as a well-known Traditional wedding compere 
9. Can a Yoruba traditional wedding hold without an Alaga?
A well planned Yoruba traditional wedding will not hold without an Alága, even those who will want to hold without an Alága will definitely need a spokesperson, who is automatically an Alága for such event. So therefore in every Yoruba traditional wedding the presence of an Alága is essential 

10. Aside Alaga job do you have other business?
Yes, I’m an Academician and also a hairstylist 

11.	What does it take to invite you for wedding as traditional compere? 
It takes some steps such as ; making enquiries, confirmation of date for booking, requesting for an invoice that Carries your date of event, making deposit payment of the commitment fee.

12.	What make you stand out in the Alaga Industry?
Hnmmmm All I see is God’s grace. Then my passion, commitment and being well equipped with the required knowledge are part of those reasons.

13.	Do you have an Academy where you train young one.
Yes I have a registered Academy named “Akanni Alaga Traditional Wedding Compere Academy”

14.	Do you have team member or you are doing it alone.
Yes I have team members, because team work improves productivity, I’m just fortunate to be the team lead 

15.	What are your advices to the young mind who aspire to wear your shoe?
Do something you are passionate of, don’t just copy people, because A is doing it well doesn’t mean it will work for B. A set back is never the end, so learn to embrace failure and move on. Lastly never stop learning.