MC and hypeman Kojo Manuel, popularly associated with his catchphrase “Are you mad?”, has disclosed that he is sometimes restricted from using it at certain events.
According to him, there have been occasions where he was required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) specifically instructing him not to mention the phrase.
In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Elsie Lamar, Kojo Manuel explained that while the phrase has become a signature line associated with his performances, it is not suitable for every occasion.
Some MCs are paid with bottles of drinks, airtime and girls – Kojo Manuel reveals
He recalled one particular incident where a couple’s parents objected to him being the master of ceremonies at their wedding because of the phrase.
“There was a bride and groom that were fighting with their parents because their parents knew of me through Cups and Bass and would hear me say ‘Are you mad, if you no dey vibe, you no dey inside’ and they are like this is the guy we want as the MC and the parents were like ‘ei, you want to come and disrespect the people at the place’,” Kojo Manuel recounted.
Get it together before we lose it all – Kojo Manuel cautions Ghanaian event organizers
He used the opportunity to clarify that his approach changes depending on the event. For concerts, campus shows, and nightlife experiences, the phrase is part of his interaction with the crowd.
However, he noted that formal gatherings require a different style.
“It’s not every event that we say ‘Are you mad’. I have done events that I’m even not allowed to say it because we had to sign NDAs to do those events where heads of states were present. I’m not saying ‘Are you mad’ in front of heads of states, that’s why I have gotten to where I have gotten to because you need to know the time and place to say certain things. If it’s a campus show, yes,” he explained.
