Singer-actress Erra Fazira says she's always interested in learning new skill no matter her age. Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Fizo Omar remembers the time he made a grave mistake on air, a few months into hosting TV9’s live talk show Nasi Lemak Kopi O (NLKO) in 2011.
His co-host had just asked a guest an inappropriate question and they got an earful from the producers through their respective ear pieces.
“Despite the noise in our ear, we had to maintain a neutral expression as we were still on air and the guest, a grieving father, was still there,” said Fizo.
“At that point, I wanted to end the interview by saying our condolences to him. But because I was frazzled, instead of saying ‘takziah’ (condolences), I said ‘tahniah’ (congratulations) on the death of his child.
“I had to quickly correct myself but that was the worst mistake ever for me which I can’t forget.”
To ensure he didn’t make another mistake like that while doing a live show, Fizo said he attended all kinds of training and practised public speaking every chance he got.
“When you do a live show, you have to be perfect – you cannot say and do a single wrong thing. That is the hardest thing about this job,” added Fizo.
In 2018, Nasi Lemak Kopi O went off air to make way for another live programme.
After a hiatus of six years, it has returned to TV9 with 10 hosts, along with familiar faces like Fizo.
The line-up includes Fakhrul Radhi, Heliza Helmi, Barr Zaizan, Affizza Azmi, Saree Abdullah, Irfan Ali, Syamira Nazir, Qila Shahirah and actress-singer Erra Fazira.
“When I first started the show I was nervous even to look at the camera. I felt like I wasn’t qualified to be there. But I learned a lot through hosting NLKO.
“So I felt I need to return to the show and give back to the programme that taught me a lot,” said Fizo.
The one-hour show airs on Wednesday to Friday at 10.30am, with two different personalities taking over the hosting jobs for every episode.
“There are advantages to this set-up. For one, the show can go on even if the scheduled host is suddenly unavailable,” Fizo said.
A disadvantage is of course finding the rhythm within the new pairing.
Fortunately, Fizo said, they have rehearsals beforehand to ensure the co-hosts are on the right track when NLKO goes live.
Fizo Omar returns to the show that taught him a lot about present. Photo: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Another name to look out for in NLKO is, of course, the multitalented artiste Erra who is known more for her acting and singing.
Erra, who turns 50 on Feb 9, said she was surprised when she was approached to become one of the hosts of NLKO.
“But even at this age, I am still keen to learn new skills. And with this job, I am learning a lot from younger host like Heliza Helmi,” she said.
Erra hoped the other hosts that she’s paired with will continue to show her the ropes, so she can become better at hosting a live show.
“Don’t be scared of me, because I am scared too,” Erra told her younger colleagues with a laugh.
Each of the hosts on TV9's 'Nasi Lemak Kopi O' has something unique to bring to the show.
The live programme first went on air in 2008 and featured an array of hosts who spoke on a variety of topics that aimed to entertain, inform and educate viewers.
While the concept and its objective have not changed, the timing of the programme has. It used to be on the weekends, but now it airs on weekdays.
According to Wan Sabariah Shikh Ali, the general manager of Magazine, Lifestyle and Talkshow Programmes, Media Prima Television Networks, this is because the behaviour of audiences have changed since the pandemic.
“Many families now want to spend their weekends being out and about. So the best time to catch the housewives and those at home are on weekday mornings,” she reasoned.
Since NLKO made its return to TV9 on Jan 17, it has garnered 2.6 million viewers in two weeks.
The new season of NLKO will feature many local entrepreneurs who will share tips to their success.
There is also a segment called Aspirasi which is set to inspire viewers. The show will also feature guests such as fashion designers like Rizman Ruzaini and CEOs such as Mohd Nizam Abdul Razak of Monsta Studio.
Nasi Lemak Kopi O airs Wednesdays to Fridays at 10.30am on TV9.
