KUCHING: Talk show host Fir Afandi credits the reality television programme Akademi Fantasia (AF) as a key factor to his success in the entertainment industry.
He said the reason why he is able to do what he loves is because of AF as well.
“And because of AF, I managed to venture into so many things, including acting and radio hosting.
“To say that I am lucky to participate in AF, yes I am. But I must also admit that the process of joining it is long and difficult,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after the filming of the finale episode for Fir and Afick Tonight Show at Town Hall TVS, Cityone Mega Mall on Friday (Aug 2).
“The process is of joining Akademi Fantasia is not easy. I remember when I auditioned, I waited from 9am to 11pm, I was in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur just to audition.
“So it is a long and tough process, going back and forth to Kuala Lumpur from Kuching, and then to be filtered again in terms of them choosing the right contestant, voted and others.
“But because of Akademi Fantasia, we are able to see someone like me and even singer Marsha Milan Londoh, able to be where we are today, because we went through the learning process of becoming a great artiste, actor and even host for television and radio,” he added.
Fir was a contestant in the ninth season of Akademi Fantasia in 2011, alongside singer Hazama Ahmad Azmi or Hazama and Ayda Jebat.
Talking about artistes or media training, Fir revealed that every year, he and his talk show host partner Afick Wazai undergo media compliance training for radio.
“The purpose of the training is to learn to speak in front audiences, listeners and most importantly our media friends.
“And we understand the do and don’ts, what to do and what not do, and I feel that there is still a need for such training, especially among the influencers in today’s age,” he said.
