KUALA LUMPUR - 'GELAK: GEMPAK' is a new reality program from Astro with the concept of talent search competition in collaboration with LOL Asia for the category of stand-up comedians or 'comedians'.

This 10-episode program will air every Friday, at 9 pm starting February 5, 2021, on Astro Warna HD (107) and Astro Warna (127) channels. The program can also be streamed for free for Astro customers through the Astro GO application and on-demand for more flexible options.

According to Astro Warna Channel Manager Norzeha Mohd Salleh, the stand-up comedy genre or comedy in the comedy industry has an audience that is mostly present from the urban community and is urban.

"As a leader in comedy content that can reach a broader audience segment. At Astro Warna, we are very excited to work with LOL Asia to publish this 'Gelak: Gempak' competition to bring comedy through the wider audience, and evoke new talent as an industry backer.

"The success of Astro-born comedians who have made a name for themselves as critical players in the country's art industry such as Nabil Ahmad, Jihan Muse, Zizan Razak, and Johan. They have been a catalyst for us to continue our efforts to produce various comedy content for the audience.

"We have high hopes that the 'Gelak: Gempak' program can cultivate an interest in the 'Stand Up' comedy genre to be among the comedy categories celebrated by many. Such as sketch comedy (Maharaja Lawak Mega) and musical comedy (Musical Lawak Superstar)," she said.

Each participant will be judged based on 100% scoring by a professional jury consisting of big names in the comedy industry including Dato' Afdlin Shauki, Sherry Alhadad, and Nabil Ahmad. All jurors will evaluate the participants based on the level of creativity, stage performance, and jokes content.

Meanwhile, renowned comedian Prakash Daniel was present as the guest coach for the participants. To further enliven the publication of the program' Gelak: Gempak', Harith Iskander and Douglas Lim were also invited as jurors and guest mentors.

The overall winner will take home a cash prize worth RM25 thousand donated by Astro, while the second and third place will receive RM7 thousand and RM3 thousand respectively. A trophy will also be awarded to the three winners.

Participants who will follow this program include Juliana Heng, Shashic Iewan, Phoon Chi Ho, Sofwan Roos, Rizal Van Geyzel, Young Arin, Mad Sabah, Garam, Kanmani, Nizam Jentik-Jentik, JD, Farid Azmeir, Ayim Razak, Bob Usop, Abe Latt, and Abdullah Mazlan.