While growing up, celebrities and their lifestyles were always a source of fascination for Durban’s Denver Naicker. Although he dreamed it, he never really imagined that one day he would be in front of the camera as a captivating, variety talk show host.
With an IT qualification and the gift of the gab, this eligible bachelor is living his dream and is the face behind The Get Real Show. Not only is he exploring the glamourous lives of local celebs, but also shining the spotlight on making lives better by sharing the meaningful experiences of featured guests.
Long before his IT studies, when Denver was waiting tables as an aspiring journalist, he didn’t expect he’d ever add talk show host to his resume. Having no prior training, other than as an MC for weddings, weekend social events and after joining Hirsch’s where he holds a management role, his break came after freelancing as a presenter for the Indian boutique channel, GlowTV.
It was obvious from the get-go that he wasn’t exactly camera shy. Nonetheless, it was a new experience for him and one that he certainly took seriously. His unintentional charm, passion for the hospitality industry and cultural obsession with celebrity gossip also helped Denver step into the role of talk show host.
Coming from a very humble Tamil background, Denver describes himself as a proud South African – who’s a little bit temperamental – with a big heart; the kind of guy who doesn’t do anything in small measures. He works full day and then puts in the time to stay up to date with what’s happening around him, planning interviews, prepping for the show and filming with his intimate crew, led by Digital Productions executive producer Cerisha Naicker.
“The hospitality industry is in my blood. Growing up, I worked hard to get what I wanted in life, and I initially wanted to study journalism, but was persuaded to go into something totally different. While it may be my qualification, IT was never my passion.”
From heroes of South African rugby to Durban Housewives and Miss South Africa, Denver has met many influential people during his time as a talk show host, and he’s learned even more along the way.
“No one is born a talk show host or naturally good their first time. I can’t even remember my worst interview anymore because I intentionally blocked it from my mind. LOL! But, what the last four years have taught me is that when it comes to being a great talk show host, having a strategy and giving it a lot of thought can take you further than simply being great on camera.”
While Denver agrees every host has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, he says key to being successful involves research, authenticity, constant learning, being an active listener, maintaining energy, and being able to connect to your audience. He says having a strong awareness on when to stop talking is equally as important.
“Great hosts don’t make it about them, but about their audience having a great experience. Even if I’m super excited to be in the same room as one of my favourite celebs, I always remain collected. I do my best to make my guests comfortable, create a conversational environment, and give them enough time to convey what they need to so that they shine. Keeping it real should be every host’s motto.”
The golden nugget in all of this, says Denver, is gratitude and acknowledging the path that has led him to sharing conversations with celebrities like Siya Kolisi and Sorisha Naidoo, and many other inspirational South Africans who have shared their stories.
“Family is everything to me and my success is owed to my parents for raising me with the good values that they have. It is because of them that I work hard, stay focussed and live for what I do. And without our advertisers and audiences, I wouldn’t be able to live for those memorable Sunday evening moments, when I get to light up your screens. To everyone who has played a role in my journey, no matter how small, thank you.”
Catch the show on the People’s Weather Channel on Sundays at 7pm, DSTV Channel 180 or Openview Channel 115. Repeats on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 12am.
Details: You can follow Denver on IG: @denver_naicker and on FB: The Get Real Show
Main photo credit: Digital Productions: Cerisha Naicker
