Yang Guang Ke Le Reveals What Happens At A 7th Month Getai Show, Includes Praying To The “Hao Xiong Di”

Ever wondered what goes into the making of a getai show? 

Yes, we're talking about the live performances at ad hoc stages all around the island that happens during the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is from Aug 23 to Sep 21 this year. 

Mediacorp actress and long-time getai performer-slash-host Yang Guang Ke Le brought her followers backstage as she prepped for one of the boisterous live shows on one of The Celebrity Agency's Instagram reels. 

The 28-year-old revealed that, during the seventh lunar month, she'd always buy a packet of joss paper before heading to the getai venue.

"Before every show, I'd pray to the 'Hao Xiong Di' (literally translated to 'good brothers' and refers to spirits), asking them to bless us and allow everything to go smoothly," said Ke Le, who was hosting her first getai this year.

She would also go through her lines and the rundown with the crew before the show starts, and spend some time doing show prep, such as writing her notes and cue cards, as well as touch up her make-up.

Ke Le, who was both performing and hosting that day, said that the hosts usually have four outfit changes per show, which means they'd change after every three performers. 

"[The outfit changes] will make the audience feel refreshed," she explained.

The actress will also make use of her free time during the event to take selfies with her fans before preparing for her singing segment. 

Before the finale, Ke Le walked over to greet the V.I.Ps, which included Minister For Education Desmond Lee that night, at their table.

She then went back on stage to welcome them up to sing 1988 Hokkien classic, 'No Pain No Gain' aka 'Ai Pia Jia Eh Ya'. 

The night concluded with Ke Le performing one last song, before she bid farewell to the crowd: "Thank you everyone! Have a good night!"

Netizens were amazed by the actress' dedication and hard work, with one pointing out that it's "really not easy being a getai host".

"They need to be adaptable yet spread joy to the audience and meet the professional expectations of the stage managers," they said.

Indeed. And Ke Le has done such a good job!