IT'S been a while since we last heard from Sharizan Borhan a.k.a. the King Of Swing.
But what most music lovers know is that he creates a feel-good vibe every time he's on stage.
And the 50-year-old crooner with a generous smile and soulful voice still has the same charm that endeared him to audiences when he emerged in the 1990s.
VOICE-OVER WORK
Truth be told, Sharizan has remained active in showbiz but behind the scenes as a voice-over artiste and emcee.
Chances are many of us might have come across his smooth, clear and calming voice each time we turn on the radio and television, for he is the voice of many advertisements and public service announcements (PSAs).
"I've never left the studio, just that I've been focusing more on voiceovers and emceeing — singing still is my first love," said Sharizan in an interview to promote his guest appearance in the comedy show, 'Laugh Die You', on July 20 and 21.
GURMIT SINGH
Produced by Popcorn Studio, 'Laugh Die You' is set to happen at the HGH Convention Centre in Sentul at 8pm.
Sharizan will be the guest singer sharing the stage with Singaporean comedian Gurmit Singh of 'Phua Chu Kang' fame and Malaysia's Kavin Jay.
Sharizan is currently working on a new single with producer Helen Yap.
"It's in Malay and English and if all goes well, will be released later this year," he said.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Petaling Jaya-born Sharizan began singing during his schooldays and was a member of his school choir.
With four albums to his credit, he sang at the 1998 Commonwealth Games (one of the venues) and hosted TV programmes from that time.
Three years later, the single father of three children aged 26, 21 and 19 added master of ceremonies to his resume.
HARITH ISKANDER
"It's not the first time I've performed with comedians. In my early days I shared the stage with comedians in Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina's shows," said Sharizan, who also performed with Harith Iskander.
Sharizan, the youngest of four siblings, credits his mother Salina Borhan as his biggest supporter who helped him audition for his first show and encouraged him to be a star.
"My mum isn't well now, but she's always my biggest fan," he said, adding that his siblings are also supportive of his career.
DOUGLAS LIM
Sharizan may not be a comedian but he has a fine sense of humour.
"Comedy makes my guests tick, so each time I perform on stage, I must pepper my dialogue with humour," he said, adding that his favourite comedians are Datuk Afdlin Shauki and Douglas Lim.
"I've always enjoyed watching Afdlin and Douglas in action and I did appear with Douglas (as a guest star) in the sitcom 'Kopitiam' in the 1990s.
"They are two of the most versatile entertainers who can sing, produce, joke and act."
CONNECTING
Sharizan cites veteran crooner Datuk Leonard Tan as his biggest influence when it came to entertaining.
"Leonard always told me, have humour to capture the mood of the crowd. That's the key to connecting with your audience.
"On Thursdays and Fridays the audiences let loose after a hard day at work and that is the best time to humour them," he said.
"But when it comes to Saturday, they become more serious."
HUMBLE
When asked about sharing the stage with Kavin and Gurmit, Sharizan said that he was "most honoured" to collaborate with them.
"They are two of my favourite comedians too — talented yet humble.
"I'm really looking forward to having a great time with them."
AIM
Sharizan had his big break in 1997 when he won Best New Male Artiste at Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) for his debut album 'Hadir'.
His police officer father died when he was six and by 19, Sharizan was working multiple jobs, in the travel industry, in restaurants and even washing cars before making it to the finals of singing competition 'Asia Bagus' in 1993.
MELBOURNE
Sharizan moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2011. However, things did not go the way he hoped and he returned to Kuala Lumpur after three years.
HONOUR AND PURPOSE
Sharizan would like to be remembered 10 years down the road as a man who gave his all.
"I'd like to be remembered as one who lived life to the fullest, one day at a time, with value, honour and purpose, was happy each day, and found little rainbows along his journey."
HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL
His love of music as well as his children, drive him in life.
"There's nothing better than to provide for them and make them happy and successful, and in return share knowledge, laughter and joy with them," he said.
Tickets, priced from RM100 to RM400, are available at www.myticketempire.com.