The ‘Golden Age’ of Cantopop might have ended with the turn of the century, but it’s clear that the local genre is making a comeback in the 2020s and taking the music scene by storm. From the reinvention of much-loved musical styles to entirely new fusions, Hong Kong’s artists are redefining what it means to make Cantonese music today. Whether you’re a longtime Cantopop aficionado or entirely new to the tradition, you’ll be sure to enjoy the work of these six standout musicians.
Kiri T
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Kiri T hails from a multicultural background – she grew up in Hong Kong, America and the UK – and her multifaceted Cantopop persona is a musical reflection of that. She’s a self-produced singer and songwriter; her latest multilingual track ‘Bilingual Problems’ is a laid-back yet bright number which innovatively rhymes English and Cantonese lyrics, while her humorously-named ‘Eggnorant Sandwich’ is an upbeat song with a bass line reminiscent of funk grooves. If you’re looking for something you can both dance and relax to, you’ll love Kiri T’s suave poppy beats, remixes, and light, airy vocals. Before you even know it, you’ll be singing along.
SY Wu Siu-yin
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Hong Kong-based transgender singer-songwriter SY made his debut in February of this year with ‘Obstacle Course’, a wistful mid-tempo ballad with equally heartfelt lyrics. His English single ‘I’ highlights his silky smooth vocals coupled with an acoustic guitar backing, whilst his latest R&B-inspired work, ‘Me and Myself’, is a sentimental exploration of identity and the passing of time.
Moon Tang
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The Thai-Cantonese and Hong Kong based Moon Tang started out as a vocalist in a local busking group and soon grew into a Youtube sensation, covering songs by the likes of The 1975 and Khalil Fong before experimenting with her own creations. She has since gone on to write music in both English and Cantonese, garnering nearly six hundred thousand views on her latest work, ‘getaway’, a bittersweet Cantopop ballad placing classic and modern melodic influences alongside interesting harmonies. Moon has collaborated with a number of fellow Cantopop artists, including Jay Fung on his single ‘Sweeetly’, and Kiri T on a Christmassy mini album. Her introspective instrumentals, as heard in ‘bad weather’, blend in perfectly with her delicate vocals, making for a refreshing listen.
Yan Ting
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Ushering in the second half of the year with his landmark first solo concert in Hong Kong was Yan Ting, who made his debut in 2015. He rose to fame with ‘Belated Repentance’, the hit theme song of ViuTV’s action-thriller series ‘Ink at Tai Ping’; this track is a classic, hard-hitting Cantopop ballad in a similar fashion to his melancholic and gripping ‘METANOIA’. Yan Ting continues to push the boundaries of the genre with his 2023 single ‘Louder’, coupling sultry, powerful drum beats with silky pop vocals and equally stunning visuals in his music video. His latest release ‘Hands Up – JFYT Version’ featuring Internet sensations JFFT delves into hip-hop, fusing foot-stomping rhythms with powerful vocals and rap lines.
Jeffrey Ngai
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Hong Kong-Dutch-Indonesian star Jeffrey Ngai rose to prominence as a TV personality and actor in ViuTV’s programmes, particularly in the school sports drama ‘I Swim’. Since his 2023 debut, he’s released six singles and even featured on Cantopop royalty Sammi Cheng’s ‘To Our Dreams’. In Jeffrey’s discography, you’ll find perfect combinations of classic Cantopop melodicism with power ballad-esque instrumentals, such as in ‘Before Sunset’, and striking shifts to energetic rock anthems with ‘Never Say Never’. His newest single, ‘Old Jeff’, returns to the traditions of piano-based ballads, perfect for the wistful coming-of-age themes which the song explores.
MC Cheung Tinfu
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Following his sweeping success on reality TV contest ‘King Maker II’ (the show which birthed Mirror), MC Cheung Tinfu has reached new heights with consecutive smash hits following his 2021 debut. From the simplistic and lyrical ‘Pillow Talk’ and his English rap ventures in ‘The One for U’, to the heart-wrenching, drama-filled ‘The Last Straw’, there’s certainly much to discover as MC continues to explore different genres. The teasers for his upcoming concert with Mirror’s Jer in August certainly promise alternative rock with its metal-spiked guitars and ominous makeup looks. MC’s latest work, ‘Millionaire Boulevard’, takes on a heavier, more rebellious sound with devilishly catchy riffs— a must-listen for pop fusion lovers.
Dark Wong
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The 20-year-old Dark Wong descended on the Cantopop scene in 2022, breathing new life into the genre with songs recalling his school days. ‘The Repeater’ features flowing vocal lines and catchy hooks on top of modern pop beats with hints of the sax, whilst the catchy choruses of ‘Teen Romance’ lament the complications of being young and in love. Similarly, Dark’s newest song, ‘Self-reflection’, is a powerful mid-tempo breakup anthem showcasing his vocal prowess. If you’re looking for something more upbeat, check out ‘Meeting Terminator’, which breaks from the mundane ins and outs of daily life with a jazzy, big band-inspired sound.
Editor
Wing Hei WooCredit
Lead image: @mcheung1201 via Instagram