Cantopop in Mainland China: How Can I Forget You?

Abstract

“Some would agree the song represents Hong Kong, but I absolutely disagree.” Cui Jian hit raw nerves among Hong Kong audience when he commented on the performance of Andy Hui after he sang “God of Cantopop” Jacky Cheung’s classic “How Can I Forget You?” in Star of China, a singing contest in Mainland China. Hong Kong netizens voiced their discontents with the veteran Hong Kong Cantopop singer for not standing up to the Mainland rock star over what they thought to be an abusive comment. Since I am a Singer triggered a wave of music reality shows in Mainland China, Hong Kong Cantopop singers have been “facing north” for the enormous potential of the Mainland market. Even the top Cantopop singers, including, among others, Joey Yung and Hacken Lee, took part in these reality shows as their local music industry has been in serious decline. When Cantopop ventures north, to what extent can the singers and the songs they sang in those reality shows represent Hong Kong? This is an important question related to Cui Jian’s remark. G.E.M.’s reinterpretations of “Liking You” of Beyond, the legendary Hong Kong rock band, in I Am a Singer and Heroes of Remix have stirred up heated discussions among Hong Kong audience. MC Jin’s performance in The Rap of China was equally, if not more, controversial, especially when he said “anything is possible” in Chinese hip-hop. This paper will examine the entanglements Cantopop faces when it responds to the changes caused by the Mainlandization of Hong Kong culture.