Hong Kong celebrity and member of the celebrated Cantopop group ERROR, Dennis Kwok Ka-chun (often known by his stage persona “193”), celebrated a major professional achievement this week when his festive single, “Your Name, My Hymn“, secured the top spot on the prestigious Commercial Radio 903 Ultimate Song Chart. This victory marks a significant breakthrough in the singer’s seven-year career, delivering his first-ever chart-topping song and capping a dedicated year of musical output and promotion.
The ballad, fittingly released for the holiday season, clinched the number one position in the final weekly tally of the year for the Commercial Radio 903 Professional Recommendation chart. This success follows several years of solo releases for Kwok, who initially branched out with his debut single, “Sleeping Until Three O’Clock“, in 2021.
Solo Journey Recognized by Industry
Kwok, who balances his musical undertakings with his commitments to the popular boyband ERROR, reflected on his journey on social media yesterday (December 27th). He expressed profound gratitude, calling the chart placement “the best Christmas gift ever.”
He specifically acknowledged collaborators and mentors—including Delta T, Yan Ting, and Gareth Chan—for their contributions to his music. The 34-year-old singer shared that many listeners mistakenly believed his solo musical output had ceased after his initial hits like “Again Puppy Love.”
“Every song we’ve released has been the result of immense effort,” Kwok wrote, emphasizing his personal involvement, noting that he had penned the lyrics for several of his tracks. His current catalog for the year 2023 includes three distinct solo releases, highlighting his consistent dedication to his independent career trajectory.
Importance of Radio and Collaboration
The star underscored the emotional weight of the achievement, particularly citing his background as someone who grew up listening to radio broadcasts.
“As a person who grew up listening to the radio, hearing my own song premiere on the Ultimate Song Chart still moves me deeply,” he stated, offering thanks specifically to the radio station for their support.
The success of “Your Name, My Hymn” was amplified by strategic collaborations and promotional efforts. Kwok leveraged his extensive network within the entertainment industry, successfully recruiting several high-profile friends and colleagues to feature in or promote the song. These contributing artists included fellow MIRROR members Jer Lau Ying-ting and Anson Kong Ip-sang, along with industry veterans like Dodo Cheng Yu-ling and Fatboy (Leung Yip), lending significant star power to the track.
This chart victory solidifies Kwok’s evolving status from a prominent group member to a successful solo artist. It not only validates his five-year solo commitment but also provides fresh momentum for his music moving into the new year. Industry analysts suggest that a top placement on the prestigious Commercial Radio 903 chart often serves as a key indicator of a song’s enduring influence and widespread appeal among Hong Kong audiences.
Fans are encouraged to revisit Kwok’s collection of solo tracks released over the past few years, which he hopes will gain broader recognition following this significant milestone. Kwok’s achievement underscores the critical role that consistent output and industry collaboration play in securing success in the highly competitive Cantopop scene.
