Days before his 59th birthday on October 4, Hong Kong singer and actor Ekin Cheng drew more than 1,000 fans to a two-session gathering in Huangpu. Serving as producer and director, Cheng used the intimate affair to debut a personal logo, unveil the “EKIN windbreaker,” and announce a demo compilation that will allow fans to select the tracklist through an online vote.
A Personal, Fan-First Production
Cheng planned every detail of the event, from the run-down and interactive games to a photo-worthy station and a “confession phone booth.” He even arranged for guests to enjoy popular Hong Kong street snacks such as egg waffles and fish balls. Goody bags included egg rolls from a famous long-queue bakery, hidden-menu vouchers from celebrity-frequented restaurants, stress-relief toys, and autographed flash cards.
New Logo and Windbreaker Debut
After teasing the day as a press conference, Cheng surprised fans with a fresh personal logo and the “EKIN windbreaker,” a jacket created by Wendy, whose husband Van is the lead vocalist of the band Nowhere Boys. Cheng changed into the windbreaker on stage, revealing a black tank top and toned arms that prompted excited screams. Wendy and Van joined him to showcase the jacket’s “dance with joy” function. “I hope everyone who wears this ‘EKIN windbreaker’ feels very happy,” Cheng said.
Interactive Engagement
Cheng invited fans on stage for games, including a “super fan identification” round in which one male participant instantly recognized obscure songs and a deliberately distorted poster. Cheng praised him as “well-deserved.” Prizes came from the specially curated “Ekin gift package.”
A large-scale karaoke session followed, with Cheng and the audience singing “Running on the Road” and “Beautiful Day” together.
Music and Demo EP Announcement
Music director Eddie Chung, known as Punk, joined Cheng to announce a demo EP that will compile newly arranged versions of Cheng’s classic concert songs. The tracklist will be chosen by online fan vote. The EP, cheekily titled after their initials (Ekin and Punk), features a vintage photo of the pair as its cover. They performed “Together Through the Storm,” “Your, My,” and “Love is All,” the last of which was the first song the two worked on together.
Addressing his reputation for sparse appearances, Cheng joked: “Fans often say, ‘He takes too long to come out, he rarely does shows, he does few films.’ But it’s worth the wait,” referencing his ballad “Zhi De Deng.” He continued with “Dad’s Soda,” “Extreme Speed,” and “Together.”
Emotional Conclusion
Near the end, a video montage showed fans from around the world sending their well wishes. An emotional Cheng stood as host Chan Hoi Lam led the room in a “Happy Birthday” chant. So Kwan-choi, the eldest daughter of singer So Chiu-wai, baked the first-session cake. Audience members noted her resemblance to actress Liu Siyan, and she wished Cheng a happy birthday.
After the second session, fans refused to leave, chanting for an encore. Cheng returned and personally high-fived each attendee.
Looking Ahead
The event underscored Cheng’s enduring connection with his fanbase. With a fan-voted demo EP in the works, the gathering signals that, despite his famously unhurried pace, Cheng remains committed to creating meaningful, immersive experiences for those who have supported him since his 1990s heyday. Fans can now vote online for the tracklist, giving them a direct role in the next chapter of his musical journey.
