A constellation of respected Hong Kong musical artists, including veteran groups and rising stars, gathered last night to stage the HOY TV Years Like Songs concert, fusing classic Cantopop with a message of resilience, while specifically dedicating a performance to victims of a recent, devastating local fire. Performers such as Grasshopper, Danny Summer, Elisa Chan, Janice Vidal, Angela Hui, and contemporary idols MC Cheung (Cheung Tin-fu) and Hung Kaho participated in the event, aiming to celebrate the enduring legacy of Cantonese music and offer comfort to those impacted by hardship.
The concert, held yesterday evening, featured an emotionally charged opening segment where the stars pre-recorded a rendition of the uplifting anthem “Never Give Up,” directed as a direct message of support to residents displaced by the major blaze that recently struck Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Grasshopper Reflects on Cantopop’s Enduring Power
The iconic trio Grasshopper, who have defined the Cantopop sound for four decades, emphasized their deep connection to the genre’s history and their privilege in promoting it through the special event. The group noted that having witnessed the evolution of Cantonese popular music alongside peers and subsequent generations for 40 years, they feel a responsibility to champion its cultural significance.
“It is truly an honour to help push Cantonese music forward during this concert,” the group stated. For their setlist, Grasshopper selected classics honouring two of Hong Kong’s greatest legends: Anita Mui and Danny Chan.
They chose Danny Chan’s vibrant track, “A Pink Life,” for its cheerful rhythm, which they felt conveyed a necessary sense of encouragement and warmth. Conversely, they performed Anita Mui’s poignant “Years Flow Like Water” (Si Shui Liu Nian), which aligned perfectly with the reflective themes of the event.
“Every one of their songs is a masterpiece,” they stressed, expressing a sincere desire for a new generation of listeners to recognize the immense talent and broad artistry within Cantopop’s historical catalog.
A Forty-Year Journey and the Pursuit of Dreams
Grasshopper also treated the audience to a performance of their debut single, “Flying Over a Thousand Dreams” (Fei Yue Qian Ge Meng). Band member Edmond So jokingly reflected on their longevity, saying, “When we first recorded this song, we never imagined we would actually fly across 40 years.”
Calvin Choy offered a more profound interpretation, suggesting that the song encapsulates the very dedication that has sustained them for four decades. He hoped that the performance would reignite the audience’s “original aspiration”—the initial passion everyone holds when setting out to achieve a dream.
Speaking on the dedication of their charity performance to aid Tai Po fire victims, Grasshopper underscored the importance of providing emotional solidarity. “We sincerely hope that our music delivers a wave of positive energy, accompanying everyone as they navigate this difficult time,” they stated, acknowledging that true recovery and rebuilding efforts require significant time and patience.
This massive show of solidarity, uniting generations of performers, serves as a powerful reminder of how Canto-pop transcends mere entertainment, acting as a crucial cultural repository and a vital tool for community healing in times of crisis. The concert successfully reaffirmed music’s role in providing comfort and fostering resilience across Hong Kong.
