HONG KONG — Local rap sensation KALAI celebrated her 28th birthday on Thursday by announcing her signing to EAS MUSIC, the record label founded by Cantopop superstar Eason Chan. The move marks her as the label’s first female artist and signals a major step in her career as an independent musician transitioning to a corporate structure.
At a press conference held to unveil her first single under the label, THAT’S HOW WE MOVE, KALAI delivered a three-song performance before being joined onstage by Chan himself. The veteran singer presented her with a birthday cake and flowers, while industry friends including Eric Kwok, Wu Ka Yan, and Nancy Kwai attended the main event. A separate after-party drew appearances from Hilary Tsui, Chan’s daughter Constance, and singer Andy Lau.
KALAI, who has released tracks such as END OF THE STORY, FIREFLY, and GO UP since debuting independently in 2020, said the biggest change since joining EAS MUSIC is the support system. In Cantonese, she explained that previously she handled everything—from songwriting and production to music video shoots—on her own. “Now with so many colleagues helping, we can push the quality higher and collaborate with musicians I have always wanted to work with,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to Chan and his team for granting her full creative freedom. “I can keep making the music I love and present an even more distinctive version of KALAI to the audience,” she added.
Chan offered advice rooted in his two-decade career, cautioning against losing artistic identity in pursuit of commercial success. “Many independent artists change after signing with a label,” he said. “I want you to evolve, but never forget your core—that has to stay intact.” He stressed that popularity and authenticity are not mutually exclusive, urging KALAI to find balance without compromising her vision.
During his remarks, Chan grew visibly emotional, praising her performance: “Watching you backstage, I was deeply moved. You were brilliant up there—I’m proud of you. I love your music.” He added that KALAI belongs onstage, saying she looks “as comfortable as if she were at home” when performing.
The duo’s bond traces back to a personal connection. KALAI first met Chan’s wife, Hilary Tsui, then became friends with their daughter Constance. Her production company later worked on Chan’s Fear and Dreams world tour, where their professional relationship deepened. Chan revealed a lighthearted memory from the tour’s Xi’an stop: KALAI, initially unskilled at mahjong, joined him and others for an all-night game that lasted until morning. “That’s when we really got to know each other,” he joked.
KALAI’s rise has been steady. She performed at SPACE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 and TONE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023. In 2025, she became a fixed guest performer on Sammi Cheng’s YOU & MI World Tour, dueting on Believer’s Love. This July, she shared the stage with Siu Fei at a tribute concert for composer Adrian Chan.
Industry observers view her signing as a strategic move by EAS MUSIC to diversify its roster, traditionally dominated by male artists. For KALAI, the partnership offers institutional backing while preserving her independent spirit—a balance Chan insists is achievable.
“The key is to keep your own voice,” Chan said. “Everything else can be arranged.”
