HONG KONG – Hong Kong singer Siu Fei (Chui Chi Weng) has released a high-energy new Cantonese single, “Unwakeable People” (Bù Xǐng Rén Shì), that humorously captures the universal desire to stay asleep rather than face reality. The track, originally conceived by veteran composer Chan Fai-yeung under the quirky working title “The Whisper of the Alarm Clock, the Secret of the Pillow,” was refined by lyricist Chung Suet into a punchier, more relatable name. The song dropped this week as a fast-paced, lyrically dense dance number.
Siu Fei, 49, acknowledged that the song’s “don’t want to wake up” attitude mirrors his own daily life. “When I exercise, I have to set multiple alarms,” he said. “I think everyone is the same—in the morning we just don’t want to wake up. Maybe because reality is tough, we’d rather stay in a dream and enjoy beautiful fantasies.” The singer admitted the recording process was challenging, with rapid-fire lyrics that initially pushed him to mimic an AI demo’s hyper-energetic delivery. “I couldn’t breathe at all,” he recalled. After several adjustments, he found a more natural interpretation.
Music Video Features Unlikely Cameos, Missed AI Punch
The music video, also directed by Chan Fai-yeung, features cameos from 24Herbs member Brian and actor-singer Louis Cheung. Chan had zeroed in on Brian through their shared gym sessions, while Cheung was recruited because Chan envisioned a motorcycle-riding persona. The director was surprised to learn only on the shoot day that Cheung actually knows how to ride a motorcycle. An original plan to have rapper Tyson Yoshi emerge from a refrigerator at the end and get knocked out by an AI-generated punch from Siu Fei fell through due to scheduling conflicts.
Another highlight of “Unwakeable People” is a rap section added unexpectedly by Chan. Although lyricist Chung Suet wrote the rap verses and was originally slated to perform them, scheduling issues forced a change. The team then turned to singer Lai Ying, who embraced the opportunity to deliver the quirky, rhythmic lines. Siu Fei expressed gratitude for Lai Ying’s quick agreement, calling her contribution a “surprising addition” that enriches the track.
Looking Ahead: Turning 50, Black Vinyl, and a New Ballad
Siu Fei, who will turn 50 this year, is already working on his next single, tentatively titled “Rounding Up” (Sì Shě Wǔ Rù). The song emerged from conversations with Taiwanese musician Lee Shi-yi and lyricist Leung Pak-kin, and delves into the emotional landscape of a man approaching his fifth decade. Siu Fei admitted that reading the lyrics for the first time moved him to tears.
The singer also revealed plans for a limited-edition vinyl record. One side will feature Cantonese tracks, while the other will be helmed by Taiwanese singer-songwriter Chen Shao-hsia, with all Mandarin songs. He hopes the release will offer fans a dual listening experience and mark a new chapter in his musical journey.
As the “Unwakeable People” single climbs streaming charts, Siu Fei’s candid reflections on the struggle between dreams and reality resonate with a generation of sleep-deprived urbanites. With a humorous touch and a beat that won’t let you nod off, the song is both a mirror and an escape—and, for Siu Fei, a heartfelt prelude to what promises to be a reflective, milestone-filled year.
