Hong Kong’s rising pop sensation, Marf Yau, is set to make history within the girl group COLLAR, becoming the first member to stage a solo concert. The 23-year-old artist, who quickly rose to fame after her debut, announced her inaugural performance, “Night like this,” slated for March 22nd at Macpherson Stadium, seeing the event as a critical evaluation of her four-year journey in the entertainment industry.
The forthcoming concert, organized as part of the Macpherson Festival, marks a significant milestone for Yau. She expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her, acknowledging the “enormous trust, security, and freedom” provided by her management and team. Yau views this solo endeavor not just as a performance but as a “report card” summarizing her accomplishments and growth during this crucial period of her career.
A Night of Surprises and Intimate Performances
The title, “Night like this,” hints at Yau’s desire to deliver an unforgettable night for the audience. Although limited to a single performance, she is meticulously preparing a diverse set list. Fans can expect exhilarating fast-paced track performances, highlighting her acclaimed singing and dancing prowess. The show will feature songs spanning her career, including hits like ~Silencio…Shh, fOoL##, Still Got a Heartbeat, 㪐㩿, and Ocean. Additionally, Yau plans to debut cherished songs she has long wanted to perform but never had the chance to showcase.
Yau revealed that the concert will be compartmentalized into varied performance styles. These segments include a musical theater presentation and intimate, storytelling-style renditions, allowing for emotional depth. Macpherson Stadium was chosen for its distinct Hong Kong ambiance, offering the unique opportunity for close proximity and connection with the audience. While friends will be present in the audience, Yau confirmed she would forgo guest performers this time, preserving the focus entirely on her solo artistry, perhaps saving collaborations for potential future shows.
From Debut to International Aspirations
Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Yau noted several “checkpoints” that have defined her life recently. Joining COLLAR was the first significant milestone. She cited her appearance as a guest performer at the Coldplay concert last year as a key moment that dramatically amplified her public profile. Now, staging her own show represents a personal validation of her practical abilities and artistic execution.
“This is an affirmation of my capabilities and execution,” Yau stated, acknowledging the learning curve involved in strengthening communication and collaboration with her company and artistic team.
Looking ahead, Yau is eager to break into the international market. She expressed a strong desire for COLLAR to emulate the recent success of her King Maker VI junior colleagues, who participated in a performance exchange program in Seoul. Yau sees an upcoming trip abroad for observation and collaboration as her next major goal, hoping to bring international production techniques back to Hong Kong.
Prioritizing Health Ahead of Debut
Despite the excitement, Yau is also keenly focused on her health, preparing her body for the rigor of the solo show. She admitted to having a sensitive bronchial system, a persistent issue since the pandemic, making her vulnerable to changing weather conditions. While currently managing her condition with Traditional Chinese Medicine, she remains determined to be in peak shape by March.
Yau credits her partner, actor Lin Ka-hei, for providing crucial support, including preparing her herbal remedies. Although not a fan of running, she is considering joining him on his runs to boost her cardiorespiratory fitness. This exercise, she noted, would substantially enhance her lung capacity—a vital element for her demanding stage performance.
