Six emerging vocalists from the highly popular “Sound Show” reality competition captivated throngs of fans in Hung Hom yesterday, participating in a vibrant street busking performance just ahead of the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day holidays. The “New Town Busking Busking” event, held on February 8, saw finalists Ryan Fung Hei-sip, Ophelia Or Yu-fei, and Matt Wu Tze-pui, joined by fellow contestants Ziva Ying Kiu, Jeffrey Luk Cheuk-him, and Jenny Yan Man-fong, deliver an intimate, high-energy concert, marking a festive launch to the holiday season.
The impromptu performance successfully bridged the gap between the burgeoning artists and their loyal fanbase, creating a lively atmosphere filled with music and well-wishes.
Street Performance Ignites Holiday Spirit
The musical showcase kicked off with Matt, who set a powerful tone by performing his songs “Ultimatum” and “The Liar,” immediately drawing a large crowd. Ziva followed, delighting attendees with “Crystal Clear” and “3AM,” before joining Jeffrey for a playful duet of the classic “Little Dimple.” Audience members enthusiastically sang along, turning the street corner into a massive, impromptu karaoke session.
Throughout the evening, performers paused to deliver early Lunar New Year blessings to their supporters. The artists’ efforts were recognized with tangible appreciation: Jenny and Ophelia were both presented with bouquets of flowers by male admirers following their segments, clearly moved by the gesture.
Ryan closed the main lineup, lifting the energy with “Singing Love Songs with My Back” and “Listen to Your Own Voice.” The finale saw Ryan partner with Jenny for a duet of “The Night Is Still Young,” before all six singers reunited on stage for an uplifting rendition of “All Stars,” concluding the event on a high note.
The intimacy of street performance offered a unique experience for the artists. Jenny, who was performing outdoors in Hong Kong’s bustling street environment for the first time, expressed her enthusiasm. “Performing outside felt completely different,” she noted, “The streets were so lively, and so many people stopped to listen. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic.”
Overcoming Stage Jitters and Looking Ahead
Despite the smooth flow of the event, Ryan encountered a momentary lapse, forgetting lyrics mid-song on his original track, “Listen to Your Own Voice.” However, he quickly regained his composure and skillfully completed the piece.
Ryan later attributed the slip-up to physical exhaustion and multitasking, candidly sharing that he had missed breakfast and felt shaky during the performance, exacerbated by having to juggle singing with hosting duties. “I used too much energy introducing my partners, and it impacted my concentration,” he explained. Ryan promised to learn from the experience: “Next time, I will definitely eat before going on stage to ensure I deliver a better performance.”
Other artists shared in the joy of the close interaction. Ophelia said she was “overwhelmed” by the turnout and delighted by the opportunity to engage with fans at such close quarters. Jeffrey, discussing his impromptu duet with Ziva, revealed the performance was unrehearsed. “We pulled that song together backstage for the first time today. There was a little pressure, but I thoroughly enjoyed the entire performance.”
Holiday Goals and Health Resolutions
As the city anticipates the arrival of the holidays, the artists also shared their personal plans for celebrating Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, many of which involve health and fitness goals.
Ziva revealed her Valentine’s Day would be a casual “dinner for two” with a close friend. Meanwhile, weight management is a major focus for several stars. Ophelia stated she planned stricter dieting to curb indulgence during the New Year festivities, aiming to shed at least eight kilograms.
Ryan, who admitted to recent weight gain, is also actively pursuing fitness. “Losing weight is a lifelong challenge,” he joked. He noted his previous high-protein diet had stalled and revealed he was considering switching to a ketogenic diet before the Lunar New Year. His determination underscores the common new year, new me sentiment resonating across the region as the holidays approach.
