Reporter: Lin Yuner
Photography: Liu Yongrui
Chris, who often proclaims his love for Hong Kong, revealed how he took the name “Chen Jie”. “I just obtained the Hong Kong permanent identity card more than 10 years ago. At that time, I often performed in bars in Central with my friend Kong Shuoliang. One time, the audience said , you are a Hong Konger after you get your ID card, and you should change your Chinese name. Someone suggested using “Chen Jie”, but it actually doesn’t mean anything. I thought it was a good idea and started using it. But since I started using this name, my luck has gotten better and better, so I stuck with it. So far, thank you very much for helping me change this good name!”
Came to Hong Kong to perform 23 years ago and changed my destiny
He has lived and worked in Hong Kong for 23 years. In addition to having a Hong Kong ID card and a Chinese name, Chris can listen, speak Cantonese, and even sing Cantonese songs. He has already integrated into the local culture and considers himself a Hong Konger. Chris recalled that in 2000, he came to Hong Kong from his hometown alone without even understanding the geographical location of Hong Kong, and changed his destiny from then on, “Back then, I was singing in a hotel in the Dominican Republic, and a friend came to ask me if I was interested in going to Hong Kong. I played drums, danced and sang in Ocean Park. This was my first job in Hong Kong.”
After Chris left Ocean Park, he worked at the consulate and formed his own band with his friends. Later, he met his current manager Bonnie and has been developing his music career ever since. Chris remembers that the first Maria Cordero concert he participated in in Hong Kong was his most memorable and happiest collaboration with Eason Chan and Joey Yung. “Many years ago, Chris Kung asked me if I wanted to collaborate with Eason Chan, and I immediately answered. Of course, “Duo Band” is the best group. Until now, the members of the band are still like brothers and sisters, often greeting each other in the group. When we collaborated with Joey Yung on “Pretty Crazy Concert”, we were really crazy, not for money. I sing, but I want to convey a lot of love to the audience.” Chris once composed the song “Tequila” for Eason Chan, and he promised that he would compose songs for Joey Yung.
Unforgettable SARS hits Hong Kong, no jobs, no money
He has an optimistic personality and always greets people with a smile. In fact, Chris has also experienced difficult moments in his life. In 2003, Hong Kong was hit by SARS. He believed it was a test from God. “At that time, I lived alone. Because the bars were closed, I had no job and no one.” I had to pay the rent. The owner of the house came to the house every day and banged on the door. I hid in the house and dared not make a sound. I only ate a small amount of rice and tuna every day to satisfy my hunger. I didn’t have many friends at that time, so I could only talk to my mom on the phone. , she persuaded me to return to the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, I didn’t give up at that time. After that, it started going smoothly and I received many shows and concerts.” With a university degree, Chris could have returned to his hometown to find a job, but he insisted on staying in Hong Kong and never set a time limit for his stay. He was also grateful for the help he received from many friends over the years. The most unforgettable time was when he opened a solo show in 2011 and gained a group of singer friends. I came out to support, and I am planning to write a few more Cantonese songs and prepare to start the show at the appropriate time.
Sharing singing videos to spread positive energy during the COVID-19 epidemic
Chris released the Cantonese song “Unspeakable Sorry” last year, which is a typical romantic love song; this year, he released the brisk “Let’s Sing Together”, which is very Chris’s personal style.
Chris explained the creative inspiration, “Because there were not many performances during the COVID-19 epidemic, my manager suggested that I write songs. Knowing that the epidemic has made many people unhappy, without jobs and money, I shared short singing videos on social platforms, hoping to use my own The happy image brought joy to everyone. Afterwards, I received many responses from netizens. They found that singing is really powerful and brings out a lot of positive energy. Knowing that I have a responsibility to do it, I worked harder to practice Cantonese. Written by the manager The lyrics, “Sing this with me” became the title of the song, using the phrase I say most often, “We sing this together.” Chris hopes that when everyone hears this song, they can relax and put aside their worries, and regain their spirits and feel happy again.
My favorite Cantonese song is “Next Year Today” after practicing hard
Chris revealed that he actually likes to sing and listen to sad love songs. He will project his own or other people’s stories into them. He also hopes that his works can convey some messages. He laughed and said that he really likes Cantonese songs, “I know how to sing Fat Mom’s “Breaking Air”. My favorite is “Today Next Year” by Eason, but Cantonese is really difficult to learn. When I first came to Hong Kong, I was accustomed to speaking Spanish and French, and I only knew a little English. However, I really liked learning languages, so I worked hard to communicate with others and learn to speak them. Speaking in Cantonese, it doesn’t matter if people call me ‘Ghost Guy’.” Before releasing “Let’s Sing Together”, Chris practiced hard for three months to memorize the lyrics and relied on his manager to correct the pronunciation. During this period, he practiced repeatedly, recorded and recorded again, and only accepted the song when he could sing it with a local accent. Chris considers himself to have settled in and followed the locals and become an authentic Hong Konger, “I’m not a ghost! I love tea, snacks, and snacks, and go to teahouses and dai pai dongs to eat barbecued pork rice. I remember the first time I went to dai pai dong, I saw some people with no shirts on, and they looked disgusting. It seemed like I wanted to fight, so I was a little surprised, but later I got used to it. Now when they see me, they call me “Fat Boy” or “Fat Guy” and we drink together!” He also praised Hong Kong people for being friendly and tolerant, and tried taking the bus. After he dropped his wallet, a kind man picked it up and gave it back to him. Since his family is accustomed to the leisurely pace of life in his hometown, Chris respects their wishes and will not force them to come to Hong Kong to reunite. He usually communicates through video calls. “Hong Kong is my home. I won’t leave even if I kick you!” After the interview, Chris revealed that he would be admitted to the hospital for treatment. He is undergoing gastrointestinal surgery and is expected to rest for a month after the operation. He will take the opportunity to concentrate on composing songs. He will then participate in performances with a healthy body and continue to release his happy and positive energy through music.
Makeup: Queens Entertainment
Venue: This Music Studio
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