In recent years you might have heard the name Kaho Hung or listened to his songs, but you might not know much about the man behind the name. Behind this jovial host, actor and singer is a man who takes his work seriously. He says that his name is nothing special, but precisely because of this he wants to prove that even an ordinary person like him can make a name for himself in this extraordinary industry. This April, Hung will take the stage at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Performing for two consecutive nights, Hung presents “Kaho Live 2024”, his first solo concert since his debut 5 years ago. 

What do you think of today’s shoot location at Kong Ha Wai mansion? 

I think it’s so special. There’s rarely a chance to visit a place like this if not for filming. This architecture is not unfamiliar to me because I live in the area and some friends live in villages similar to this one. When I’m filming, I like to construct stories to get into ‘character’. I think, ‘what would a person from 2024 be doing and finding in a historical place like this?’ I don’t think the juxtaposition is odd, in fact it’s quite nice, and I like hearing stories about history. 

Is there a moment in your career that you find most important? Any memorable moments you can share? 

The most important moment is my upcoming performance at the Hong Kong Coliseum. This is a huge deal and important milestone in my career. My perspective towards being a singer has changed drastically from before. When I watched artists perform at the Hong Kong Coliseum in the past, I’d think about how one artist is only as big as an ant — how amazing it is that they can perform before tens of thousands of people in attendance. What kind of person are they? Now that I’ve become that ‘ant’, I can no longer think like a person in the crowd. Instead, I wonder whether I’m good enough. 

What does music give you? What do you hope to achieve through your music? 

There are a lot of things I don’t like to say directly, and music is a good channel to express what I typically can’t say. Different phases in life call forth different forms of expression. When I first debuted, it was more of a youthful expression on topics of romance and heartbreak. My first song “Halfday Off” has a boyish sweetness, then “Tinted Windows” has a mature sweetness to it. Now I might have become even more mature. I want to express my thoughts at different stages to listeners. 

Any Hong Kong artist that you really admire? 

Marf. We met from filming a TV show together, and we developed a brother and sister relationship on set and off. A lot of the times when I see her perform, I can’t help but think that this is the path she’s destined to be on. She doesn’t release mainstream songs, yet she’s become a household name and achieved great results. Another person is Eason. His effortless ease on stage doesn’t indicate a lack of preparation, instead it means that he’s long been ready. And yet during a performance, he’s able to temporarily set aside all technicalities and simply enjoy the moment. Recently I watched Eason perform and it seemed like he was really in his own world. I really like that. It’s hard to reach that stage of practice, but I’ll always appreciate it.

Is being a singer another ‘role’ you have to take on? What’s motivated you to continue? 

Being a singer is my job and one of my roles. I don’t hope to lose myself because it’s important that we all maintain our unique personalities. Some people find me funny, or perhaps nonsensical, but no one thinks I’m unserious when I’m singing. For my last concert, my music director described me as a “friend” who is always by your side without you necessarily knowing or noticing. Then there will be a day that you notice, and it turns out that he’s always been there supporting you. This isn’t a one-sided assessment on his part, I do hope to feel like a friend. 

What goals and expectations have you set for yourself now?

For the short term, it would be to do well at my upcoming concert. For the long term, I hope people will give me a chance. I hope those who have been disappointed by me or those who think I don’t have what it takes will change their minds and see the good in me. 

What does Hong Kong mean to you? 

Hong Kong people’s way of living is truly unique, everyone hustles non-stop. In addition, there are tons of advantages in this small city. Like commuting for example, travelling from Tuen Mun to Chai Wai only takes 45 minutes. There are a lot of kind-hearted and polite people in this city, and many possibilities when it comes to ways of life. Besides fine-dining, there are also lots of small businesses to discover. 

What is the “Hong Kong spirit”? How does one carry it forward? 

The Hong Kong spirit is changing. People are becoming smarter and smarter, and our DNA is only getting better. Just look at the secondary school basketball players, wow are they tall. In comparison, my generation is relatively frail, poor and less advanced. It wasn’t a trend to hit the gym either. To pass on Hong Kong people’s wisdom, share more, try more and help one another. 

What message do you have for Hong Kong people?

I hope Hong Kong people don’t see themselves as ordinary. Like what I want to convey in my concert concept, the name Kaho could sound quite ordinary, but I want to prove that someone with such an ordinary name and ordinary face can reach extraordinary heights and perform at places like the Hong Kong Coliseum. If I can do it, so can you so don’t ever look down on yourself because of where you come from.

Translated by Karrie Lam