In an era of fleeting pop stardom, the enduring power of a true legend was on full display last Friday. Cantopop pioneer Sam Hui returned to Singapore for a one-night-only concert, “Play Hard, Sing Hard,” delivering a night packed with nostalgia, musicianship, and sheer, unadulterated fun that captivated a multi-generational audience at The Star Theatre.
From the moment the 76-year-old icon strolled onto the stage with his characteristic easy-going charm, it was clear this was less a formal performance and more a reunion of old friends. The setlist was a meticulously curated journey through his five-decade career, designed to be a communal sing-along.
The crowd, a vibrant mix of those who grew up with his music and younger fans discovering his genius, needed little encouragement, their voices rising in unison to fill the arena with classic anthems.
Hui, often hailed as the “Godfather of Cantopop,” demonstrated his unique combination of folk-rock sensibilities and witty, relatable lyricism.
Tracks like the iconic “半斤八兩” (Ban Gan Bat Leung / The Balance) and the playful “天才白痴夢” (Tin Choi Baak Chi Mung / The Fool’s Dream) were met with roaring recognition, their satirical takes on working-class life proving as resonant today as they were in the 1970s.
While the production valued musical authenticity over high-tech spectacle, the staging was effective and engaging.
A full live band provided a rich, dynamic soundscape, and large screens offered close-up glimpses of Hui’s still-impressive guitar work and his warm, conversational interactions with the audience. He frequently paused to share anecdotes, expressing genuine gratitude for his Singaporean fans’ decades-long support, a gesture that fostered an intimate atmosphere.
The overarching sentiment by the final encore was one of joyful contentment. There were no overly flashy gimmicks—just a master musician and songwriter connecting with his audience through the timeless language of hit songs.
Photos credit: GME International
