From busker to pop star: MC Cheung is the “bad boy” singer making waves in Canto-pop (2024)

In an interview with the magazine men’s uno, Cheung said that Jay Chou’s album Still Fantasysparked his interest in singing. In his younger days, he didn’t have much entertainment at home—just a CD player—and he would mimic Chou’s singing.

Cheung told Commercial Radio Hong Kong that he had poor singing skills in secondary school. To improve, he practised singing seven to eight hours daily over four to five years, even when his voice broke. He likened this training to exercising one’s muscles, saying, “If you were tired from the training today, you would be less tired next time; you keep strengthening yourself.”

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When he was around 17 to 18 years old, Cheung performed as part of a busking team called Nothing Special in popular areas of the city, such as Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui.

After his official debut with a record label, Cheung organised a free one-hour concert near his old busking spot at an open-air piazza along Tsim Sha Tsui’s promenade to pay tribute to his humble beginnings. Around 10,000 fans attended the show. Reflecting on the performance, Cheung mentioned in another interview that the experience reminded him of the challenging days as a busker, when people ignored him and he struggled to make enough money for transportation.

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In 2019, Cheung participated in King Maker II, a TV talent competition by ViuTV. His singing performance wowed the judges and the audience from the start. He continued to impress the crowd in the later stages, performing hit songs such as Eric Chou’s How Have You Been? and Sam Smith’s I’m Not The Only One. He eventually clinched the runner-up position.

In a post-competition interview, Cheung addressed criticism of his perceived arrogance and tardiness on the show. He admitted that he couldn’t accept his behaviour and vowed to take steps to improve.

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Above Cheung performs Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One” on ViuTV’s talent competition “King Maker II” (Video: ViuTv)

After winning the talent competition, the organisers ViuTV put together a Canto-pop boy group called Mirrorand expressed interest in signing Cheung as one of its artists. However, he rejected the offer and decided to be an independent artist. In an interview with Commercial Radio Hong Kong, Cheung explained that he desired more creative freedom and didn’t see himself as a good fit for a boy group, especially since he didn’t dance very well.

On his YouTube channel, Cheung covered songs and collaborated with other singers. He also organised a solo concert Music Live with MC.

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Above Cheung covers On Chan's How To Stop Time (Video: Cheung Tin-fu)

In 2021, Cheung signed with Warner Music Hong Kong after spending the year as an independent artist. Before the announcement, he was featured in another song and a music video released by artists from the same label. The company invited him to join the project after recognising his unique talent and potential.

Cheung expressed his ambition to establish a presence in the mainstream music scene and reach a wider audience. He believed that signing with an international label would offer him more opportunities, especially since he aims to create music in both Cantonese and English.

Since then, Cheung’s music career has advanced rapidly. His albums have topped local charts, and he has received multiple awards at major music award shows in the city. In 2023, he performed at the Hong Kong Coliseum, an iconic venue where renowned artists like David Bowie and Namie Amuro have also graced the stage.

Above The music video of Cheung's latest song, "Mind Your Ex" (Video: Cheung Tin-fu)

Cheung has been exploring various music styles, such as pop rock and combining elements of R&B with lo-fi. Some hit songs include Pillow Talk, Overruledand A Gentleman’s Guide To Old-Fashioned Dating.

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In an interview on an online show hosted by Stephen Chan Chi-wan, Cheung shared that his late father had been his biggest supporter in pursuing a singing career, despite other family members advising him to choose a more stable path. “My dad encouraged me to follow my passion for music and ignore others’ opinions. But he asked me to promise that I would give it my all and have no regrets,” said Cheung during the interview.

When Cheung joined the reality show King Maker II, he chose not to inform his family because he was worried about losing. Unfortunately, before he made it to the final round, his father, who was the first to know about his participation, died from cancer.

Above Cheung won the Gold Award for Ultimate Male Newcomers at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation in 2022 (Video: Hong Kong Toolbar)

“When I was one of the final ten competitors, my dad was intubated and couldn’t speak. He was able to communicate by writing on paper. I approached his bedside, held his hand, and shared my plans with him, promising to fulfil them. I wanted to reassure him and alleviate any worries he may have had. After that, he gave me a thumbs up,” Cheung recounted in an interview with Ming Pao Weekly.

Upon winning the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, Cheung said on stage, “Dad, I’ve made it!”

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