Wong Ka Kui
Encyclopedia
Wong Ka-Kui was a Hong Kong
composer
, songwriter
, musician
and singer. He was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and the founder of the Hong Kong
rock band Beyond
.
He composed more than 90 percent of the songs sung by Beyond
, and won several awards for his songwriting. Wong is remembered for his musical talents as well as his unique and powerful voice that was able to convey a wide range of emotions. Many of his songs address social issues such as injustice, war and peace, racism, poverty, family and pursuit of dreams.
Wong Ka-Kui's determination and perseverance inspired many young people. His songs, which echoed his outlook in life, are still a source of inspiration for many. He devoted his entire life to achieve change in the Hong Kong music industry and also tried to make a difference in the world.
While filming a gameshow for Fuji Television
in Japan
on June 24, 1993, Wong Ka-Kui fell off a 3 meter platform head first, and was hospitalized immediately. He died after spending several days in a coma due to internal bleeding from head injuries.
, and formed a rock band called Beyond. Yip Sai Wing was the drummer of the band and Wong Ka-Kui was the leading vocalist and guitarist. In the same year they won an award for “Best Band” in a competition sponsored by Guitar Magazine. Paul Wong, initially designed posters and record covers for Beyond, joined the band later on as a guitarist. In 1984, Wong Ka-Kui's younger brother, Wong Ka Keung
joined the band as a bassist. Since then Beyond remained an independent band, playing music at nightclubs and schools. In 1986, Beyond self-published "Goodbye Ideals" on cassette tape. Their early styles were mostly hard rock, new wave, post-punk, experimental and avant-garde. Their later manager, Leslie Chan, attended one of their live performances and was impressed by their unique style. As a result, Chan invited Beyond to sign with Kinn's music. However, their hard rock style was not widely accepted by listeners in Hong Kong. Disappointing album sales presented Beyond with a dilemma. In 1987, Beyond released their first album Arabian Dancing Girl. Their music began softened with keyboard, but their album sale still couldn’t meet the expectations. At the same time, they were constantly criticized by other rock bands about commercializing their original hard rock music. In 1988, Beyond released album Modern Stage with some pop songs. For the first time, they included some slow-paced, love theme songs as well as songs with satirical lyrics about their Society. Again, their album sale was not successful, and their management company threatened that no more opportunities would be provided to them if they fail again.
s.
and witnessed the grinding poverty and misery there. Upon their return, a number of songs were written addressing the serious problems of Africa. The Beyond Third World Foundation was created in the same year with profits from the redistribution of an early album.
In order to promote their new record, Beyond participated in the filming of a very popular Japanese game show "Ucchan-nanchan no yarunara yaraneba" (ウッチャンナンチャンのやるならやらねば!) in Fuji Television
studio on June 24, 1993. The stage floor was wet and slippery. While playing a game, Wong Ka Kui fell off the platform with one of the hosts Uchimura. He fell 2.7m to the ground, landing head first, and fell into a coma immediately. News about this accident was barely covered in the Japanese press. However, people in Hong Kong were shocked as soon as they learned about the accident. Realizing the tremendous popularity Wong Ka-Kui had in Hong Kong, people in Japan paid more attention to him, inviting plenty of medical experts to help. At the same time, Beyond's fans in both Hong Kong and Japan kept praying for him. On June 30, 1993, a Japanese representative announced his death in a press conference. Wong Ka-Kui's funeral procession caused traffic in various major streets in Hong Kong to grind to a standstill, and almost every famous Hong Kong Cantopop singer was in attendance to pay their respects. He was buried in Tseung Kwan O
Cemetery.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and singer. He was the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and the founder of the Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
rock band Beyond
Beyond (band)
Beyond was a rock band formed in Hong Kong in 1983. The band became prominent in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia. They were also very popular in mainland China. The band was, and still is, widely considered as the most successful and influential Cantonese band from Hong Kong...
.
He composed more than 90 percent of the songs sung by Beyond
Beyond (band)
Beyond was a rock band formed in Hong Kong in 1983. The band became prominent in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia. They were also very popular in mainland China. The band was, and still is, widely considered as the most successful and influential Cantonese band from Hong Kong...
, and won several awards for his songwriting. Wong is remembered for his musical talents as well as his unique and powerful voice that was able to convey a wide range of emotions. Many of his songs address social issues such as injustice, war and peace, racism, poverty, family and pursuit of dreams.
Wong Ka-Kui's determination and perseverance inspired many young people. His songs, which echoed his outlook in life, are still a source of inspiration for many. He devoted his entire life to achieve change in the Hong Kong music industry and also tried to make a difference in the world.
While filming a gameshow for Fuji Television
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
on June 24, 1993, Wong Ka-Kui fell off a 3 meter platform head first, and was hospitalized immediately. He died after spending several days in a coma due to internal bleeding from head injuries.
Early life
As a teenager, Wong Ka-Kui was greatly interested in European and American music. At the age of 14, Wong Ka-Kui bought an acoustic guitar and learned to play the instrument himself. After completing his studies, he worked in several different fields to finance his love for music. His friends described Ka-Kui as a music maniac because he was never tired of playing music. In an interview, Ka-Kui recalled those earlier days as tough and harsh. Because rock music has minimal prominence in Hong Kong, hardly anyone understood Ka-Kui's love for Rock N'Roll. His parents said he was useless, and most people thought he was crazy because whenever they saw him, he was doing nothing except playing guitar.The formation of Beyond
In 1983, Wong Ka-Kui met Yip Sai WingYip Sai Wing
Yip Sai Wing is a songwriter, singer and the drummer of the Hong Kong rock band Beyond. He is the only remaining original member of Beyond.In 1983, Sai Wing, along with the late Wong Ka Kui and a few other friends, formed Beyond....
, and formed a rock band called Beyond. Yip Sai Wing was the drummer of the band and Wong Ka-Kui was the leading vocalist and guitarist. In the same year they won an award for “Best Band” in a competition sponsored by Guitar Magazine. Paul Wong, initially designed posters and record covers for Beyond, joined the band later on as a guitarist. In 1984, Wong Ka-Kui's younger brother, Wong Ka Keung
Wong Ka Keung
Steve Wong Ka-Keung is a Hong Kong musician, composer and the songwriter. He was one of the members of the now disbanded, Hong Kong rock band Beyond. Steve Wong plays bass guitar and provides vocals...
joined the band as a bassist. Since then Beyond remained an independent band, playing music at nightclubs and schools. In 1986, Beyond self-published "Goodbye Ideals" on cassette tape. Their early styles were mostly hard rock, new wave, post-punk, experimental and avant-garde. Their later manager, Leslie Chan, attended one of their live performances and was impressed by their unique style. As a result, Chan invited Beyond to sign with Kinn's music. However, their hard rock style was not widely accepted by listeners in Hong Kong. Disappointing album sales presented Beyond with a dilemma. In 1987, Beyond released their first album Arabian Dancing Girl. Their music began softened with keyboard, but their album sale still couldn’t meet the expectations. At the same time, they were constantly criticized by other rock bands about commercializing their original hard rock music. In 1988, Beyond released album Modern Stage with some pop songs. For the first time, they included some slow-paced, love theme songs as well as songs with satirical lyrics about their Society. Again, their album sale was not successful, and their management company threatened that no more opportunities would be provided to them if they fail again.
First Success
Realizing the situation they were in, Beyond released their next album Secret Police with songs that were more in the popular genre. Songs such as 大地 ("The Land") and 喜歡你 ("Loving You") from the recording 秘密警察 (Secret Police) gained tremendous popularity, followed by Beyond's increased recognition and public appearances. Several songs they composed later proved incredible success as well. They received awards for 真的愛你 ("Truly Love You") and 俾面派對 ("Social Party"). "Truly Love You" is a tribute song to mothers, and is one of the best-known songs from Beyond. "Social Party" is a satire about the Hong Kong entertainment industry, in which musicians are often asked to appear in unrelated TV game showGame show
A game show is a type of radio or television program in which members of the public, television personalities or celebrities, sometimes as part of a team, play a game which involves answering questions or solving puzzles usually for money and/or prizes...
s.
Social Concerns
Gradually Beyond became the most popular band in Hong Kong. This at the same time marked the turning point for their musical career. They paid more attention to social issues and the ongoing events around the world. Wong Ka-Kui won the Best Lyrics award for his touching, inspiring lyrics in 光輝歲月 ("The Glorious Days"), which is a tribute to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former president of South Africa. In 1991, Beyond visited KenyaKenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
and witnessed the grinding poverty and misery there. Upon their return, a number of songs were written addressing the serious problems of Africa. The Beyond Third World Foundation was created in the same year with profits from the redistribution of an early album.
Career in Japan
Realizing the restriction on original music in Hong Kong, Beyond decided to redirect their career to Japan. In January 1992, Beyond signed a worldwide management contract with Japanese record label Amuse. Wong's stage name was "Koma"; many fans still blame this "cursed" name. During the year, they released an album called The Revolution Continues. In May 1993, Beyond returned to Hong Kong with a new album Rock and Roll. Wong Ka-Kui's signature work 海闊天空 ("Under a Vast Sky", sometimes translated as “Vast Sky and Boundless Sea”) won the Best Original Song award in Hong Kong. Before they went back to Japan, Beyond held an unplugged concert in Hong Kong and Malaysia, which was Beyond’s last concert with Wong Ka-Kui.Death
"For us and for Hong Kong, the incident was not merely about the loss of an artist. It was about losing a revolutionary of music." - Paul Wong on the death of Ka Kui.In order to promote their new record, Beyond participated in the filming of a very popular Japanese game show "Ucchan-nanchan no yarunara yaraneba" (ウッチャンナンチャンのやるならやらねば!) in Fuji Television
Fuji Television
is a Japanese television station based in Daiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan, also known as or CX, based on the station's callsign "JOCX-DTV". It is the flagship station of the Fuji News Network and the ....
studio on June 24, 1993. The stage floor was wet and slippery. While playing a game, Wong Ka Kui fell off the platform with one of the hosts Uchimura. He fell 2.7m to the ground, landing head first, and fell into a coma immediately. News about this accident was barely covered in the Japanese press. However, people in Hong Kong were shocked as soon as they learned about the accident. Realizing the tremendous popularity Wong Ka-Kui had in Hong Kong, people in Japan paid more attention to him, inviting plenty of medical experts to help. At the same time, Beyond's fans in both Hong Kong and Japan kept praying for him. On June 30, 1993, a Japanese representative announced his death in a press conference. Wong Ka-Kui's funeral procession caused traffic in various major streets in Hong Kong to grind to a standstill, and almost every famous Hong Kong Cantopop singer was in attendance to pay their respects. He was buried in Tseung Kwan O
Tseung Kwan O
Tseung Kwan O is a bay in Sai Kung District, New Territories, Hong Kong. In the northern tip of the bay lies the Tseung Kwan O Village....
Cemetery.
Musical Style
The musical style of Beyond and Wong Ka Kui encompassed music from many styles, including Western classical music, heavy metal, oriental sounds, and country folk style. In doing so, their music created a unique blend, with its own distinguishing character much different from many other types of sounds.Influences on Hong Kong's music
Another dream of Wong Ka-Kui was to help local musicians. Along with the other members of Beyond, they established a foundation offering assistance to aspiring artists in creating and publishing their works. As the leader of Hong Kong's only band to have transitioned from the underground scene to the mainstream, Wong has been cited as influential and inspiring by many of today's crop of musicians and bands. He has also often been credited as a positive force in Hong Kong's music industry along with the Godfather of Cantopop, Sam Hui – both were noted for creating and setting standards.Legacy
- Beginning in December, 2007, Radio Television Hong KongRadio Television Hong KongRadio Television Hong Kong is a public broadcasting organisation in Hong Kong that is operated as an independent department in the government under the Broadcasting Authority. RTHK operates seven radio channels, and produces television programmes that are then broadcast through local television...
(RTHK) released a documentary series called 不死傳奇 (A Legend Never Dies), featuring Roman TamRoman TamRoman Tam, known by the stage name Lo Man , nickname Law Kee , was a renowned Hong Kong Cantopop singer. He is regarded as the "Godfather of Cantopop".-Career:...
, Anita MuiAnita MuiAnita Mui Yim-fong was a popular Hong Kong singer and actress. During her prime years she made major contributions to the cantopop music scene, while receiving numerous awards and honours. She remained an idol throughout most of her career, and was generally regarded as a cantopop diva...
, Leslie CheungLeslie CheungLeslie Cheung Kwok-Wing , nicknamed elder brother , was a film actor and musician from Hong Kong. Cheung was considered as "one of the founding fathers of Cantopop", and "combining a hugely successful film and music career".In 2000, Cheung was named Asian Biggest Superstar by China Central...
, Teresa TengTeresa TengTeresa Teng , was an immensely popular and influential Chinese pop singer from Taiwan. Teresa Teng's voice and songs are instantly recognized throughout East Asia and in areas with large Asian populations...
, Wong Ka Kui and Danny ChanDanny ChanDanny Chan Bak-keung was a 1980s cantopop singer, composer and actor in Hong Kong with origins in Taishan, Guangdong. Chan was of the first generation of pop idols in Hong Kong. He was already an electronic organ player, a songwriter, an actor and a promising singer at the beginning of his career...
. The episode on Wong Ka Kui was aired on TVB on January 26, 2008, and labeled him "The Spring Water of Hong Kong Music Industry."
- On November 8, 2005, Hong Kong post office released a stamp collection called "Hong Kong Pop Singers". Wong Ka-Kui was one of the five singers who had their images printed on stamps.
- In a vote conducted by SinaSina.comSINA is an online media company for China and Chinese communities around the world. SINA operates four major business lines: Sina Weibo, SINA Mobile, SINA Online, and SINA.net. SINA has over 100 million registered users worldwide...
China in 2007, Wong Ka-Kui was one of the Most Missed Celebrities along with Leslie CheungLeslie CheungLeslie Cheung Kwok-Wing , nicknamed elder brother , was a film actor and musician from Hong Kong. Cheung was considered as "one of the founding fathers of Cantopop", and "combining a hugely successful film and music career".In 2000, Cheung was named Asian Biggest Superstar by China Central...
and Anita MuiAnita MuiAnita Mui Yim-fong was a popular Hong Kong singer and actress. During her prime years she made major contributions to the cantopop music scene, while receiving numerous awards and honours. She remained an idol throughout most of her career, and was generally regarded as a cantopop diva...
.
- There are many tribute songs dedicated to Wong Ka-Kui, including "The Champion of Love" by Japanese rock group Bakufu-Slump, 佢 ("He") by Soler, 祝你愉快 ("Wish You Well") by his brother Wong Ka KeungWong Ka KeungSteve Wong Ka-Keung is a Hong Kong musician, composer and the songwriter. He was one of the members of the now disbanded, Hong Kong rock band Beyond. Steve Wong plays bass guitar and provides vocals...
, "Paradise" by Beyond, 抗戰二十年 ("Combat for 20 Years") by Beyond and 故事 ("The Story") by Paul Wong.
- In the last concert of Beyond in 2003, Wong Ka-Kui was "resurrected" in the form of a life-size video projection, alongside his former band mates while they sang the song 抗戰二十年 ("Combat for 20 years") in memory of him.
Discography
- Goodbye Ideals (再見理想) (cassette) 1986
- Waiting Forever (永遠等待) (E.P.) January, 1987
- A New World (新世界) (E.P) May, 1987
- Arabian Dancing Girl (阿拉伯跳舞女郎) (L.P) July, 1987
- A Lonely Kiss (E.P.) (孤單一吻) September, 1987
- Modern Stage (L.P.) (現代舞台) March, 1988
- Secret Police (L.P.) (秘密警察) September, 1988
- The Best of Beyond Yesterday's Footprints (L.P.) (舊日的足跡) December, 1988
- The Real Testimony (L.P.) (真的見證) December, 1989
- "A Moment of Romance" Movie Soundtrack (E.P.) （＜天若有情＞電影原聲） June, 1990
- Win Against Your Own Demon (E.P.) (戰勝心魔) June, 1990
- The Fate Party (L.P.) (命運派對) September, 1990
- Hesitate (L.P.) (猶豫) September, 1991
- BEYOND LIVE (Concert) (L.P.) (91生命接觸演唱會) December, 1991
- The Revolution Continues (L.P.) (繼續革命) August, 1992
- The Ultimate Emptiness( E.P.) (無盡空虛) December, 1992
- Beyond Belief (Mandarin) (信念) 1992
- Rock and Roll (TC: 樂與怒) 1993
- Wong Ka Kui's Everlasting Spirit-Special Collection( L.P.) August, 1993
Filmography
- CagemanCagemanCageman is a 1992 Hong Kong film directed by Jacob Cheung.-Cast and roles:* Dennis Chan - Councillor Tsui* Roy Chiao - Koo Yiu-Choo* Joe Junior - Charlie* Ku Feng - Luk Tung* Teddy Robin - Tong Sam* Lau Shun - Taoist* Tats Lau - Man gambling...
(籠民) (1992) - Beyond's Diary (Beyond日記之莫欺少年窮) (1991)
- The BanquetThe Banquet (1991 film)The Banquet , also known as Party of a Wealthy Family, is a 1991 Hong Kong comedy film...
(1991) - The Fun, the Luck, and the Tycoon (1989)
- Happy Ghost 4 (開心鬼救開心鬼) (1989)
Selected Awards
- 1989 - won "Song of the Year" award for the song "Truly Love You" at Hong Kong's Jade Solid Gold Awards
See also
- Beyond (band)Beyond (band)Beyond was a rock band formed in Hong Kong in 1983. The band became prominent in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia. They were also very popular in mainland China. The band was, and still is, widely considered as the most successful and influential Cantonese band from Hong Kong...
- Wong Ka KeungWong Ka KeungSteve Wong Ka-Keung is a Hong Kong musician, composer and the songwriter. He was one of the members of the now disbanded, Hong Kong rock band Beyond. Steve Wong plays bass guitar and provides vocals...
- Paul Wong
- Yip Sai WingYip Sai WingYip Sai Wing is a songwriter, singer and the drummer of the Hong Kong rock band Beyond. He is the only remaining original member of Beyond.In 1983, Sai Wing, along with the late Wong Ka Kui and a few other friends, formed Beyond....