Who is Keung To, really?
Aug 07 2024 by Mori.
If you want to truly understand Keung To's work, you first need to have a basic understanding of who he is as a person. And whether this is the real him or just a crafted persona is something that can only be glimpsed through careful observation.
But what can reveal a person's true self more than how they act in both their moments of glory and their darkest times?
Amid the turbulent times in Hong Kong, Keung To emerged as a standout figure in the long-dormant music scene. With no background or formal training, he relied solely on passion and determination to be a successful artist. As an amateur, he entered a televised singing competition, where most contestants were seasoned veterans (mostly dancers) within the industry.
Against all odds, he captured the hearts of both the professional judging panel and the audience, winning the competition with the highest scores from both groups.
From being seen as an underdog—enduring a childhood marked by obesity, loneliness, and bullying, without a university degree or any formal training in music or dance—Yet, many cannot deny the undeniable fact: the stage presence he exudes the moment he steps onto the stage. You either have it or you don’t.
Still, this pressure of his newfound championship title weighed heavily on him. These pressures gradually became more apparent as his popularity soared later in his career.
As the champion, Keung To did not receive any special treatment. Upon debuting, he joined the boy band Mirror, which consisted of 11 other contestants from the competition, becoming just one member of the group.
His solo career didn’t truly take off until a year later. His first solo track, "No. 1 Seed," reflected his preference for R&B. However, as a newcomer, he had little say in the selection of his songs.
It wasn't until his fourth solo single, "Say I Love You with mask on” that Keung To began to take creative control, marking the emergence of his signature style. This uplifting song captures the act of expressing love despite the physical barrier of a mask during the pandemic. A special tribute for the medical community, a message of hope for the audience, that dark days will pass.
It was precisely this song that earned him the honors of "My Favorite Male Singer" and "My Favorite Song" at the 2021 Ultimate Song Chart Awards.
At just 21 Keung To became the youngest artist in history to win both prestigious awards. He then won both awards the following year with the song "Dear my friend", and secured two more victories for "My Favorite Song," with "what the work says" and "waves" making it four consecutive wins.
The Ultimate Song Chart Awards stirred the stagnant waters of the Cantonese music scene that night. "Who is Keung To?" became the burning question across major online forums, even drawing the attention of independent media outlets that typically focused on politics or economics, eager to join the discussion about the results. Love him or hate him, he became a true "traffic magnet” over the internet since that day with people watching his every move.
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