Chen Li Makes Hong Kong Coliseum Debut with Cantonese Classics
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
Mainland singer-songwriter Chen Li (陳粒) made her Hong Kong Coliseum debut on August 8, launching a two-night "Yi Li" 10th anniversary tour that runs through August 9 . The 34-year-old indie artist, who has released nine albums and over 170 self-penned tracks since her 2014 breakthrough, overhauled her setlist extensively for the Hong Kong stop and performed three Cantonese classics to demonstrate her commitment to local audiences . The concert drew enthusiastic crowds, with police deploying additional officers to prevent the traffic congestion and spectator delays that marred a recent Li Hao concert nearby .
Key Points
- Chen Li performed three Cantonese songs: "Like an Old Friend" (似是故人來), "Cherish Tonight" (今宵多珍重), and "Dream Lover" (夢中人), admitting "Cantonese songs are really, really hard to sing" despite extensive practice .
- The August 8-9 Hong Kong shows featured major setlist changes including newly added tracks "Crush," "Greedy," "Lazy," "Warning Once," "Gregarious Creature," "Seventh Floor," and "Clear and Light" .
- During fan interaction, Chen Li confessed extreme nervousness about the Hong Kong-specific alterations, joking that audiences could laugh at mistakes since they bought tickets, and quipped "No guest today, just me—is that okay?" .
- She rode a "fruit and vegetable skateboard float" through extended stage walkways to shake hands with fans on all four sides, humorously telling those she missed to shake their neighbor's hand instead .
- Chen Li was moved to tears during finale "Fruit," requiring deep breaths to compose herself before finishing the song .
- Police established cordons outside the Yellow Gate and directed departing audiences toward MTR and bus stations, while KMB operated additional special routes; dispersal proceeded smoothly without the previous congestion .
- Born in Guiyang, Guizhou in 1990, Chen Li bypassed talent shows to establish herself as an independent musician, joining the "10-billion club" of NetEase Cloud Music streamers alongside Faye Wong and Stefanie Sun .
Why It Matters
Chen Li's elaborate adaptation for Hong Kong—overhauling her setlist and tackling linguistically challenging Cantonese repertoire—reflects growing mainland artist investment in localized performances for the Greater Bay Area market . The police response to prior concert dispersal problems also shows authorities treating large-scale entertainment events with heightened operational seriousness to protect public safety and Hong Kong's reputation as a regional events hub .
Chen Li's elaborate adaptation for Hong Kong—overhauling her setlist and tackling linguistically challenging Cantonese repertoire—reflects growing mainland artist investment in localized performances for the Greater Bay Area market . The police response to prior concert dispersal problems also shows authorities treating large-scale entertainment events with heightened operational seriousness to protect public safety and Hong Kong's reputation as a regional events hub .