This year is the 20th anniversary of the death of the famous lyricist James Wong. James Wong is a classic figure in Hong Kong’s popular culture. Through his works, we can understand the cultural characteristics of Hong Kong in different times.

Part 1: James Wong: I am not a Genius
2pm-3pm

In a lecture by Hong Kong’s pop culture scholar and editor of “”Conservating James Wong”", Dr. Ng Chun Hung he spent 16 years collecting James’s rare writing, faxes of letters and anecdotes about his best friend, to have full understanding of James Wong. This time, through James Wong’s life, especially his experience growing up in Sham Shui Po, also his works of different periods, he will highlight the connection between James’ work and the development of Hong Kong society to us.

Part 1: Boundless Road: The Road of James Wong’s Film Music
3:15pm-4:30pm

Lectured by Assistant Professor Dr. Law Tsin Fung Angela, Metropolitan University of Hong Kong, and Associate Professor Dr. Cheung Chi Wai Charles, Department of Humanities and Creative Writing, Hong Kong Baptist University, James Wong and his works were discussed in terms of film music. James Wong’s way of writing pop music was fast, merciless and cool, like nothing was difficult for him, and he finished the lyrics in a few minutes, leaving a lasting reputation for later generations. However, the road of James Wong on film music was not easy. He worked hard for a long time and suffered many rejections. This has made him open the divine situation of the modernization of folk music, and as for the beautiful and pleasant movie songs, he has become a master in the movie music industry.

In this lecture, we invited Jing Wong, a local singer and songwriter, who was deeply influenced by the English and European folk music, to re-interpret James’ songs ‘男兒當自強’, ‘路隨人茫茫’ and ‘滄海一聲笑’. We can listen how the new generation re-interpret the works of James.

* Participants may choose to attend either session or both sessions
* Language: Cantonese

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“The Icon: James Wong“ is one of the projects of “2024 Hong Kong Reading +“. “2024 Hong Kong Reading +“ is organized by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and supported by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor. “2024 Hong Kong Reading + “is one of the programs of “Hong Kong Reading Week” and “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024”.

Disclaimer for 2024 Hong Kong Reading+ : The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

RSVP: www.popticket.hk/event/theicon-jameswong