The evergreen Mandopop star Wakin Chau shows off his softer side performing songs from his latest album, Diva.
Contributed By Audrey Yeo
Wakin Chau pulled out all stops for his Singaporean fans at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. CN PHOTO: Daniel Poh
Justin Bieber he may not be, but Taiwanese crooner Wakin Chau is a sell-out act nevertheless, as his May 28 concert here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium proved. This was his second visit to Singapore, after a brief visit here earlier this year for an awards ceremony.
The 51-year-old veteran singer, composer and songwriter, previously known as Emil Chau, has always been well-known for his heart-warming songs. There’s no denying his broad appeal—while his popularity is not as red-hot as it was in the early ‘80s and ‘90s, the man still enjoys the adulation of a more mature demographic as well as a Gen-Y fanbase, who came with posters and placards in support of their idol.
The audiences made their enthusiasm known from the start of the concert. They whipped out their light sticks, whistled, clapped and cheered as the singer opened his performance with a three-song medley. Titled Diva Wakin Chau 2011 Live Concert Singapore, the concert featured songs from his latest album, Diva, which contains reinterpretations of songs originally written for “divas” including Faye Wong and the late Teresa Teng. Singapore was the first stop of the tour.
Chau later donned a glamorous red outfit as he sang songs from the new album such as “Wandering Songstress” and the title track “Diva.” He even invited a Taiwanese opera singer, all decked out in traditional gear, to perform.
The singer also sang two other Cantopop hits and the English classic “What A Wonderful World,” as fans went forward to present him with flowers—adoring gestures befitting a star who had obviously pulled out all stops for his Singaporean fans. The lighting was atmospheric, as was the set, which was meticulously designed with graphics displayed on small LED screens, forming images and projecting his music videos as he sang. There was also a full band that included a saxophone, three violins and a cello.
As the concert approached its end, the audience chanted for an encore, to which the veteran pop idol obliged with no less than seven songs. As he belted out signature hits including “Flower Heart,” “Love Follows” and “Whether Rain Or Shine,” the audiences gamely sang along. The standing ovation he received at the end put an end to whatever doubt anyone had about his evergreen status, especially among his long-time fans.
