Nothing beats listening to Mandopop singer-songwriter Wakin Chau live at “The Younger Me Concerts Tour 3.0” in Kuala Lumpur (KL).
Chau’s vocals are evocative and moving, with a warm, soothing and solid voice that resonates with audiences. Chau, 64, belted out 28 songs last Saturday (Oct 18) night at his concert, including three encore songs, bringing back nostalgia through his timeless hits.
“Terima kasih, thank you very much. We meet again. I guess all of you here are those who have seen me when growing up. It has been some 30–40 years. Once again I come to KL, Malaysia and I thank all of you for your support,” said Chau in his opening remarks.
Chau showed fans that neither did he need any fancy dance moves, nor any guests to entertain a full-house crowd at Axiata Arena. Just the best hits of Chau and his good, old self.
“The name of this concert is ‘The Younger Me Concerts Tour 3.0’. Young man, I’m not. From a young man, to middle age, to the golden years today, as I look back, I find that it is a ‘magical’ journey. I believe when you look back, actually everyone will have a ‘magical’ journey. And if my songs have once been in the background, or even the main soundtrack in your life, let us cherish the moments and enjoy tonight,” said Chau in Mandarin.
Chau kicked off the concert by setting it to sail, akin to a sea voyage to represent this life journey.
“Sometimes the sky is clear and sunny, sometimes there is storm and rain, isn’t this what life is about?”
A tribute to his 40-year career, the concert showcased Chau’s musical odyssey and vocal prowess. The upgraded production, dubbed 3.0, saw layered LED backdrops, dynamic lightings and stagecraft.
Chau also revealed that he bought a property in Malaysia.
“35 years ago, I came here (Malaysia) for the first time and I like it here. I thought to myself, one day, I want to buy a property here. So many years have passed and I have bought it! I cannot use a foreigner’s tone to communicate with all of you, isn’t it? What if you’re my neighbour? And I bump into you when buying groceries? It’s a great place, a place worth (me) investing. I love KL. I love Malaysia,” said Chau.
Chau single-handedly performed the duet song Tian Xia You Qing Ren (People In Love), the song for Shen Diao Xia Lv (The Return of the Condor Heroes), based on a wuxia novel by Jin Yong.
“It’s a duet but because I want to buy property in Malaysia, I’m going to save up the money, so I will sing (the entire song),” quipped Chau.
Chau dedicated his latest song Lei Si Hua Bian (Fragile Love), a Mandarin song with Cantonese narration of the prose by writer Chen Yu-chen, to Malaysian fans, given that most Malaysians are multi-lingual.
From the heartfelt warmth of Peng You (Friends) to the resolute Feng Yu Wu Zu (Nothing Will Stop Me From Loving You), the tender Rang Wo Huan Xi Rang Wo You (You Make Me Happy and Sad) and classics such as Hua Xin (Flowery Heart) and You Mei You Yi Shou Ge Hui Rang Ni Xiang Qi Wo (Any Song Reminds You of Me?), each hit transcends time, remaining as moving today as ever.
