Urban ballad events launched in SZ

Singers and bands from across the nation performed a collection of soothing ballads at the premiere concert of the “My Town, My Folk” New Era Chinese Urban Ballad Series at OH Bay in Bao’an District last Saturday, drawing a crowd of 3,000 audience members.

International singers perform at the opening concert of the “My Town, My Folk” New Era Chinese Urban Ballad Series on Saturday. Photos by Lin Songtao

A number of notable singers and bands, including Ma Tiao, Haya, Zhao Zhao, Zhang Gasong, Fan Kaijie, and Han Xiaojiu, as well as singers from the U.K. and Czech Republic, performed not only classic tunes like “Take Me Home, Country Road” but also crossover songs, demonstrating the thriving and innovative ballad scene in China. The audience was able to experience the simplicity and spontaneity of the ballads while embracing the city’s love for music.

Audience members cheer at the opening concert of the “My Town, My Folk” New Era Chinese Urban Ballad Series at OH Bay in Bao’an District on Saturday. 

According to Guo Yan, executive chief director of the concert, upcoming ballad concerts will be organized over the next few weekends, building Shenzhen into a ballad hub in China.

Haya

Daiqing Tana, the lead singer of Haya, shared her understanding of ballads. “I think ballads are similar to world music in that they can be created in any setting, either under the roof or between heaven and earth, while evoking deep emotions or resonating within everyone.”

Famous lyricist and director Jia Ding said that the ballad event in Shenzhen is bringing together talented individuals from various locations. He expressed confidence in the future of Chinese ballads.

Folk singer-songwriter Zhao Zhao was very excited to perform in Shenzhen and noted the city’s diverse music scene as an advantage for music creation. He hopes that this activity serves as a seed, growing in Shenzhen and becoming a substantial contribution to the music industry.

“As a local musician, I hope that through this event, Shenzhen can grow into a city of ballads,” said composer and vocal educator Yao Feng, who is also the president of the Shenzhen Culture and Art Experts Association.

Ma Tiao

The “My Town, My Folk” New Era Chinese Urban Ballad Series is led by the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, and Shenzhen Federation of Literary and Art Circles. It is organized by the Shenzhen Musician Association.

In the next two months, 50 singers and bands from more than 20 domestic cities will hold concerts, host ballad salons and compose songs based on their experiences in Shenzhen. Singers and songwriters from Hong Kong, Macao and neighboring cities will be featured in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) special section of the concert series to strengthen connections among artists in the GBA.