Cantopop: a genre for Hong Kong that went global among music lovers

A musical genre for the local market that became popular among Chinese speakers and others around the world, Cantopop is a reflection of Hong Kong, with its international influences but distinctly Chinese culture. Initially seen as vulgar and unpresentable, the genre contrasted sharply with traditional Cantonese opera. But over the years, Cantopop has produced some huge stars, including Roman Tam Pak-sin, Paula Tsui Siu-fung, Andy Lau Tak-wah, Leon Lai Ming and Aaron Kwok Fu-shing to name a few. The genre initially reached its peak in the 1990s before taking a back seat to artists from mainland China and boy bands from Japan and South Korea. But in recent years, Cantopop has seen a resurgence, proving that it has become an irreplaceable part of the fabric of Hong Kong.