Paula Tsui Siu-fung
Legendary singer Paula Tsui Siu-fung, 62, rose to fame in the 1970s with her unique vocals and jaw-dropping gowns. She will make a rare appearance at the Venetian Macao this weekend, where she will perform three shows.
She talks to Winnie Yeung about never wanting to retire, and why she wishes people would stop talking about her dresses.
I was born in Hubei but my family moved here when I was a baby. My first memories are of Hong Kong.
I wasn’t a good kid—I was rebellious, and the only lesson I enjoyed was music. Singing always came very naturally to me. But when teachers wanted us to sing school hymns, I ended up singing pop songs.
I was rebellious because I didn’t know what I wanted. That’s why my memories of youth are so vague—I just wandered about and disappeared from jobs after three, four days.
I sympathize with kids these days when they’re criticized for dropping out and living aimlessly. I’ve been there.
I entered a singing contest because a couple of friends wanted me to go with them. They wouldn’t participate if I didn’t. So it was a favor for them. But instead, I won.