Putonghua takes the pop route

PUTONGHUA, as we all know, will be an important language of communication after 1997, and it is catching on fast.

One highly effective way of spreading the Putonghua word is through song, and more and more singers are giving Putonghua concerts.

Recently, 10 stars from Taiwan were in town to give an all-Putonghua concert, featuring hit Mandarin songs. The 'I Love Putonghua - Autumn Concert', held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, was organised by Hit Radio 997.

The star-studded show promoted original songs in Taiwanese and encouraged people to learn Putonghua.

Hundreds of fans had gathered early at the entrance to the stadium to greet the singers with colourful banners and loud whistles and cheers.

The artists included Phil Chang, Jeffrey Chang, Kit Chan, Kay Hwang, Samuel Toi, Chen Wai, Leslie Li, Chyi Chin, David Hwang and Winnie Hsin.

Highlights of the show were two duets performed by Kit Chan with Samuel Toi and Kay Hwang with Chen Wai. The girls in the audience were ecstatic when heart-throbs Phil Chang, Jeffrey Chang and Samuel Toi came on stage. The moment they started singing, the girls went into a screaming frenzy.

The lively hosts of the evening were Simon Loui and Sally Lai.