Last Friday night, Wu Keyue, a graduate of the Department of Popular Music, School of Music and Dance of Shenzhen University (SZU), won the championship at the finale of “The Voice of China.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of “The Voice of China,” a prestigious singing competition aired on Zhejiang Satellite TV. Wu stood out not only as the first Guangdong-born champion, but also the first winner who has chosen Cantonese songs in many rounds of the contest.

Born and raised in Taishan, Jiangmen City in Guangdong Province, Wu grew up speaking Cantonese and listening to Cantonese songs. Following her parents who are fond of Cantonese songs, Wu listened extensively from Canto-pop divas, including Hacken Lee, Teresa Teng, Leslie Cheung, and Jacky Cheung; as a little girl, she heard many “golden hits” and always hummed along while listening.

After graduating from high school in 2017, Wu chose Shenzhen University to further her music study. “I fell in love with Shenzhen almost at first sight, and when I came here, a voice in my heart said to me that I belong to this place,” said Wu. “Being a comprehensive university, Shenzhen University has not only broadened my social circle and learning areas, but also promised more potential for my future development.”

In her teachers’ eyes, Wu is gifted and diligent. She studied extensively in music knowledge, singing and composition, and took every opportunity to participate in stage performance and singing contests. To prepare for “The Voice of China,” she watched the previous seasons of the program and took notes about competition details.

In her preliminary round of “The Voice of China,” Wu sang “Manjusaka” by the late Hong Kong pop queen Anita Mui and was recognized by all four tutors. She chose the team of Hacken Lee, one of her favorite singers known for many Cantonese classics. Under Lee’s guidance, Wu gained a better understanding of Cantonese songs and presented many “golden hits,” for example “Wide Sea and Sky” from Beyond, “I’d Rather” from Alan Tam, and “Snowdrift” from Priscilla Chan.

After winning the competition, Wu said she’ll take a short break back in her hometown and return to Shenzhen for work. “I will still consider Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area as my ‘home camp’ because Shenzhen as my ‘second home’ has nurtured me,” she said.

She will soon work with a six-song EP (extended play) composed by a group of Shenzhen musicians, to be released at the end of the year. “I will always pass on the Cantonese songs and will try to become a creative singer, creating brand new Cantonese songs,” said Wu.

(Tang Li)