Jade Kwan

Kwan Wai-Man (born 31 July 1979), better known professionally as Jade Kwan Sum-Yin (Chinese: 關心妍), is a Cantopop singer and philanthropist based in Hong Kong. Originally from Vancouver, she entered the music industry after winning the 1999 New Talent Singing Awards Canada Finals and the Best Potential Newcomer Award at the New Talent Singing Awards International Finals of the same year. She debuted under BMA Records in July 2002 with the album Jade-1, winning multiple best new artist awards and has since released more than 13 albums and extended plays. Kwan is known for her philanthropic work and has been awarded the 2012 Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection[1] and the Hong Kong Volunteer Award[2] in 2011. She is the founder and chairperson of charitable organization Shining Life Limited 妍亮生命慈善基金.

Jade Kwan
Kwan performing in Guangzhou, 2019
Born
Kwan Wai-man (關惠文)

(1979-07-31) 31 July 1979
Hong Kong
Nationality Canada
OccupationSinger, Philanthropist
Years active2002–Present
Spouse(s)Jonas Yeung 楊長智 (2009–Present)
Children1
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese關心妍
Simplified Chinese关心妍
Musical career
OriginHong Kong
GenresCantopop
InstrumentsVocals, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone
LabelsStars Shine International (2010–2012)
BMA Records (1999–2009)
WebsiteJade Online

Life and career

1979–1999: Early life and career beginnings

Kwan was born in Hong Kong on July 31, 1979. She has an older brother. After her parents' divorce when she was eight years old, she immigrated with her mother and brother to British Columbia, Canada in 1990.[3] Her mother returned to Hong Kong after a few years for work. Feeling uncomfortable in a new environment, Kwan had stated that she had engaged in smoking, underage drinking, and skipped school when she was twelve years old. She had also contemplated suicide when her first boyfriend broke up with her.[4] She was admitted to University of British Columbia for studies in pharmaceutical science.

After graduating high school, she entered the New Talent Singing Awards Vancouver Audition 1999 (新秀歌唱大賽溫哥華選拔賽) with the song "Face" (臉, originally sung by Chinese diva Faye Wong) and was awarded first runner-up. As such, she advanced to the New Talent Singing Awards Canada Finals 1999 (新秀歌唱大賽加拿大總決賽) and won. She then competed in the New Talent Singing Awards International Finals 1999 (1999 年全球華人新秀歌唱大賽, also representing Vancouver) and won the "Best Potential Newcomer Award" (最具潛質獎) at the International Finals held in Shanghai, China.[5]

2002–2003: Debut and breakthrough

She returned to Hong Kong hoping to pursue a career in singing, eventually landing a 10-year deal with BMA Records. Kwan did not officially debut until 2002, stating that for three years she did not have jobs, instead spent time learning music theory and how to play the tenor sax and violin. She relied on her mother for financial support, stating "the amount of money my mother invested in me really can't be calculated, it must be more than six figures."[6]

She made her debut with the Mandarin single "Ruined Your Lover" 亂了情人 and followed with Cantonese release "Can't Stand For It" 負擔不起, both well received by radio stations. Her debut studio album, Jade-1, containing 11 tracks, was released July 3, 2002. She achieved her first number one hit on RTHK and TVB's Jade Solid Gold Song Chart with the song "You Have Heart" 你有心, released in her second studio album Jade-2 on December 20 of the same year. Both Jade-1 and Jade-2 reached gold certification, selling 30,000 copies and 50,000 copies respectively. As such, Kwan was awarded 2002 IFPI Best Selling Local Female Newcomer. She swept newcomer awards at year-end music award shows, including Best Prospect Award Gold Prize at the 25th RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards, Best New Female Artist at Metro Radio Music Awards, Ultimate Song Chart's Female Newcomer Gold Prize, Most Popular Female Newcomer (Gold prize) at the 2002 TVB Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards.[7]

Kwan returned to the charts in 2003 with the duet "Special Thanks" 特別鳴謝 with Edwin Siu, reaching number one on RTHK and Metro Radio Pop Chart. She achieved her first all-kill with the single "Specially Reserved" 優先訂座. She released her third studio album Jade-3 on April 16, 2003 and her fourth, Jade Forward in November. Kwan excelled again at year-end award shows, winning Metro Radio Hit Song with "You Have Heart", Most Improved Female Singer Bronze Prize and 4th Best Selling Singer of the Year at the 26th RTHK Top 10 Gold Song Awards. She also won Best Performance Silver Prize at the 2003 Four Stations Joint Music Awards.

2004–2005: Controversies and The 5th Element

She held her first major concert at the Hong Kong coliseum on February 20 and 21, titled Jade I Am Ready Concert, becoming the fastest artist to headline a Coliseum concert.

In efforts to promote Kwan for her concert, BMA Records gave Cable TV Hong Kong footage of Kwan's rehearsal in Japan, along with Cantonese interview footage. This sparked controversy with TVB, as the act was considered a breach of contract.[8] Subsequently, all artistes under BMA Records management were banned from appearing on TVB programmes, which at the time was considered an important medium. Jade made a public apology, stating, "I am a TVB contract artiste, perhaps the company [BMA Records] was negligent... I hope TVB will be lenient".[9] Kwan did not return to TVB music shows until June 2004. She released her first compilation album Jade Birthday Kit on August 18, 2004.

More controversy ensued when an internet rumour spread in November 2004, known as "My Sister Got Fired" (家姐被炒潮文), in which Kwan supposedly gotten a retail sales representative fired. Kwan repeatedly stated the story was false; however, her popularity decreased significantly. It also earned her the nickname "Sister Kwan".[10] The controversy greatly overshadowed the release on her fifth studio album , The 5th Element, which was released January 7, 2005.

2006–2008: Jade Loves..., Lost & Found, and Jade.i

Kwan released her sixth studio album Jade Loves... on May 3, 2006. Three singles were released in support of the album: "Chalk Letters" 粉筆字 , "Jade Band" 玉石樂隊, "The Adventures of Sanmao" 三毛流浪記 . The first two singles each topped two radio stations in Hong Kong. She headlined a show on June 23 at the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre in support of the album.

Lost & Found is Kwan's seventh studio album, released July 20, 2007. The album was formed accompanying a short film of the same name. The album was preceded by the release of "Compass" 指南針 and 送舊迎新. While radio play was moderate for the singles, the third plug "How to Leave You" 如何離開你 topped RTHK Song Chart within three weeks of release. The song earned Kwan Metro Radio Hit Song, Metro Radio Best Original Song, and Best Performance Silver Prize at the 2007 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation, marking her first music awards in more than two years.

Kwan's eighth musical release (and her last one under BMA Records), Jade.i, was released on May 28, 2008. Singles "Don't Forget Me" 毋忘我 and "21st Century Pompeii" 龐貝‧21世紀 received strong airplay, the latter being Kwan's first rock-influenced song. The song won her Metro Radio Hit Song and Top 10 Song at the 2008 JSG Best Ten Music Awards—her first at the award show.

2009–2010: Shine and A New Beginning

After her contract with BMA ended in May 2009, Kwan focused her efforts on recording a Christian album. Shine was released under Jade Star Limited on September 21, containing 12 tracks.[11] The album's first track "The Beginning of a Generation" 世代之初 (featuring MC Jin) was released to mainstream radio stations.

Kwan signed with Stars Shine International in 2010 and returned to the charts with the single "Starting Over", a Cantonese version of Liu Liyang's "Present". Her album A New Beginning was released October 11, 2010. A second single, "Try Love Personally" was released to critical success, with Kwan being praised for her vocal ability. She won Top 10 Song at the 33th RTHK Top 10 Gold Song Awards; Best Performance, Best Female Singer, and Hit Song at the 2010 Metro Radio Hit Music Awards. With Stars Shine International failing to obtain a date for a Hong Kong Coliseum concert for Kwan, she decided not to renew her contract after it ended in 2011.[12] Kwan signed with Star Entertainment (a subsidiary of Neway Group) in the same year.

2011–2013: Still, Concert, and Pause

"Still" 仍然 was released to radio stations in October 2011. The single reached number one on Metro Radio Hits Pop Chart, JSG Song Chart, and on RTHK. The song won Top 10 Song at the 2011 JSG Music Awards.[13] On January 20, 2012, Kwan headlined her second Coliseum concert titled Jade Sings.[14] Special guests included Chilam Cheung, Shirley Kwan, and the Grasshoppers.[15] Kwan's first extended play, Still, was released the same day, containing four tracks, including the title track. The concert's theme song, "Under Your Name" 在你名下 was released to radio stations, reaching the same success as Kwan's previous single, topping three charts.

On September 30, 2012, Kwan was named as one the recipients of the 2012 Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection, becoming the fifth Hong Kong female singer to receive the award. As promotion for her upcoming album, Kwan held a mini concert, Neway Music Live x Jade Kwan, on September 23.[16] On October 12, she released the album Pause. The album contained six new tracks, and three from the previous EP. The single "Lovelorn Philosophy" 失戀哲理 topped the JSG Chart and the Metro Radio Hits Pop Chart. The song won Hit Song and Kwan won Best Female Singer at the 2012 Metro Radio Hit Music Awards.[17] "Lovelorn Philosophy" also won Top 10 at the JSG Awards Show.[18]

After not receiving any recognition at the 35th RTHK Top 10 Gold Song Awards, Kwan posted on Sina Weibo that she was disappointed in music award shows, and that she will no longer attend award presentations. She stated: "I will not give up music. I just don't plan on releasing more albums and decided not to play this game of award shows. Previously I said I would work hard for one more year because of my co-workers' and fans' support, but the result of working hard for a year disappointed everyone... I am too."[19] She further stated that after completing her work on hand, she take a hiatus to try and start a family. In March 2013, Kwan and her label were in talks of renewing her contract. She stated, "Mr. Sit [owner of Star Entertainment] treats me like a daughter, only telling me to sing well. I have no reason to say no."[20]

2014: C-12 project and Say Concert

On March 6, 2014, a music video was posted on YouTube under the account name C-12 for the song " Abnormally Normal", a song with heavy EDM influences. With all credits under the name C-12, netizens were left to guess who the singer was. At the end of the month another music video was posted for "Chose a Way to Die" 揀一個死法. Both songs were noted for their darker themes compared to mainstream Cantopop. On April 22, a press conference was held, revealing the singer to be Kwan, along with producer Carl Wong and lyricist Chan Wing Him.[21] A new single, "Guilt" was released the same day. "Guilt" was noted for its daring music video, in which Kwan portrays the role of a mistress. The EP C-12 was released June 3, with four tracks. Kwan stated that the project was experimental and done to illustrate societal problems.

Kwan returned with the track "Resigned to Adversity" under her own name. The song was received well by radio stations, topping the RTHK Chart and reaching top 3 for the three other major stations. On November 20, Kwan released her third greatest hits album Say New + Best Selections. On November 28 and 29, Kwan headlined her Jade Kwan Concert 2014 (關心妍《說》演唱會) at the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre Star Hall.[22] The concert was recorded and released in DVD format July 14, 2015.

2015– Present: Smile, Hiatus, Touching Moment Tour

In July 2015, the single "Sister Kwan" 關家姐 was released. The song talks about her view of the "My Sister got Fired" rumour after 11 years. Despite the song peaking only at number three on JSG Song Chart, the song won 2015 Jade Solid Gold Song.[23] Kwan released "Bank of Life" 人生銀行; the single reached number one on Metro Radio and JSG. On October 31, 2015 Jade performed at Broadway Macau for the first time for her Jade Kwan Concert. On January 8, 2016 the single "A Yazidi Girl Like Me" was released. The song served as the theme song for the documentary Get Close to ISIS Victims. "Heartless Man", composed by singer-songwriter AGA was released in March 2016. She released the single "Smile" (lyrics and music by Cousin Fung and James Ng) on July 31, 2016 to commemorate the birth of her daughter. On August 10, 2016, the EP Smile was released digitally and as a 2-CD release.[24]

Kwan took a hiatus from music in 2017, focusing on her charity and family.

In April 2019, it was announced that Kwan will be touring in China for the first time. The Touching Moment Concert tour kicked off on July 13 at the Zhongshan Memorial Hall in Guangzhou, China.[25] In support of the tour, Kwan released the Mandarin single "Moment" 時刻.

Personal life

On October 24, 2009, Kwan married long-time boyfriend Jonas Yeung in Bali.[26] In February 2016, Kwan announced on her Facebook page that she was pregnant. She gave birth to a daughter, Jovia Yeung, on July 23, 2016.

Kwan is a Christian, and has been active in attending evangelical events.[27]

Philanthropic Work

Kwan headlined benefit concert Shining as Star "妍"亮生命音樂佈道會 at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium from September 10 to 12, fundraising for Christian Zheng Sheng College, a school for helping young drug offenders.[28]

In October 2011, she was awarded the Hong Kong Volunteer Award.[29] Kwan established charitable foundation Shining Life Limited in early 2013.[30]The foundation focuses on rehabilitation for drug addicts and youth.

Discography

Studio Albums
  • Jade-1 (2002-7-3)
  • Jade-1 Special Edition (2002-9-13)
  • Jade-2 (2002-12-20)
  • Jade-2 Special Edition (2003-1-17)
  • Jade-3 (2003-4-16)
  • Jade-3 Powerful Pack (2003-6-20)
  • Jade Forward (2003-11-26)
  • The 5th Element (2005-1-7)
  • Jade Loves... (2006-5-3)
  • Lost & Found (2007-7-20)
  • 最愛 Jade.i (2008-5-28)
  • 妍亮 Shine (2009-9-10)
  • A New Beginning (2010-10-11)
  • Pause (2012-10-12)

Extended Plays
  • Still 仍然
  • C-12
  • Smile

Compilation Albums
  • Secret Garden 秘密花園
  • Jade Birthday Kit
  • Say New + Best Selections

Live & MV Albums
  • "心愛、心妍 (Love Jade) Karaoke" VCD & DVD (2003-8-29)
  • "Jade I Am Ready Concert 2004" CD (2004-3-19)
  • "Jade I Am Ready Concert 2004" VCD & DVD (2004-4-17)
  • Jade Kwan Concert 2014[31]
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References
  1. "Past HK TOYP Awardees - Junior Chamber International Hong Kong". jcihk.org. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  2. "The 4th Volunteer Award - 第 四 屆 香 港 傑 出 義 工 獎". www.avs.org.hk. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
  3. "兄妹坐移民監　狂食變肥婆關關心妍刀叉防盜冇賊埋身！". Apple Daily 蘋果日報. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  4. 關心妍親爆險為情自殺 - 娛樂放題 - 娛樂追擊. 東周網【東周刊官方網站】Eastweek.com.hk (in Chinese). Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  5. Profile of Jade Kwan on personal website (in Chinese)
  6. "苦等三年　倒貼百萬　歌紅人唔紅關心妍從「垃圾歌手」中走出來". Apple Daily 蘋果日報. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  7. "2002 十大勁歌金曲頒獎典禮". tvcity.tvb.com. Retrieved 2017-12-25.
  8. "畀片有線播遭封殺腳軟！關心妍認衰向無線道歉". Apple Daily 蘋果日報. Retrieved 2017-12-25.
  9. "畀片有線播遭封殺腳軟！關心妍認衰向無線道歉". Apple Daily 蘋果日報. Retrieved 2017-12-25.
  10. "｢關家姐｣潮文傳足十年 關心妍用新歌反擊｜壹週Plus". 壹週Plus. Retrieved 2017-12-25.
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  12. "关心妍与星焕提前解约 否认接私活惹怒公司(图)_娱乐_腾讯网". ent.qq.com. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
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  15. singtao.ca. "與草蜢大跳誘惑舞姿 關心妍終極一露嚇驚老公_星島日報_加拿大多倫多中文新聞網。 Canada Toronto Chinese newspaper". news.singtao.ca. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  16. "关心妍纪念识丈夫 6周年 大呼：快点让我生 - 加拿大都市网 :: 移民的网络家园 - 新闻 - 新闻快递". www.dushi.ca. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  17. 新城劲爆颁奖礼圆满落幕 陈奕迅容祖儿各夺四奖_娱乐_腾讯网. ent.qq.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  18. 顾卓丹. ""十大劲歌金曲"昨晚颁奖 容祖儿林峰成大赢家-东方娱乐-东方网". enjoy.eastday.com. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  19. singtao.ca. "關心妍港台食白果 宣布退出樂壇_星島日報_加拿大多倫多中文新聞網。 Canada Toronto Chinese newspaper". news.singtao.ca. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  20. "關心妍續約條件首要准生B - 香港文匯報". paper.wenweipo.com. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  21. "關心妍化名C-12出歌". Apple Daily 蘋果日報. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  22. "關心妍《說》演唱會 2014 - Timable". Timable (in Chinese). Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  23. "Complete List of Winners At 'J.S.G Awards Presentation 2015(勁歌金曲頒獎禮)'". www.ahmike.com. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  24. "YESASIA: Smile (EP) CD - Jade Kwan, Star Entertainment (Universe) Limited - Cantonese Music - Free Shipping - North America Site". www.yesasia.com. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  25. "【入行18年】關心妍重投歌手身份 展開內地巡唱". 明周娛樂. 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  26. "关心妍发放甜蜜结婚照 扬言两年后生孩子[组图]-关心妍 Roxie 生孩子 结婚照 新人 老公 眼泛泪光 云朵 中式 一吻-东方娱乐-东方网". enjoy.eastday.com. Retrieved 2017-12-17.
  27. "關心妍於《美麗傳奇》音樂佈道會分享見證（3月21日消息）". christiantimes.org.hk. Retrieved 2017-12-17.
  28. "基督日報(香港) - 關心妍：正生籌款show不會停 為學生打氣". www.gospelherald.com.hk. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  29. 關心妍獲香港傑出義工獎 - 大紀元. 大紀元 www.epochtimes.com (in Chinese). 2011-10-18. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  30. 關心妍建立基金 幫戒毒者重返社會 - 大紀元. 大紀元 www.epochtimes.com (in Chinese). 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2017-12-31.
  31. Jade Online - Albums of Jade Kwan (Traditional Chinese)

Jade Kwan on Facebook

Jade Kwan on Instagram

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