After a five-year hiatus from the music scene, Hong Kong singer-songwriter Ronald Cheng has made a triumphant return with his new single, "A Sentimental Song." Married to Sammie Yu for seven years, the couple shares two children: daughter Harper and son Harvey. Cheng, who had stepped back from the limelight to focus on family, revealed his plans for a musical comeback during a public appearance in September 2024.
In this latest release, Cheng demonstrates his multifaceted talent, having composed, written, arranged, and produced the song himself. The lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting on the dual nature of growth—gaining new experiences while also experiencing loss. Cheng poignantly notes, "As people grow, they gain things but also slowly lose things." This theme resonates with his own life, where he has been navigating the complexities of family life and the emotional separations from loved ones, friends, and pets.
Cheng expressed a desire to tell stories through his music, emphasizing the importance of singing in his life. He shared, "I've grown a lot, especially now having a family, and I'm starting to experience separations from loved ones and pets. This period has led me to reflect on the meaning of growth and the importance of cherishing memories. I want to create beautiful memories without regrets for my life."
Musically, Cheng has always felt a deep connection to the piano, stating that it is the instrument that most profoundly moves him. For his comeback, he chose to lead with a slow song, which he believes best captures the warmth he wants to convey. To enhance this feeling, he included a children's choir in the track, featuring his daughter Harper, who made her debut in the music video.
Cheng described Harper's musical sensitivity, noting that she can memorize melodies after hearing them just once. "She listened to the melody I wrote, and the next day she could sing it back to me," he remarked, highlighting her natural talent. This collaboration not only adds a layer of warmth to the song but also establishes a special bond between father and daughter.
The music video for "A Sentimental Song" was filmed on Cheung Chau, where Cheng took on the role of a music teacher, interacting with a group of children, including Harper. The director praised the professionalism of the child actors, joking that they performed even better than Cheng himself. Reflecting on his five-year absence from filming music videos, Cheng admitted he felt a bit stiff but was grateful for the support of the young performers. "I was worried about delaying the child actors, but thankfully, the shoot went smoothly," he said.
As he looks ahead, Cheng is eager to reconnect with his fans, stating, "I have so many unsaid words I want to share through music. I still want to sing for my beloved fans." He plans to release more new songs throughout 2025, aiming to bridge the gap created by his absence.
Cheng's return to the music industry not only marks the release of a new single but also showcases his evolution as an artist and a father. His reflections on growth, loss, and the importance of family resonate deeply, making "A Sentimental Song" a heartfelt addition to his discography.
In a related note, the singing competition scene in Hong Kong continues to thrive. Cheung Yu-to, a Form 3 student, gained attention for his participation in the reality show "Midlife, Good Voice 3" after previously competing against Ronald Cheng in "Asian Million Star" back in 2009. Known as the "Malaysian Talent," Cheung Yu-to narrowly defeated Cheng by just 0.2 points during their earlier showdown, showcasing his impressive vocal abilities.
Cheung Yu-to's journey reflects the competitive nature of the music industry, where emerging talents constantly seek opportunities to shine. His past experiences and recent success in the singing competition demonstrate the ongoing evolution of artists in Hong Kong's vibrant music scene.
As Ronald Cheng embarks on his new chapter, both he and Cheung Yu-to exemplify the passion and resilience of artists striving to connect with their audiences through music. Their stories remind us of the power of song to evoke emotions, share experiences, and create lasting memories.
