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Khalil Fong's concert tour stops in Beijing

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When people speak of soul music, the names that often come to mind are Ray Charles or James Brown. But Hawaii-born Hong Kong singer Khalil Fong has come to show that soul music is still very much alive today here in China.

Almost 30,000 fans attended Fong's concert in Hong Kong last year. From the look of the queues lining up outside, the crowd is going to be a tie. It's 30 minutes before the show kick off. Fong is getting ready back stage.

"I'm from Liaoning. I'm so excited....I just want to see him!"

"I came from Xingjiang to see him! I've been waiting to see him live for five years. And I've seen him actually dance in his new album "Dangerous World," so I can't wait to see him do it live tonight!"

"We've all come to see him! We're gonna have a great time！"

"Khalil is special. No one writes music like he does!"

Upbeat and rocking. Khalil Fong's latest concert is a departure from anything the Mandipop soul artist has done before. "Dangerous World," Khalil's latest album, which was produced with this concert in mind, is the backbone of the show. It's a mash up of hip-hop, old and hard-hitting. But, it matters little what you call it or what the genre is, Khalil knows how to groove with a piano or an electric guitar.

"To me, besides the definition of soul music that everyone knows, R&B, 'black music,' blues. That's the style of the soul music. But I think soul music in its basic form is just singing from your heart, singing from your soul, singing how you feel. Being in the moment with the music. So I think, any style of music, any genre could be soul music." said Khalil Fong, Singer.

Born in Hawaii, Fong was raised in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hongkong and his music deeply reflects his familiarity with Chinese culture. From an early age, Fong listened to his father's old record collection and was influenced by many American legends such as Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder, hence his nickname "soulboy."

At the age of 30, "soulboy" is more ready to embrace change than ever before. After many chillout albums, he has teamed up with guitarist Derrick Sepino on his new album for something more funked up, and uncharted.

"I learned a lot by working with him. It feels good, it's very musical the whole thing. As an artist, [he's] very hardworking and musical as well....because he grew up listening to all sorts of music. Yeah, musical and hardworking!" said Derrick Sepino, Guitarist.

Two years ago, Fong launched his own studio, Light Room Studio, and a production company called PRC, which stands for People Recording in China. He has been the winner of multiple Metro Hit Awards, the RTHK Gold Top Ten Awards, the Sina Music Awards, and the Hito Pop music Awards. Fong's music IS one of a kind.

"His music is so soulful in the true sense of the word. I didn't get to see him when he performed in Beijing last time. Tonight was my night!"

"His latest album is awesome. I'm really glad he's trying out new things!"

Fans in central China get ready. "Soulboy Lights Up" will tour next in Wuhan in October.

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