Hong Kong singer and actor Jacky Cheung’s rise to God of Songs

As one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Cantopop, Jacky Cheung Hok-yau is among the most famous and enduring faces in Hong Kong entertainment history.

The pop music icon, who is nicknamed the “God of Songs” for his vocal talent, shot to fame in the early 1990s after releasing a string of soulful ballads that showcased his rich baritone voice.

Before long, the singer gained international popularity and numerous accolades, among them being crowned the world’s bestselling Asian artist at the World Music Awards two years in a row during the mid-90s.

Born in Hong Kong in 1961, the singer and actor worked as a reservations officer for the airline Cathay Pacific before deciding to take part in an amateur singing contest in 1984. He beat out 10,000 contestants to win first prize, and was signed by the label PolyGram Records (now Universal Music Group).