Anita Mui is Asia’s Anita Mui

Posted byYan Sham-ShackletonPosted inGlutter's Hong Kong

Letter To The Editor

I just came back from the public wake of Anita Mui. I came across your article on her passing. I am glad to know she garners enough respect to make an appearance all the way in the US. But I just want to make note that she is NOT the East’s or Asia’s or a Chinese “Madonna” as she’s been referred to in much of the western press including your publication.

Anita Mui is Anita Mui. We do not reference her that way over here, we do not think of her in terms of the stars in the west. She is and was and never will be “known as” “Madonna of Asia.”

We see her as a quintessential Hong Kong woman and our biggest star. She was a symbol of Hong Kong’s people’s hope for democracy, refusing to set foot in mainland China until the day we achieved a democratic government in 1989, and was subsequently banned in the country, which was a huge blow to her career. She supported secretly “Operation Yellow Bird” which helped smuggled the student dissidents towards freedom. She organized a concert to help families destroyed by SARS. She started her own charity foundation. And she brought Canto-pop and Hong Kong Movies to new grounds, and was one of the most recognized faces internationally in terms of Hong Kong.

I understand that reference is to help western readers understand her status, but I want to point out the way she is framed in the west is not how Hong Kong or the rest of Asia sees or remember her. If anything, Madonna is the American Anita Mui. Maybe this sounds preposterous to your readers, much like the reverse sounds to us. Mui Yim Fong is an irreplaceable original and we like to see her that way.

Goodbye Anita

Published by Yan Sham-Shackleton

Yan Sham-Shackleton is a Hong Kong writer who lives in Los Angeles. This is her old blog Glutter written mostly in Hong Kong from 2003 to 2007. Although it was a personal blog, Yan focused a lot on free speech issues and democratic movement in Hong Kong. She moved to the US in 2007.

13 thoughts on “Anita Mui is Asia’s Anita Mui”

  2. It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that given the large populations of Asian countries, and in particular the diaspora of the Chinese people, that most Asian stars eclipse even the most famous Western pop stars in terms of overall records sales.

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  6. I thought Anita Mui was one of the most talented singers and actresses in the world. Madonna couldn’t hold a candle to her. She was my favorite Hong Kong cinema actor….a great comedienne and dramatic performer.
    I will miss her. Her role in ‘Rouge’ was captivating. The world is a lesser place with her passing.
    God bless her.

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  7. I grew up with Anita’s songs. I totally agree that ANITIA is sooo unique that there shouldn’t be any preposterous reference to the Western World.
    Her star-quality will last forever and irreplacable.
    I will miss her. Goodbye, my diva, Anita.

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  8. Yes, I definitely agree with you. I’m from the United States, but I don’t refer Anita to Madonna of Asia either because Anita Mui is just her own unique self. She doesn’t belong in anybody’s shadow. She will always be one of the greatest and most respected Chinese artist.

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  9. Yes, I definitely agree with you. I’m from the United States, but I don’t refer Anita to Madonna of Asia either because Anita Mui is just her own unique self. She doesn’t belong in anybody’s shadow. She will always be one of the greatest and most respected Chinese artist.

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  11. I have been personating Anita Mui for a decade. I love her to bits and misses her terribly. She is an amazing performer on and off stage.
    She has been my idol and role model and she can never be replaced.
    I have met her briefly, and she is indeed a very hunble person.
    To say that she is the “Asia Madonna” is such an insult to me.
    Please open up your eyes before you judge.
    Madonna cant even beat her at all. Anita Mui has always sing live in her concert and it is something Madonna can never achieve no matter what.

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  12. The Incomparable, Legendary, and Forever Talented “ANITA MUI” will always be in my heart! She has made such a tremendous impression in my life it is hard for me to find the words that can express how I truly feel about her. But what I can share with the world is that, “I LOVE HER”, and I think I always will! I am from America, and I have never had the honor in seeing her perform live or ever meeting her. I only wish I had. For those of you that consider yourselves a fan of hers keep her in your hearts and share your knowledge and experiences of Anita Mui with the rest of the world. I believe strongly in my heart that if she was introduced to us in the states we would have opened our arms and hearts to her as well! I know I would have!
    I LOVE YOU ANITA……

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