Acclaimed Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter Khalil Fong passed away on 21 Feb 2025 at the age of 41 after battling an illness for five years, his record label FU Music announced on 25 Feb.
“With unwavering optimism in the face of a relentless illness for five years, Khalil Fong gently and gracefully bid farewell to this world on the morning of February 21, 2025, stepping into the next realm of existence to carry forward his purpose and dreams,” the company stated in a Weibo post.
The label did not specify the cause of death, but multiple reports indicated Fong had suffered from pneumothorax, commonly known as collapsed lung, since 2010.
Musical Legacy
Born on 14 July 1983 in Kauai, Hawaii, Fong grew up across multiple locations including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and eventually Hong Kong, where he permanently settled in 1997.
His musical journey began in earnest when he was signed to Warner Music Group and released his debut album Soulboy in 2005. The album introduced Chinese audiences to a fresh sound that blended R&B and soul with Chinese-language lyrics.
Fong quickly gained recognition for bringing sophisticated R&B and soul influences to the Chinese music market, drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire. His distinctive style earned him comparisons to renowned musical figures such as David Tao and Jay Chou.
Throughout his career, Fong released numerous successful albums including This Love (2006), Orange Moon (2008), and Timeless (2009). His popular hits included “Red Bean (红豆)”, “This Love (爱爱爱)”, and “Special Person (特别的人)”.
Fong’s talent earned him significant acclaim within the industry. In 2008, he won four honors at the Commercial Radio Hong Kong Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, including best male singer.
His crowning achievement came at Taiwan’s 2017 Golden Melody Awards, where he won Best Male Vocalist – Mandarin for his album Journey to the West, beating out established stars like Jay Chou and Yoga Lin.
Health Struggles
Fong’s health issues reportedly began in 2016 after the release of Journey to the West, forcing him to step back from making music. Despite his condition, he continued to work on creative projects including music and graphic novels.
In 2024, Fong made a comeback with his album The Dreamer, which he recorded while dealing with his illness. During an interview in October 2024, he revealed that while his ailment didn’t directly affect his voice, it had changed his breathing, preventing him from performing.
His last public appearance was a social media update released on 13 Feb 2025, just days before his death.
“The music and graphic novels he gifted to the world remain an eternal testament to his luminous spirit, a timeless treasure for generations to come,” FU Music said in their statement announcing his passing.
Beyond his own music, Fong was also involved in songwriting and production for other artists, including Eason Chan, A-mei, and Fiona Sit.
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