Your guide to the HKT x WestK Popfest

As we eagerly anticipate the return of Clockenflap, don’t miss the electrifying second edition of HKT x WestK Popfest , which presents a four-day programme of ticketed and free performances at the West Kowloon Cultural District. From 31 October to 3 November, the outdoor Wonderland Popnorama stage will spotlight a stellar lineup of artists from Hong Kong and around the world, while The Box at Freespace hosts Celestial Unboxed, a multisensory trip through pop genres.

Collar

Turning a 2022 talent contest win into instant fame, Collar rose up the charts to plant themselves firmly in Cantopop fans’ hearts. The seven-piece has forged a reputation for vivacious, earworm-laden pop that blends elements of rap and R&B and take their cues from Korea and Japan in styling, while sprinkling in an attitude that’s uniquely Hong Kong.

Anson Lo @ Mirror

Mirror’s main dancer and rapper Anson Lo has carved out a successful solo career alongside his duties as a member of Hong Kong’s favourite homegrown pop group. In 2021, he fired out of the gate to win the Best New Asian Artist Award at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards, a buzz crystallised by two sell-out shows at the AsiaWorld-Arena last year.

Jorja Smith

Breakout British singer Jorja Smith ’s rise has been nothing short of amazing: she’s supported Drake, featured on Kali Uchis’s tracks, contributed the song I Am to the Black Panther soundtrack and won dozens of awards. Her second album Falling or Flying bridges jazz, soul, R&B and funky house, and presents a singer becoming increasingly sure of her own abilities.

Mondo Grosso with special guest Hikari Mitsushima

Legendary Japanese DJ and producer Shinichi Osawa , aka Mondo Grosso, is known for bringing a jazz sensibility to underground club music. For this special Popfest performance, he collaborates with acclaimed Japanese actor and musician Hikari Mitsushima for what looks to be one of the weekend’s more intriguing sets.

Celestial Unboxed

In this concept show, taking place at The Box at Freespace , music producer J1M3 recruits four contrasting Hong Kong singers for a performance that draws from the four elements, blending pop music with creative lighting and video. Jaime Cheung from girl group Beanies represents wind; Kendy Suen is earth; Zelos Wong is fire and Zeno Koo is water.