Anita Mui (1963-2003) was a Hong Kong-born singer, actress and superstar. She captivated Chinese communities around the world with her bold and versatile visual style, outstanding vocal talent, and dynamic stage performances. She was revered as both “Anita the Chameleon” and the undisputed “Queen of the Stage”.
Mui was the youngest of four children. Her mother raised the family alone following the death of her father, who passed away before Mui was born. At the age of four, Mui began helping support her family by joining her mother’s troupe. Due to the constant demands of performing, she withdrew from secondary school and soon after launched her professional career.
In 1982, Mui won the first New Talent Singing Awards with a memorable performance of the Cantopop hit “Season of the Wind”. She followed this with the release of her first album, “Debts of Love”, and a performance at the 12th Tokyo Music Festival, where she won the Asian Music Special Award and TBS Award. Released when Mui was just 21 years old, the touching, soulful performance in “Homecoming” showed the sophistication of a much more experienced singer. Thereafter, she became a household name.
Mui capitalised on her success with the 1985 album “Bad Girl”, which achieved the best sales record at the time. Her new rebellious image made her an icon of independence and individuality for the younger generation. Mui broke another record two years later for the largest number of concerts staged in a single year.
Mui’s image transformed frequently over subsequent albums, earning her the name “Anita the Chameleon”. She would go on to become one of the most successful performers in Chinese pop music history, with total album sales reaching 10 million in 1994.
She also forged an illustrious acting career. She was acclaimed for her screen presence, heartfelt performances and her ability to take on a wide range of roles across different genres. In the 1980s and ’90s, she heralded a shift towards female-driven films in Hong Kong cinema, opening the door to more diverse film roles for actresses. In 1984, Mui took home the Best Supporting Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her role in Behind the Yellow Line. In 1987, her performance in Rouge won her Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards, the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific Film Festival. In 1997, she was named Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Eighteen Springs by the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Bauhinia Awards. Her unforgettable performance as “Emperor Qi” in the 2001 film Wu Yen was a rare example of an actress playing a male lead role in modern cinema. In 2002, she was named best actress for her role in July Rhapsody at the Changchun Film Festival and Chinese Film Media Awards.
Devoted to charitable activities, Mui established the Anita Mui True Heart Charity Foundation in 1993 to support people in need. In 2001, she became the first female chairperson of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, working tirelessly for the welfare and rights of her industry peers. During the 2003 SARS outbreak, and despite an ongoing battle with cancer, Mui initiated “Project Blossom” in aid of children and families affected by the epidemic.
In November 2003, while in the final stages of cancer, she held eight consecutive concerts in Hong Kong – her last performances –as a final thank you and farewell to her fans.
The charismatic and multitalented Mui leaves an enduring artistic and social legacy. Her determination epitomises and continues to inspire the spirit of Hong Kong, where she will always be loved as “the Daughter of Hong Kong”.
The base of Mui’s statue features stylised flowing water in a tribute to one of her most memorable hits, “Homecoming”. Next to this is an inscription, “the Daughter of Hong Kong”, created from the calligraphy of Mr. Andy Lau, one of her best friends.