Hong Kong Story｜Music makes her walk toward the light Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts | Zhu Wei | Xiao Kai

Hong Kong, May 5th: Music made her walk toward the light

When he was 5 years old, Xiao Kain asked his father: Does being invisible mean that it is useless?

Her eyeballs were removed when she was 3 months old. She began to speak by imitating her mouth movements, and learned to walk step by step by stepping on her parents' feet. Accepting the fact that he cannot see it does not seem to be very difficult for Xiao Kain.

Listening, reciting, practicing, repeating...Xiao Kaiwen stumbled, constantly searching for the value of existence amidst doubts and denials. Years later, she groped her way to the piano, struck the notes, slow to fast, and then began to sing.

"I look forward to being a luminous person," she said.

On April 22, Xiao Kain was interviewed. Photo by reporter Zhu Wei

When he was 2 years old, an old electronic keyboard started Xiao Kai's musical journey. Kai Siu, who is studying for a master's degree in music at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, said that whenever he heard a song on TV, he would try to play it on the electronic keyboard. This electronic keyboard also became the "best playmate" in his childhood.

When he was 4 years old, Xiao Kai began to learn piano formally. He learned to play the piano bit by bit by touching Braille music scores and listening to recordings.

On the day of the interview, in the classroom of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Xiao Kai's hands flew skillfully on the keys, and a beautiful piano music came out. "For ordinary people, it may take a week to learn a 10-minute piano piece, but it took me at least two months." Xiao Kain said.

At the age of 10, she started learning to sing. In addition to Cantonese, she also has to learn Mandarin, Italian and German. "Each language has its own characteristics, such as tongue flicking and tongue curling. The most difficult thing is that I can't see the teacher's mouth shape. I can only listen to it repeatedly."

Xiao Kain said that if you want to sing a song well, you must first memorize the melody, then read the lyrics a thousand times, and then match the emotions and body language. Practice for at least four or five months before it meets your own standards.

On April 22, Harry Siu sang a song in the classroom of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Photo by reporter Zhu Wei

When he first came into contact with piano and vocal music, many teachers told Xiao Kai that it was impossible for blind people to learn music because they could not memorize such long music scores. Xiao Kain said: "Many people question whether I can do it, but I believe music can reflect the value of my life."

The unconditional love and support of his family is the foundation for Xiao Kain’s “chasing the light”.

On April 22, Xiao Kain’s father Xiao Huide was interviewed. Photo by reporter Zhu Wei

Dad Xiao Huide proudly told reporters that Xiao Kai could talk when he was 9 months old and learned to walk when he was 1 year old. "We used mouth-to-mouth and asked her to imitate her mouth movements and try to say 'mom and dad'. My daughter stepped on our feet and touched the wall and learned to walk step by step."

Learning piano, applying for ordinary schools, practicing swimming and running... Xiao Kain's parents have always regarded her as an ordinary person. "Dad has always told me that as long as you work hard, you can help people in need." Xiao Kain said.

Xiao Kaien has participated in five marathons, and his family is the "navigator" on the running road. "Running made me realize that doing something well requires confidence and perseverance, setting goals and moving forward courageously. I incorporate these experiences into my singing to make the songs more direct to people's hearts."

On April 22, Xiao Huide helped Xiao Kaien rehearse. Photo by reporter Zhu Wei

In 2023, she held her first concert and performed her first song "Oh, Dad and Mom", which she wrote and composed as a gift to all parents of people with disabilities in the world. "I received a lot of help and encouragement when I was growing up, so I really want to touch more people with my singing." Xiao Kain said.

Xiao Kain is enthusiastic about public welfare, participating in various charity performances and community services, and using music and a positive outlook on life to help people in need. In 2020, she went to rural Henan to teach and built a bridge of understanding and empathy through different kinds of exchanges.

"While teaching as a volunteer, we did simple vocal exercises and English learning. Although we only got along for a few days, we were very reluctant to leave. We all hugged each other and cried, hoping that we could meet again in the future," she recalled.

The fate with the motherland has long been forged. "Going to the mainland is like returning to another home." Xiao Kain said that although he was born in an ordinary family, his parents take him and his sister to travel to the mainland every year, so that he can "listen" to the majestic rivers and mountains of the motherland with his ears.

"While climbing the Great Wall, my father told me about the history of the Great Wall. I could touch the stone walls of the Great Wall with my own hands. Standing on the Great Wall, I could feel its majesty," she said.

On April 22, Xiao Huide helped Xiao Kaien rehearse. Photo by reporter Zhu Wei

"My Motherland and Me" is the first Mandarin song that Xiao Kain learned. After touring the great rivers and mountains of the motherland, she had a new feeling when singing this song: "When I sing this song now, my mind will think of the cruise ships in Hangzhou, the steamed dumplings in Shanghai, or the things I met during the journey. It’s heartwarming. I can feel that my singing is full of love and looking forward to the future.”

Xiao Kaien has many dreams, and the one that makes her most persistent is to build a music school so that more children can receive music education.

"The charm of music lies in encouraging people, opening their hearts, and thus connecting them." She said that music is not only a dream, but also hope and light. We hope to provide a stage for children who have dreams but lack resources to realize their dreams.

In March 2024, Xiao Kane was selected as the "Person of the Year that Touched China in 2023" by the mainland media. Next, her goal is to go to different cities and use music as a medium to be a messenger to spread culture and art. Add feelings and experiences into song creation and use music to show the beauty of the country.

"Although I can't see it, the motherland will see me. I am willing to do my best to give back to the society and use music to deliver more heart-warming power." Xiao Kain said.