Popular music censorship under Chinese societies: selected Canto-pop case studies in China, Hong Kong and Singapore

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Abstract

Purpose: While Hong Kong has exercised laissez-faire policy with regard to popular cultural industries, such broadcasting freedom may not fully accepted in countries where state control of the media is tight. This paper aims to have a review and brief discussion on music development and the phenomenon of popular music censorship under Chinese societies including China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Design/methodology/approach: After a brief discussion on the popular music scene in Hong Kong, China and Singapore, this paper reviews on the possible reasons for popular music censorship issue in the Chinese societies. Findings: It is found that Canto-pop can be freely broadcast in Hong Kong; however, such freedom is not accepted in China and Singapore due to censorship. While China is sensitive to pro-democratic content in popular music, Singapore's language policies hinder the development of Canto-pop since the 70s. Originality/value: After reviewing the reasons for music censorship, in particular Cantonese popular music in the Chinese societies, the paper gives a prediction on the future development of Canto-pop.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)536-543
Number of pages8
JournalAsian Education and Development Studies
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Canto-pop
  • Censorship
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Popular music
  • Singapore

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