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

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.

Citation

Man, I. (2021), "Popular music censorship under Chinese societies: selected Canto-pop case studies in China, Hong Kong and Singapore", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 536-543. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-04-2019-0074