A confident performer onstage, a focused learner at the desk — Gabriel Lo is a second-year student majoring in Chinese Medicine at CUHK who became champion of the second “CC Star” by showcasing his clean vocals and captivating stage presence. Beyond his charisma, is a love for music and medicine.

Q: What got you into singing? How did you find your singing style?

A: It all began when Covid hit. I was stuck at home, so I started humming whatever popped into my head and sent the recordings to my friends. Listening to these sound clips again cracks me up every time, and I cringe at my own voice. Nevertheless, it was because of these attempts that I found interest in singing.

I met a group of friends who loved music back when I was studying in the UK, and we used to sing together all the time. That was how I learnt more about R&B, and I especially like Jessie J songs. The rhythm, her delightful riffs and runs, I wanted to emulate that.

Q: Why did you join “CC Star”? Was it any different from your first stage performance?

A: My earliest stage performance was in the UK at a church concert organised by the school, a good friend and I duetted You Are the Reason. That was the first time I sang in front of a crowd, and I got so nervous that my palms were sweaty. Then after I came back to Hong Kong, I joined the singing competition for Chinese medical students at CUHK. It was my first solo performance. I had a worse case of butterflies in my stomach, but then it was replaced with a sense of relief and confidence when I received applause and encouragement from the audience.

The scale of “CC Star” was a lot larger, and the serious competition made it a greater challenge. I have never been trained professionally, so my performance was definitely not as polished as the other contestants. The pre-performance nerves are no joke. I manage it by watching videos of live celebrity performances to improve on my stage presence and take a more relaxed attitude to being in front of an audience. I have come to recognise that it is easier to find your tempo when just go with the flow.

Gabriel said he was surprised to win “CC Star”, but this unexpected affirmation elevated his admiration for the hard work and talent of all contestants.

Q: What is the key to winning “CC Star”?

A: Obviously, there are better singers than me out there. It is likely that the judges do not exclusively consider vocal skills, but also the overall execution of the performance. I was honestly shocked when I heard my name during the award announcement. Could not believe it was happening. Anyhow, this unexpected affirmation elevated my admiration for the hard work and talent shown by all contestants, as well as my appreciation for this entire experience.

Q: How did you form your band, Sexy4? What stopped the group from performing in the finals?

A: How Sexy4 came to be was totally unplanned. I was hanging out with a couple of friends at our student hostel well into the night one day, then we got a sudden rush of inspiration at around 4 to 5 am to write our first song. It even had rap verses. Nobody could sleep because we were so excited, so we decided to form a band, and called ourselves Sexy4 on a whim.

Sexy4 looked forward to performing together at “CC Star”. However, my bandmates were otherwise engaged at the time of the finals, and I had to perform as a solo act. Although the results were satisfactory, it felt off with them missing.

Q: Why did you choose to major in Chinese medicine? Will you consider a career in the performing arts?

A: I once contracted a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, and had to go under the knife several times, while also coping with wounds that required frequent cleaning. I felt hopeless and in agony as Western medicine was not able to alleviate my condition. Later, a friend introduced me to a professor of Chinese Medicine at CUHK. I became fully healed within a month of treatment. After this entire experience, I was not only impressed with Chinese medicine, but I also aspired to benefit people in need using Chinese medicine.

Would I consider becoming a singer? Probably not at present. If I had to choose between music and Chinese medicine, the latter in an obvious answer. To me, singing is more of a hobby than a career. Needless to say, I would not reject this possibility completely, but my current focus is on my studies, while music adds colour to my life.

Gabriel is dedicating his studies on Chinese medicine and aspires to benefit people who are in need, with music adding colour to his life.

Student Reporter Lee Yin Lok