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[[File:Jeff Ng | [[File:Jeff Ng Profile.jpg|thumb|''Jeff Ng in 2022.'']] | ||
Jeffrey Ng Chang Jun (‘黄長俊’), better known as Jeff Ng, is a Singaporean music instructor and busker. He is best known for his regular performances on Saturday evenings outside The Cathay, where he attracts large crowds. He rose to fame through his TikTok and Instagram (@jeffhellomusic), where he has over 29.3k and 45.5k followers respectively.<ref>Ng, Jeff. “[https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffhellomusic?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.todayonline.com%2F&referer_video_id=7108021111597649154&refer=embed&referer_url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/buskers-performance-cathay-1926521 Jeff Ng TikTok]”. ''TikTok''. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.</ref><ref>Ng, Jeff. “[https://www.instagram.com/jeffhellomusic/?hl=en Jeff Ng Instagram]”. ''Instagram''. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.</ref>[[File:Jeff Ng.png|thumb|''A screenshot of Jeff from one of his YouTube videos. Photo from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-XdPLdwao&ab_channel=ThePulse Youtube].'']] | Jeffrey Ng Chang Jun (‘黄長俊’), better known as Jeff Ng, is a Singaporean music instructor and busker. He is best known for his regular performances on Saturday evenings outside The Cathay, where he attracts large crowds. He rose to fame through his TikTok and Instagram (@jeffhellomusic), where he has over 29.3k and 45.5k followers respectively.<ref>Ng, Jeff. “[https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffhellomusic?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.todayonline.com%2F&referer_video_id=7108021111597649154&refer=embed&referer_url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/buskers-performance-cathay-1926521 Jeff Ng TikTok]”. ''TikTok''. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.</ref><ref>Ng, Jeff. “[https://www.instagram.com/jeffhellomusic/?hl=en Jeff Ng Instagram]”. ''Instagram''. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.</ref>[[File:Jeff Ng, busking at The Cathay.png|thumb|''Jeff Ng, busking at The Cathay. Image from [https://www.facebook.com/jeffhellomusic/videos/690634055332794 Jeff Ng].'']][[File:Jeff Ng.png|thumb|''A screenshot of Jeff from one of his YouTube videos. Photo from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-XdPLdwao&ab_channel=ThePulse Youtube].'']] | ||
== Background == | == Background == | ||
=== Personal Life === | === Personal Life === | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
Prior to busking, he performed at bars, weddings and corporate events.<ref name=":0" /> | Prior to busking, he performed at bars, weddings and corporate events.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
[[File:Jeff Ng at The Cathay.png|thumb|''Large crowds gathering outside The Cathay to catch Jeff’s performance. Photo from [https://mustsharenews.com/large-crowd-cathay-busker/ MustShareNews].'']] | [[File:Jeff Ng at The Cathay.png|thumb|''Large crowds gathering outside The Cathay to catch Jeff’s performance. Photo from [https://mustsharenews.com/large-crowd-cathay-busker/ MustShareNews].'']] | ||
== Newsworthy incidences == | == Newsworthy incidences == | ||
=== Attracting large crowds outside the Cathay === | === Attracting large crowds outside the Cathay === | ||
When public performances were allowed in Singapore again, Jeff resumed busking at the public area outside The Cathay. From May-June 2022, Jeff’s weekly performances every Saturday evening outside The Cathay attracted large crowds in attendance. | When public performances were allowed in Singapore again, Jeff resumed busking at the public area outside The Cathay. From May-June 2022, Jeff’s weekly performances every Saturday evening outside The Cathay attracted large crowds in attendance. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 58: | ||
Multiple netizens have also come out to share their encounters with Jeff Ng on Instagram, where the singer would grill and even insult ex-followers for reasons why they chose to unfollow the singer.<ref>d0n0td1sturb8. “[https://www.tiktok.com/@d0n0td1sturb8/video/7116121760201772290?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7113862413473318401 d0n0td1sturb8]”. ''TikTok''. July 3, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.</ref> | Multiple netizens have also come out to share their encounters with Jeff Ng on Instagram, where the singer would grill and even insult ex-followers for reasons why they chose to unfollow the singer.<ref>d0n0td1sturb8. “[https://www.tiktok.com/@d0n0td1sturb8/video/7116121760201772290?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7113862413473318401 d0n0td1sturb8]”. ''TikTok''. July 3, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.</ref> | ||
=== First performance since his scandal died down === | === First performance since his scandal died down === | ||
After previously cancelling his shows, Jeff Ng was spotted as an opening act at the imPAct Open House on 30 July 2022.<ref name=":7">Wong, Kayla. “[https://mothership.sg/2022/07/jeff-ng-learnt-lesson/ Busker Jeff Ng does first public gig after cancelling shows, says he has 'learnt his lesson & grown up]’”. ''Mothership.sg''. July 31, 2022. Accessed 1 August 2022.</ref> The event had been held by the People's Association in commemoration of the third anniversary of Hong Lim Green community club. The busker appeared to be more approachable and friendly, expressing his happiness at being back.<blockquote>''“I've learnt from this, and have grown up. I'll still be making music.”<ref name=":7" />''</blockquote> | After previously cancelling his shows, Jeff Ng was spotted as an opening act at the imPAct Open House on 30 July 2022.<ref name=":7">Wong, Kayla. “[https://mothership.sg/2022/07/jeff-ng-learnt-lesson/ Busker Jeff Ng does first public gig after cancelling shows, says he has 'learnt his lesson & grown up]’”. ''Mothership.sg''. July 31, 2022. Accessed 1 August 2022.</ref> The event had been held by the People's Association in commemoration of the third anniversary of Hong Lim Green community club. The busker appeared to be more approachable and friendly, expressing his happiness at being back.<blockquote>''“I've learnt from this, and have grown up. I'll still be making music.”<ref name=":7" />''</blockquote> | ||
=== Future performances === | |||
On 29 September 2022, Jeff announced on Instagram that he would be making a comeback at his usual busking spot at The Cathay the next day (30 September) at 7.30pm.<ref name=":8">jeffhellomusic. “[https://www.instagram.com/p/CjF46ibvNCW/ It's been awhile since I have busk on the streets! 🥹 I really missed those days singing with each and everyone of you outside cathay! 🥰I will be back at the cathay tomorrow (Friday 30/09) 7.30pm where I will be bringing 2.5 hours of your song dedications & also my new originals too! 🙌🏻 See you there! 🙋🏻♂️#cathay #busking #singapore #jeffhellomusic]”. ''Instagram''. September 29, 2022. Accessed on 30 September 2022.</ref> The announcement was met with mixed responses.<ref name=":8" /> Some were happy to see him back, while others asked about the Covid-19 situation, making fun of his previous reason for cancelling his shows during his controversies in July.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":9">Hayat, Iqmall. “[https://mustsharenews.com/jeff-ng-comeback-cathay/ Jeff Ng To Make Comeback Performance At The Cathay & Debut New Original Songs]”. ''Mustsharenews''. 30 September 2022. Accessed on 30 September 2022.</ref> In addition to cover songs, he debuted a few of his original songs during the event.<ref name=":9" /> | |||
== References / Citations == | == References / Citations == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Latest revision as of 14:41, 3 October 2022
Jeffrey Ng Chang Jun (‘黄長俊’), better known as Jeff Ng, is a Singaporean music instructor and busker. He is best known for his regular performances on Saturday evenings outside The Cathay, where he attracts large crowds. He rose to fame through his TikTok and Instagram (@jeffhellomusic), where he has over 29.3k and 45.5k followers respectively.[1][2]
Background
Personal Life
Jeff studied at Montfort Secondary School, before moving on to study digital media at Nanyang Polytechnic.[3] His parents run a shop selling prayer offerings.[3]
In an interview with 8 Days, Jeff said that he didn’t enjoy singing growing up, and instead preferred basketball.[3] He was later inspired by his teacher who sang at a music café at night.[3]
In June 2021, Jeff got married to his partner Zona Ng.[4] On his TikTok, he has published videos of him and Zona performing various covers, such as a Christmas medley in December 2021.
Professional Career
Part-time waiter at a music café
While he was waiting for his Poly term to start, Jeff worked as a part-time waiter at the same music café where his teacher sang at.[3] While working there, he realised how much he loved singing, after finding himself singing along to those performing.[3] When he turned 18, he successfully auditioned for a job to perform at the café.[3]
Participation in Voice of China
In 2014, Jeff participated in reality television singing show The Voice of China, and eventually finished within the Top 22.[4]
Music instructor
In addition to his busking, Jeff works as a freelance music instructor with Ark Music School.[4]
When Jeff was first starting out in his singing career, he revealed that he subconsciously imitated professional singers JJ Lin and Jay Chou's singing styles because he really liked them.[3] In particular, he adopts a slurring style similar to Jay Chou’s, though he’s since made his pronunciation clearer after becoming a music instructor.[3]
Professional busker
Jeff is best known for being a professional busker, having used to perform at the now-defunct Chinatown Food Street.[5] He was first approached by the Chinatown Food Street Organisation and Singapore Tourism Board, who invited him to sing at a busking event.[3] He has been busking since 2018, though he had to stop his performances when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.[6] He regularly covers famous Mandopop songs by singers like Jay Chou and JJ Lin, of which his singing style has been likened to.[4]
Prior to busking, he performed at bars, weddings and corporate events.[3]
Newsworthy incidences
Attracting large crowds outside the Cathay
When public performances were allowed in Singapore again, Jeff resumed busking at the public area outside The Cathay. From May-June 2022, Jeff’s weekly performances every Saturday evening outside The Cathay attracted large crowds in attendance.
According to MustShareNews, Jeff grew in fame when a video of his busking sessions went viral on TikTok, on 12 June 2022.[7] A couple of weeks later, the crowd had swelled considerably, so much so that it was reported there “seemed to be barely any space to sit on the ground, with people even standing in the bushes.”[6]
It is unclear if he will be continuing his weekly performances at The Cathay after his last planned performance on 25 June 2022.[6]
Concert planned for August 2022
During his 25 June 2022 performance, Jeff announced that he will be hosting a “real concert” in August.[8] Details are unknown for now. Jeff also revealed that he has been approached by record labels, both local and overseas.[3]
Scandal sparked by ex-girlfriend
On 30 June 2022, Jeff Ng’s ex-girlfriend, Lena Ng published a lengthy post on Facebook sharing her traumatic and abusive past relationship with a “国宝” (national treasure).[9] This unnamed “national treasure” was eventually revealed to be Jeff Ng.
In the post, Lena Ng shared past chat receipts which exemplified Jeff Ng’s abusive and self-centred mannerisms, such as restricting her from following and liking Instagram accounts other than his, stalking her, or forcing her to kneel or kowtow to him.[9] These were just some examples of blackmail and the controlling behaviour detailed in the Facebook post.
This sparked outrage among Jeff’s fans and an online debate over the singer’s true personality; it also soured the public’s opinion of him.[10]
Apology post and buying “bots” or followers
On 30 June 2022, Jeff Ng posted an apology on Facebook, explaining that he was “young and reckless in [his] 20s” and that he was “sincerely sorry”.[11] The singer posted this on his Instagram account as well.[12]
“I promise to continue to work hard at becoming a better person. Thank you for giving me a chance.” - Jeff Ng’s apology to his family, friends, and supporters.[11]
His wife also came out to defend him under the same Facebook post, saying that he was a “changed man”.[13]
I live with Jeff 24/7 and can attest to his behaviour. Jeff is a responsible person, and he respects, treats me well unlike what others are saying.” - Zona Tay on her husband, Jeff Ng.[13]
Netizens also noticed a large increase in Jeff Ng’s Instagram followers, with suspicions of him buying “bot” or dummy accounts to follow him.[10] As of 5 July 2022, his follower count was 141,000, up from about 80,000 at the time he posted his apology.[10]
Soon after this, Jeff Ng privatised his Instagram account.[10] As of 12 July 2022, he has once again begun posting covers and clips on his account.[14]
Further allegations about his attitude
Jeff Ng interrogated netizens who had unfollowed him on Instagram. Screenshot from TikTok.
According to screen recordings and captures taken by netizens in early July, Jeff Ng was revealed to have an unpleasant attitude as a live streamer.[10] The busker was said to indirectly threaten to end his livestreams if there was too much chat interaction among his audiences.[15] According to Facebook user Candy Mei Cui, he unfriended long-time administrators of his fan club for supporting other local performers.[10]
Multiple netizens have also come out to share their encounters with Jeff Ng on Instagram, where the singer would grill and even insult ex-followers for reasons why they chose to unfollow the singer.[16]
First performance since his scandal died down
After previously cancelling his shows, Jeff Ng was spotted as an opening act at the imPAct Open House on 30 July 2022.[17] The event had been held by the People's Association in commemoration of the third anniversary of Hong Lim Green community club. The busker appeared to be more approachable and friendly, expressing his happiness at being back.
“I've learnt from this, and have grown up. I'll still be making music.”[17]
Future performances
On 29 September 2022, Jeff announced on Instagram that he would be making a comeback at his usual busking spot at The Cathay the next day (30 September) at 7.30pm.[18] The announcement was met with mixed responses.[18] Some were happy to see him back, while others asked about the Covid-19 situation, making fun of his previous reason for cancelling his shows during his controversies in July.[10][19] In addition to cover songs, he debuted a few of his original songs during the event.[19]
References / Citations
- ↑ Ng, Jeff. “Jeff Ng TikTok”. TikTok. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ Ng, Jeff. “Jeff Ng Instagram”. Instagram. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 Koh, Jiamun. “Jeff Ng, The Cathay Busker Who Went Viral, Realised He Loved Singing When He Worked As A Waiter In A Café”. 8 Days. June 23, 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Gan, Zhen Yin. “Everything You Need to Know About Jeff Ng, the Cathay Busker Who Has Gone as Viral as Uncle Raymond”. GoodyFeed. n.d. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ Yeo, Ruth. “#trending: Musician's busking performances at The Cathay turn into mini concerts”. Today Online. June 21, 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Chew, Eileen and Leo, Lakeisha. “Large crowds outside The Cathay as people gather to watch busker perform”. CNA. June 25, 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ Lee, Jeremy. “Large Crowd Turns Up For Cathay Busker At Last June Show, Might Be Biggest Yet”. MustShareNews. June 25, 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ Zheng, Zhangxin. “Busker Jeff Ng draws massive crowd to The Cathay on Saturday”. Mothership. June 26, 2022. Accessed 27 June 2022.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ng, Lena. “Lena Ng”. Facebook. June 30, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Yeo, Ruth. “#trending: After quick rise to fame, Cathay busker Jeff Ng faces backlash, accusations of buying followers”. TODAY Online. July 5, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ng, Jeff. “黄長俊 Jeff Ng”. Facebook. June 30, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ Ng, Jeff. “jeffhellomusic”. Instagram. July 1, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Hayat, Iqmall. “Jeff Ng’s Wife Defends Him After Ex-Girlfriend Calls Out Past Behaviour”. Must Share News. July 2, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ Ng, Jeff. “jeffhellomusic”. Instagram. n.d. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ d0n0td1sturb8. “d0n0td1sturb8”. TikTok. July 3, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ d0n0td1sturb8. “d0n0td1sturb8”. TikTok. July 3, 2022. Accessed 12 July 2022.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Wong, Kayla. “Busker Jeff Ng does first public gig after cancelling shows, says he has 'learnt his lesson & grown up’”. Mothership.sg. July 31, 2022. Accessed 1 August 2022.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 jeffhellomusic. “It's been awhile since I have busk on the streets! 🥹 I really missed those days singing with each and everyone of you outside cathay! 🥰I will be back at the cathay tomorrow (Friday 30/09) 7.30pm where I will be bringing 2.5 hours of your song dedications & also my new originals too! 🙌🏻 See you there! 🙋🏻♂️#cathay #busking #singapore #jeffhellomusic”. Instagram. September 29, 2022. Accessed on 30 September 2022.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Hayat, Iqmall. “Jeff Ng To Make Comeback Performance At The Cathay & Debut New Original Songs”. Mustsharenews. 30 September 2022. Accessed on 30 September 2022.