Anita Mui began her professional career at age four, performing alongside her elder sister in theatres and on the streets of Hong Kong. By the time she won the inaugural New Talent Singing Awards in 1982, she had already spent a decade navigating the entertainment industry, eventually becoming a fixture of Cantopop for over twenty years.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Mong Kok in 1963, Mui was raised in an impoverished household and provided for her family from a young age. She adopted various stage names while performing in nightclubs and amusement parks. After her victory in the 1982 New Talent Singing Awards, where she outperformed over 3,000 contestants with her rendition of "The Windy Season," she secured a recording contract with Capital Artists.
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Mui gained prominence for her contralto vocals and her fashion-forward image, cultivated in partnership with designer Eddie Lau. Her 1985 album, "Bad Girl," set a sales record in Hong Kong, moving over 400,000 copies. Known as the "Ever Changing Anita Mui," she held 28 consecutive concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 1987. Her influence extended across Asia, with performances at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and a major concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 1994.
Film and Mentorship
Beyond music, Mui established herself as an accomplished actor. Her performance in film earned her the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actress in 1987 and the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress in 1988. Throughout her career, she also dedicated herself to mentoring new talent, including the band Grasshopper, Andy Hui, Denise Ho, Edmond Leung, and Patrick Tam.
Final Years
Mui remained a constant presence in the entertainment industry from 1982 until 2003. In 2003, she publicly announced she was suffering from cervical cancer. She died on 30 December 2003 at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital at the age of 40. She is buried at the Tian Tan Buddha.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Mong Kok
- Died: 2003, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital
- Occupation: Actor, singer
- Best Actress (1988): Hong Kong Film Award
- Best Leading Actress (1987): Golden Horse Award
- Languages: English, Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin
- Burial Site: Tian Tan Buddha
Questions readers ask
What was Anita Mui's most successful album?
Her 1985 album, "Bad Girl," was the highest-selling album in Hong Kong territory, exceeding 400,000 copies.
How long did Mui remain active in the entertainment industry?
She remained a prominent figure for 21 years, from 1982 until her death in 2003.
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