Latest news with #Softhard
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Actor Eric Kot on why Hong Kong cannot recreate the city's golden era of entertainment
Hong Kong entertainer Eric Kot has delved into many roles throughout his career – from radio host, singer, actor, comedian, to the owner of a streetwear brand. He first made his name when he formed a Canto-rap duo Softhard, with fellow radio host and comedian Jan Lamb in the 1980s. Now, after 11 years, the pair are going to star in their second theatre play. Kot sat down with the Post's Lisa Cam to talk about his inspirations as an actor and fashion designer and the difficulties that emerging local artists and Hong Kong's entertainment industry currently face.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Why '90s star Eric Kot wants Hong Kong to do more for performing arts
While there is nothing pretentious about an older man wearing a loose-fitting T-shirt and designer jeans, you cannot help but get a Master Roshi from Dragonball Z vibe from Eric Kot Man-fai. Sporting a full beard and a shaved head under his ever-present baseball cap, he has a certain mischievous air that is familiar to fans of the beloved 1990s Cantopop duo Softhard, of which he was half. Softhard stood out with their blend of hip-hop and satire. Comprising Jan Lamb and Kot, they were a revolutionary act making witty, fast-paced tracks that mocked pop culture and societal norms. Kot met Lamb at the Caritas Bianchi College of Careers while both were studying design. They worked as sales representatives and window dressers at fashion retailer Esprit, and joined Commercial Radio together as DJs in 1988, where they formed Softhard. Rising from radio DJs to television personalities, their avant-garde slapstick style made them cult icons. Beyond music, they hosted hit TV shows and influenced generations of Hong Kong artists. Eric Kot prepares a bowl of congee in 1994 as he promotes a new morning programme for Hong Kong's Commercial Radio Two. Photo: SCMP They parted ways in the late 1990s and branched out to individual projects, but their legacy endures.
