29-6-2023 (HONG KONG) Joyce Cheng, the Hong Kong singer, has been missing for over two months, sparking rumors about the cause of her disappearance. Recent reports suggest that it may be linked to a dispute with her record label, Media Asia Music.
According to sources, the company approached Cheng to renew her contract before an awards ceremony, with the goal of winning multiple awards and helping her achieve “grand slam” status as a female singer. Despite the risks involved, Cheng held three concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum in June last year and returned for another three shows just nine months later, hoping to garner more attention and resources.
However, it appears that Cheng believed her superstar status entitled her to greater resources, including having her own music label. Influenced by her friend, singer Alfred Hui, who had his own label, Cheng demanded that the company allow her to establish an independent label. This would provide her with more freedom and control over her career but would also require a substantial investment of up to HK$10 million.
Cheng’s income primarily comes from concerts and commercial performances, as she is not a regular figure in television and film. Although she has six advertising contracts, her endorsement fees are not exorbitant, making it challenging for the company to meet her demands.
Allegedly dissatisfied with the company’s response, Cheng disappeared from social media and refused to have any contact with the company. Insiders reveal that her manager, Sandy Lamb, had to report Cheng’s whereabouts to the company, as the singer had been ignoring their messages. Only after news of her disappearance broke did she start responding to the company’s messages. However, Lamb’s comment that “Joyce is really sick” hinted at the possibility of Cheng suffering from a sense of entitlement.
Cheng’s career has experienced ups and downs, and she has relied on her record company for support. Her first independent label ended when her former manager terminated her contract, leading to a low point in her career. It was only three years ago, when she signed with Universal Music, that she made a successful comeback with hits like “@princejoyce” and “Glitterfalls” topping the charts.
Although Cheng has resumed communication with the company, insiders reveal that their relationship is not as strong as before. Currently, she is on a break to “rest and recover” and has been spotted in Japan with her rumored boyfriend, as well as enjoying meals with friends in Hong Kong. There are also rumors suggesting that she has established her own studio, indicating her determination to continue her career independently.
When contacted about the contract dispute rumors, Cheng’s manager, Sandy Lamb, declined to comment further and reiterated her previous statement. Fans and industry insiders are left wondering about the future of Cheng’s career and hope for her swift return to the music scene.
