Chinese opera makeover for his music album Dai Nui Fa

Talking of albums reminds me of Steven's dai nui fa album cover. I wish I had the foresight at the time to bookmark the interview video clip recording his makeover into an opera character for his Dai Nui Fa album cover photoshoot, now I can't find that video online anymore.  In the interview video, Steven talked about the challenges of his amazing transformation. Compare his Dai Nui Fa painted face to his painted 'harlot' face in Change of Destiny.  Big difference there!

more screencaps @ of that missing video baidu steven
banner by Juzhi @ steven's warmhouse

Aside:

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Bottom pix source

2003 music album releases

July 23, 2003
Steven Ma has been going against the markets, in a low for the record industry at the moment, in the past three months, he has released three albums in both Hong Kong and China, including "New Princess Flower", the Mandarin album "Romantic Holiday" and in order to coincide with the airing of "Gam Pai Bing Yan" (Better Halves) his new compilation due out on 23rd called "My Theme Songs".

The "New Princess Flower" album has brought Steven an award for the 'Best Adapted Song Performance' from the Guangzhou TV station. Earlier, Steven travelled up to Guangzhou to receive his award and the Guangzhou fans created a special group to wave his banner and calling out "Steven Ma", making him very happy.

As for the award this time, Steven is very happy and as well as thanking the awarding party, he expressed his gratitude that after so many years in the industry he has finally gained the recognition of fans in both China and Hong Kong. He is also very grateful to all his musical predecessors and friends for their support.

Translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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July 25, 2003
With regards to recent reports that Steven Ma's "New Princess Flower" album may be faced with a legal case, the Managing Director of Steven's record company, Chan Ho Yuen, made the following statement: "Before and after we made 'New Princess Flower', we have been in contact with Hong Kong's composer and lyricist association (CASH) and they have confirmed that the score to "Dai Nui Fong Wan" and "Ying Chor" are traditional tunes and are therefore not governed subject to any copyright regulations and there is no problem."

Mr Chan mentioned that the lyrics were written by their lyricist Shum Wai Chung and they were rewritten completely for this album. After their completion they were also checked through with a lawyer who compared them with the words written by Cantonese Opera composer Tong Dik Sang in the original "Princess Flower" and it was proven that the lyrics to the two new songs have no trace of plagiarism or infringe on any copyright matters.

Also, Mr Chan went on to mention that out of respect for Mr Tong's original creations, they intentionally promoted the new album as "Steven Ma's New Princess Flower Collection" to avoid any confusion.

translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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July 27, 2003
Recently there have been reports that Steven Ma's "New Princess Flower" album may have legal implications, but Steven responded to this when he appeared at an event, he said: "At the moment I am unsure of any new developments as it is in the hands of the company and I haven't been briefed, but the company has said that there is no problem with the lyrics. I fully respect Mrs Lau and the record company will be passing the information to her, it's probably just a misunderstanding."

When it was mentioned about TVB's prevention of artistes appearing on Cable, Steven says that he has a singer as well as actor contract with TVB. At the moment, Candy Lo is going against monopolisation, saying she may consider not signing again, when he heard this, Steven said: "Wow, so serious! I don't think it needs to be so serious, everything should be done peacefully. I am not standing up for TVB, but everyone's contract is different and it should be discussed in good time."

Steven points out that when he is away from Hong Kong in other countries, he will only speak in Mandarin: "I haven't been interviewed by Cable, maybe they understand my identity. (Will you take care not to breach your terms?) I will respect the contract conditions and I believe that TVB will not act on one or two mistakes that artistes will make, but this will have no effect on me anyway." He also laughs that his contract with TVB will be up next year so he will check through the relevant conditions then.

Translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

2003 Dai Nui Fa music album

Steven -- Never forgetting charity
Steven held a reporters event promoting his new album "San Dai Lui Fa" despite the rain. The MTV of Dai Lui Fa's main theme has three versions in this album -- one is duet version, one consists of only the female voice and the other only the male voice.

Initially, he invited Charmaine Sheh to the event, but she was busy filming her new drama. However, she expressed over the phone that they had a wonderful time while cooperating. Steven took the opportunity to stress that he never complained about Charmaine's singing. In fact, Steven feels that Charmaine has a flair for rhythm. Steven added,"Whoever who said that Charmaine croaks must have meant it as a joke. Luckily we have cooperated on many occasions, our mutual understanding is there. Well, at first, Charmaine was nervous during recording, but she was very serious and her voice was smooth and turned out compatible with mine."

Corresponding with his new album, Steven will donate 5 dollars, for every album sold, to help deceased SARS victims' young family members as subsidies for their education and daily expenses. Steven said,"Ideally, I hope to raise 1 million, at the same time, this can also prove that my album is highly demanded for." However, Steven doesn't mind even if he makes losses as his main aim is to help the SARS affected victims.

Steven specially put on an 'opera look' to use it as his album cover. Steven also got himself an opera teacher. Steven said that he is rather busy recently being tied up with opera, computer lessons and English lessons.

Steven will be filming in China during July and will appear later on in a red cross advertising shot as he is the Blood-donating Ambassador for year 2003. Steven is appearing in government slogans for the fourth time this time. Previously, he had be ambassadors for Society Welfare, Anti-Drug and Cautious Driving. Although he is not paid for appearing in the slogans, he doesn't mind as he is doing something meaningful.

Steven's new album "Sun Dai Lui Fa" will be out today 06/05/03 in both HK and China.

thanks to VV and Nahn

TVB New Princess Cheung Ping

TV series Dai Nui Fa

In the TV series "New Princess Cheung Ping" superstars Steven Ma, Charmaine Sheh. and Sonija Kwok among others made an astounding effort to breathe new life into a classical Cantonese treasure!

Steven Ma topped it all by providing his talents for the recording of the relevant TV series' OST! The cover of the album shows him wearing the beautiful attire of the "New Princess Cheung Ping" series and he cannot be praised enough for his final looks. He assembled expert help for his make-up and posture, which really paid-off fine. You'll also be able to hear Charmaine She's first go at a song as she teams-up with Steven Ma for the theme of the TV series "The Fragrance of the Princess' Soul"!

Besides the promotional work for the New Princess Cheung Ping OST, Steven Ma was also busy doing charity work and as result of his recent experiences decided that $5 of the proceeds from each sold album will be donated to the needy children of SARS victims.

credit goes to VV for the translation