Khalil Fong was a prolific singer and songwriter

Renowned Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong, known for hit songs such as Love Love Love (2006), Singalongsong (2008) and Tour For Three (2008), has died at 41.

- Kolette Lim and Jan Lee

He "faced a disease with a positive attitude for five years", announced Fu Music, the independent label Fong founded, on microblogging site Weibo on March 1. It did not clarify what health issues he had been suffering from.

"Fong left this world peacefully and serenely on the morning of Feb 21, 2025, heading to another realm of life to continue his mission and dream," it said. "The music and graphic novels he left behind are eternal spiritual treasures."

Born in 1983 in Hawaii, Fong moved to Hong Kong in the late 1990s after living in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

He was introduced to music at a very young age by his father, a professional drummer. Fong would play the drums at home and perform as a guest vocalist at his dad's gigs. He picked up the guitar when he was 15.

Fong, whose biggest influences include American singers Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, gained recognition for his debut album Soulboy in 2005.

He also produced and wrote songs for Cantopop and Mandopop stars such as Eason Chan, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and A-mei, as well as Hong Kong singer Fiona Sit, who was often rumoured to be Fong's girlfriend due to their close relationship.

The pair maintained that they shared a platonic bond.