In his latest birthday posting on Facebook, Malaysian singer-songwriter Namewee shares his tough life of working and studying in Taiwan, before he got famous.
Namewee attached a picture of his young self working at what seems like a construction site in Taiwan. “This is me 20 years ago. I was in Taiwan at the time, working and studying, saving money to make music, and wrote hundreds of songs that no one has listened to…” he stated.
“I have been a waiter in a variety of restaurants, working in a chicken steak shop, climbing seven floors to help people install iron windows, working as a temporary stage-building worker, sending leaflets, as a salesman, and was even chased by dogs. My goal was to save up money to buy better equipment, record my work as demo, and then sell it to singers,” he said.
照片裡是二十年前的我。當時我在台灣，半工半讀，存錢做音樂，寫了幾百首歌，沒有人聽過……
Posted by Namewee 黃明志 on Friday, May 5, 2023
Namewee added that he recorded those demos in a CD, and delivered them to at least 20 to 30 record labels by hand. He rode the bicycle and did this many times, repeatedly, but still, no one cared to contact him.
In this period of time, he moved five times and lived in several places including the ground floor of the garage, tin house in a dangerous building, as well as in the red light district.
To save money, he cooked all three meals per day, and prepare his own lunch box if he is going out. He also said that he would eat rotten ingredients, as long as they are not too smelly.
“I also went to ‘One Million Stars’ singing competition for work, hoping that I can get closer to the judge and mentors. I tried all I can to send my work to anyone who might be able to help, but it was all in vain,” he said.
After many tries, Namewee almost gave up. “When I was about to give up, YouTube was born, and you know what happened next,” he added.
Namewee continues to say that he will become a better person, and thanked everyone who is still supporting him. He also thanked his parents and wished that he would make them proud.
As his birthday wish, Namewee hopes that everyone is healthy and happy, and that the world is peaceful.
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