Hong Kong’s music scene has lost a truly iconic figure with the recent passing of DJ Kulu (1945-2025) at the age of 79. Considered as the godfather of jazz and soul DJing in the city, Kulu’s musical contributions transcended generations, leaving a lasting mark on the local cultural landscape.
Born and raised in Wan Chai, Kulu’s passion for music began when he was a child, strongly inspired by the lively sounds of the neighbourhood bars. He was nurtured by icons like Stan Getz and Paul Desmond.
As a young adult, Kulu moved to England where he worked as a commercial and fashion photographer. During his carrier as a photographer, music was always present. He even had the opportunity to capture with his camera icons like Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Roland Kirk and Boy George. In his 50s, he decided to come back to Hong Kong to answer his true calling: music.
Returning to Hong Kong in 1999, Kulu quickly became a vital and unescapable component of the city’s nightlife, curating vibrant sets of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop at institutional venues like Kee Club and Amnesia.
Together with DJ Ivan Sit, Oliver Smith and MC Chuck, he formed the local electro-jazz outfit Ultralounge, running one of Hong Kong’s best Sunday sessions and touring the world. Their sets and parties at Liquid were legendary.
Kulu also co-founded the jazz ensemble Brothers’ Keeper and launched Jazz Joint UK in Edinburgh, championing live music and creativity.
Performing at festivals like Clockenflap and CT Music Fest, playing for local and global fashion brands, Kulu remained a vibrant force until the end. One month before his passing, he was playing at Clockenflap.
Beyond his performances, Kulu was promoting and nurturing Hong Kong’s burgeoning jazz-funk scene, uniting artists and audiences with his communicable passion and infinite knowledge. His sartorial elegance and personal charm were as much a part of his legacy as his musical talents. He would show up at almost every live jazz show in town, sometimes bringing his cameras to photograph musicians.
He was regarded as an unofficial ambassador of Hong Kong’s jazz scene and will certainly remain an iconic figure in the music scene.