This City Needs Street Music: Practices, Experiences, and Meanings in the Busking Scene of Hong Kong

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on an ethnographic study of the Hong Kong busking scene, this article explores how buskers navigate and negotiate their practices and experiences in the scene. Within the contested socio-political and institutional context in Hong Kong, buskers’ collective efforts have brought the promise of street music to life by bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and solidarity with their music. The statement, “This city needs street music,” not only captures street musicians’ deep conviction in the significance of their practice, but also calls for a wider recognition of the value of street music.