Mavis Hee Is Grateful She Was “Still Given A Chance To Live” As Her Health Was “Not Too Good” During The Pandemic

Mavis Hee, who’s been keeping a very low profile since the early 2000s, has made a rare return to the spotlight in a collaboration with Disney+.

However, it was a partnership that almost didn’t come to pass.

To mark the recent launch of an expanded library of Asian content on the streaming platform, Disney+ and Mavis released a re-recording of the latter’s iconic hit ‘Moonlight in the City’ (better known to us as the theme song of classic Mediacorp drama Tofu Street), along with an accompanying music video that features an appearance by the elusive star herself.

In an email interview with 8days.sg, Mavis, 47, explained that she originally turned down the offer to work with Disney+ as they were “unable to reveal” who the invitation was coming from at first (how secretive).

“Not knowing the background of the party [inviting me for the collaboration] can be quite scary!” she said. “However, they were very sincere right from the beginning, so I thought even if we can’t work together, I still would like to thank them for the invite. Finally, when they revealed that they are Disney+, I was very touched.”

Fans are thrilled to see Mavis back in action

Creating something with the entertainment giant was quite the dream come true for Mavis, who enthused about being a big fan of Disney films and songs since she was a child.

“I love to listen to songs that get me motivated and feel good, and I do love animated movies like Up and Inside Out,” she said, adding that Disney has played a part in inspiring her own music as well. “The brand evokes a sense of romance, relationships, and life, and this association has influenced my work.”

Mavis also has fond memories of going to a certain world-famous theme park with her family. Naming Mickey Mouse as the Disney character she identifies with the most (although she didn’t say why), she recalled visiting Disneyland with her mother during a trip to America as a child.

“When we saw [Mickey Mouse] come out, I was really very happy,” she gushed. “Many years later, I went to Disneyland Japan with my sister and there were fireworks that seemed endless. We were so happy! It was exuberating seeing all the characters. I love all of them!”

Movie night with Mavis

While Mavis was excited to share a new version of ‘Moonlight in the City’ with fans, she admitted to wondering if she “could bring back the same kind of energy level” to the track, which she originally recorded in her 20s.

Adding to her concerns was a “digestive problem” that plagued her before recording commenced, but fortunately, the entire process ended up being “fruitful and smooth”.

“Luckily, my sister made some ginseng tea for me, which calmed me down,” she said. “We had two days of recording in the studio and working with the same team — producer Chen Jiaming and sound engineer Shaun — made the process a bliss. It brought back a lot of memories.”

However, the job wasn’t without its challenges: “I’m not a ‘technical’ singer, so I can only use my emotions to lead how I’m going to deliver the song. Usually, I will question if I can do it again and again.”

“I did encounter some breathlessness, but the recording turned out to be better than I thought. I felt good about it.”

Mavis on the set of the MV

The star hinted at more health issues when we asked for her thoughts on the new rendition of ‘Moonlight’ and its accompanying music video, which features people of various ages singing along with her.

“For the past two years during this COVID period, my health was not too good, so I’m very grateful that I was still given a chance to live and to be able to still sing,” she mused.

“Music is my passion and connecting to others is my passion,” she continued. “When I got to see the final MV, I felt very good and touched seeing different generations singing my song, reunited with the memories with their loved ones. I feel very honoured.”

Mavis made a rare appearance on social media on David Gan’s IG last month

Mavis continued to be surprisingly forthcoming with the rest of her answers, although she did leave out some of our questions, such as one asking which other celeb pals she keeps in touch with (she appeared in an Instagram post by David Gan in November).

While we were initially told by reps that she might avoid more personal topics, she seemed happy to share with us what else she’s been up to lately, as well as her future plans.

“I have been busy writing songs, catching up with friends, and packing the house,” she revealed. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to release some of the new songs that I wrote soon. Currently, I’m doing what I love and enjoying my life.”

You read that right: There could be new music from Mavis really soon, which she said will “probably be a single or compilation album”, as well as “a plan to tour China next year and some commercial engagements”.

Photos: Disney+ Singapore, David Gan/Instagram