Remembering Joey Ng Wai

The sound of a guitar will never quite feel the same again. Not after Joey. For decades, Joey Ng Wai was more than a musician. He was a mentor, a visionary, and a steadfast believer in the power of local music. He wasn’t just playing the notes—he was living them, shaping them, and ensuring the next generation had a space to create their own.

Joey’s passing on February 17, at just 54, has left an unfillable void in the local music industry. His impact stretched across bands, stages, and hearts, from his early days co-founding Second Imij to his most recent musical venture, Jimi Flip. But beyond the sound, beyond the chords, beyond the impeccable arrangements and world-class execution, Joey was a brother, a friend, and a beacon of light for so many.

His sister, Sharon Ng Wai, who was by his side throughout his final journey, described his last days with heartbreaking clarity.

“Joey suffered multi-system failure—his heart, kidneys, stomach, lungs... Joey was critical from the beginning. In the seven weeks, there was maybe one time when I felt he would make it… it was short-lived as with each day, Joey’s body got worse and different complications arose,” Sharon shared. Read More