The decision to feature local getai singer and live stream sensation Wang Lei, 60, as a guest speaker at this year’s Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) has drawn the ire of some in the literary community.

Wang Lei, who is now better known as ‘Mai Yu Ge’ (‘Fish Selling Bro’)’, has been invited as one of the headliners of the SWF. Held from November 5 to 14, the annual festival will feature more than 140 programmes, both in person and online.

Together with Caroline Chia, a Singapore researcher in traditional Chinese theatre, and Su Zhangkai, who has written several publications on the local entertainment industry, Wang Lei will be speaking on the topic of “Vanishing Trades” on Nov 6.

Wang Lei shared a news article on his upcoming talk in a Facebook post last Sunday (Oct 24) writing: I am crude, I am uncultured, and I am not well educated, [but] it does not mean that I am a bad person. If you want me to talk about getai, I believe I can do it. Thank you for the invitation. I will give my best and show everyone a different side of Wang Lei!”

Many of his fans took to social media to post messages of support for Wang Lei, however, some from the literary community were less than enthused.

Local photographer and writer Lee Leng Kiong wrote on Facebook: Is this true? It is totally unacceptable! The organiser knows that he uses vulgarities liberally in his videos and disrespects others… Does the Singapore Writers Festival need such content?

Author and artist Wu Weicai also left a comment on the post expressing his disapproval.

Following news of the backlash, Wang Lei’s fans told the star to believe in himself and not to care too much about the comments.

“Everyone’s point of view is different, we don't have to care too much [about what others say]. As long as you feel that your persistence is worthwhile, you should continue to do it,” wrote one netizen, while another said: “Wang Lei, accept the challenge and improve yourself. There are a lot of netizens who are behind you.”

Wang Lei also responded to the comments, saying: “I am being myself when I am crude. I will not be fake. People who understand me will definitely support me. Those who don’t will understand one day!”

Photos: Wang Lei/Facebook