Same Old Love

This February, Nathan Hartono is making his leading role debut in a movie, but he assures us music remains his main focus.

- Wilson Lim

The whole of Singapore was rooting for Nathan Hartono through his journey on Sing! China in 2016, which he emerged as the runner-up in the finals. Hartono was already a media darling with his charming disposition and magnetic voice before that, but the singing competition catapulted him into national hero status. Shortly after, his face started appearing on the packaging of Singapore’s favourite chocolate malt beverage, Milo, and an onslaught of endorsement deals followed.

Thanks to the singing competition, Hartono’s talent is finally embraced by a wider audience, but his musical career really began in 2005. Despite the ebb and f low of the fickle entertainment industry, he honed his craft through his laser-focus and grit.

Hartono has done it all, from performing at intimate settings and world-class stages to acting in local productions and regional TV shows. This month, he will be making his leading role debut in the romantic-comedy movie, When Ghost Meets Zombie.

If one were to get the opportunity to witness Hartono in action, they would notice that he truly gets in the zone. For this cover shoot, the Men’s Folio team wanted to discover a different side to Hartono’s wholesome demeanour, so we envisioned a gritty Hartono in the vein of rebellious intellects from the Beat Generation. When he got on set, he took the brief and got ready for the shoot. Everyone present could feel he was entirely present and ready to give his best. In fact, the team often wanted to encourage Hartono during the shoot, but the words bounced right off as he was so engrossed in his role.