Xiao Hu Dui

Musical career

In the late 1980s, Taiwanese society saw a growing interest in campus folk songs, prompting music professionals and talent scouts to look for fresh performers, which energized the Chinese pop scene. In July 1988, the talent show “TV Rookie Hegemony Station,” hosted by Chang Hsiao-yen, aired on Taiwan’s Chinese Television System. The show already featured three girls known as the “Kit Team” as assistants. To even things out, agents from Carrier Entertainment Agency searched for three boys to join them. The chosen individuals were 18-year-old Nicky Wu, 17-year-old Chen Zhipeng, and 15-year-old Alec Su. They were named the Little Tigers. Wu, a sports student from Taichung trained in judo and Taekwondo, became known as “Thunder Tiger” for his signature clean backward backflip. Chen, who studied ballet and had a background in music and dance, was compared to Hong Kong star Leslie Cheung and earned the nickname “Little Shuai Tiger.” Alec, the youngest, was a student at the prestigious Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School. By the end of 1988, the trio had signed with UFO Records. Their style was modeled after late-80s Japanese boy bands, especially Shonentai. They released their debut single “Green Apple Paradise,” a cover of Shonentai’s “What’s Your Name?,” featuring upbeat music and energetic dance moves. On January 10, 1989, they joined Yu Huan Pai Tui for their first compilation album “Happy New Year,” where “Green Apple Paradise” appeared as the second track. Though they started as supporting acts, the Little Tigers developed a lively image that became very popular with teenagers.