A soulful voice echoed through the Kai Tak Arena, singing the opening line of “The Best Teammates,” a 2020 hit by Hong Kong boyband Mirror. The crowd erupted in excitement, not just because of the song but because the singer, Worakamol Satoe, also known as Jeff Satur, doesn’t speak Cantonese.
This remarkable performance, which took place during the Chill Music Festival in December 2023, highlighted the dedication and charisma of the Thai artist. To prepare, Satur rehearsed the song and perfected its pronunciation before sharing the stage with Anson Lo, a member of Mirror, for a heartwarming duet. The collaboration beautifully captured the spirit of the song and was a highlight of the festival, which celebrated singer-songwriters and bands from both Hong Kong and Thailand.
“It was a wonderful experience to meet my fans, Anson’s fans, and fans from all over,” Satur tells Tatler. “It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Now back in Bangkok, Satur is focused on his upcoming English-language EP, set for release in late June. “It’s about creating something new from what’s old,” he explains. The EP builds on the themes explored in his debut Thai album Space Shuttle No 8, released in February 2024. The album, which delves into topics like work, life, and relationships, was named Best Album of the Year at the Spotify Wrapped Live Awards, further solidifying his status in the Thai music scene.
The upcoming EP marks a new chapter in his career. Satur aims to reach a global audience with a fresh musical direction, exploring new sounds and expanding his reach beyond Thailand. “This is a step forward from Space Shuttle No 8,” he says. “I want to experiment with new styles and connect with fans in countries I haven’t reached yet.”
Satur’s passion for music is deeply influenced by his diverse heritage. With a Thai-Italian-Indian father and a Thai-Chinese mother, he grew up surrounded by a variety of musical influences. From traditional Thai instruments and molam (a genre of music from Laos and northeastern Thailand) to Western genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop, Satur’s music blends global styles with his roots. “I love artists from all over the world because they bring a unique flavor to their work,” he says.
Born in 1995, Satur’s musical journey began at age nine when he first saw someone play the guitar. “It was so cool, so I decided to learn,” he recalls. Though his teacher initially taught classical guitar, Satur eventually taught himself how to play pop and folk guitar. His true passion for singing emerged in high school when he formed a band. In 2013, he signed with Kamikaze, a teen music label, and released his debut single “Lok Teak,” an acoustic pop track. However, his early years in the industry were challenging. Frustrated by limited creative freedom and the repetitive cycle of performing in shopping malls, he left the music scene for a while to work in his family’s business.
During this break, Satur honed his skills in music production and also found time to act in and compose for the popular TV series KinnPorsche (2022), a show in the BL (Boys’ Love) genre. The series gained a large following, particularly in mainland China, boosting Satur’s international recognition.
In 2023, he made a breakthrough in China’s music industry after winning two awards on the Chinese reality show Call Me by Fire. His success continued with the release of singles “Fade” and “Ghost” in 2024, both of which topped Spotify’s Top 200 chart in Thailand. These tracks laid the foundation for Space Shuttle No 8 and an upcoming 2024 Asia tour. As of now, his Spotify plays have exceeded 235 million.
Beyond music, Satur has also made a mark in the fashion world. In December 2023, he became the first Thai star to be named a brand ambassador for Valentino. He is also an ambassador for Cartier and Ray-Ban.
Satur is proud to be part of the rising wave of T-pop, the nickname for Thai pop music, which has gained traction globally. “Ten years ago, Thai music was mostly for local audiences. Now, we have fans from all over the world,” he says. “T-pop has real international potential. Some artists are already gaining popularity outside Thailand, and it’s exciting to see where it can go.”
In 2023, Satur founded his own agency, Studio on Saturn (SOS), and produced the series Happy Ending (2024), which promoted fellow Thai artists. He also mentored aspiring talent on the reality show Chuang Asia, alongside rapper BamBam and actress Yaya Urassaya.
Despite his rapid rise, the 30-year-old remains grounded. He explains that the creation of SOS was not just another achievement for his resume but an opportunity to connect with fans on a deeper level. “I want to create a space where I can be my authentic self,” he says. “It’s important to me that people see who I really am.”
Looking ahead, Satur plans to expand his artistic horizons even further. After his EP, he aims to venture into dancing and voice acting. “I’m always looking to break new boundaries,” he says. Although his original dream was to be a musician, he now embraces all of his creative pursuits. “I love storytelling in all its forms, whether it’s through music, acting, or mentoring. If I had to choose, I’d say storytelling is my passion.”
Satur’s relentless ambition and diverse talents are paving the way for Thai artists to reach the global stage, and his journey is just beginning.
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