Nigerian-born Pop Star in China

Emmanuel Uwechue is often referred to as the “unlikely” pop star that is taking the spotlight in China. His Chinese name is Hao Ge (pronounced How Guh) which also means “Good Song” in Chinese. Although Chinese is not his native tongue, Mr. Uwechue is fluent and sings in Mandarin.

While Mr. Uwechue is one of many foreigners to have made a name for himself in China, he is definitely the first African to have reached widespread success in China. Many of the songs by 33 year old Uwechue are soul-infused versions of classic Chinese love songs, with faster rhythms.

Mr. Uwechue’s contribution to the Chinese music scene is viewed as a symbol of the growing relationship between Africa and China. A New York Times article about Hao Ge highlights that among nations with close Sino-African* ties, Nigeria in particular has benefited from Chinese capital. China has invested more than $7 billion in energy, communications and infrastructure in the country, which exports some $4.7 billion in crude oil to China each year, according to a recent statement by Li Yizhung, China’s minister of industry and information technology.

Mr. Uwechue’s transition into music is my personal favorite. According to jamati.com, Uwechue began his music career as a country music singer when he wasn’t working as an astrophysicist (he has a mathematics degree from University of Monrovia).  It will be interesting to see a collaboration between him and some R&B folk.  Him singing in Mandarin and them in English.  Now that would be fascinating.

As referenced in afronline.com “It just goes to show there are no boundaries if you are determined to do something.”

*Sino-African relations refers to the historical, political, economic, military, social and cultural connections between China and the African continent.

PAASSC will continue to highlight ways in which China is diversifying to help dispel the myths and barriers that some may perceive in our children’s ability to build relationships and opportunities within the Chinese culture.