Rappers use music to fight prejudices
Print Edition
A MUSIC video featuring a group of Chinese rappers is trying to show a real China, to domestic and Western audiences alike.
“This is China” was created by band “Tianfushibian” (Sichuan Incident) from Sichuan Province, and features lyrics in English with imagery of China’s achievements as well as social problems.
In the video, the rappers address common prejudices against China and attempt to present a real and changing China to the world, an image based more on fact than speculation and prejudice.
“First things first, we all know that China is a developing country...
“It is real that the pollution is severe...” X “Melamine milk affected many babies...”
“Illegal business operation, took food beyond its expiration...”
The song also raps about changes taking place in China with lyrics such as:
“We now use apps to pay in nearly all situations.”
“As for scientific achievement, we have Tu Youyou who discovered artemisinin.”
The video is filled with Chinese cultural elements, including the Sichuan Opera, giant pandas and Bianlian, or quick changing of face masks, an ancient Chinese dramatic art. Sichuan Opera singers make a cameo appearance in the video.
The video has been seen millions of times since its debut in June, and has drawn the attention of the BBC and TIME.
“I never thought it would be such a hit,” said Li Yijie, who wrote the song four months ago. “Maybe it strikes a chord with many Chinese people.”
Wang Zixin, the band leader, said they created the song because foreigners, and even young people in China, do not know the country very well.
“In the past when I talked with foreign friends, I found that they had no deep understanding of China,” said Li Yijie, an English major from Sichuan Normal University. “We wanted to tell the story of a real, changing China to the world. We also hope that young Chinese will feel more united by listening to the song.”
Formed only a year ago, “Tianfushibian” has released more than 40 songs, with hits such as “Force of Red” and “Sichuan Sister” also getting online attention.
“We may not be professional musicians, but we hope to touch people with our words,” Li added.
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