Sino-African Harmony: Rwandan Singers in China

Paper Abstract: Since 2021, a group of Rwandan musicians have taken China by storm. Their Chinese fans have praised not only their musical talents, but the accuracy of their pronunciation and the authenticity with which the singers are able to convey the emotions and meanings of their lyrics (mostly but not entirely in Mandarin). In this paper, I propose to examine their reception in China (where they have toured), their promotional materials, video production, the use of intermediaries (Chinese-speaking Rwandan managers), and the local Rwandan musical communities and traditions from which they originate. I am also interested in comparing this trend to other transnational African musical stars like Fatoumata Diawara, Salif Keita, and others who have become household names across the world. Ultimately, I would like to explore the potential for this vector of African musical creativity to move both forward to and backward from Asia, much as the Taarab traditions of East Africa have incorporated both indigenous and South and West Asian elements.