Azora Chin Photo: Courtesy of Mango TV

"Music is like a vessel that carries many expressions and culture is one of them," says Azora Chin, a Malaysian singer, describing his musical journey in China. "Chinese culture is vast and profound, and I love every bit of it here," adds Caelan Moriarty, a Cuban-born artist, reflecting on his experiences in the country. 

Both artists have built their careers in China, using music as a bridge to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

Recently, the Global Times interviewed the two foreign musicians to learn more about their journeys in China and how they have grown both personally and professionally through their art. For them, music serves as a universal language that nurtures cross-cultural connections, and China is a land to explore their musical dreams. 

A land of dreams

For Chin, often mistaken for a Chinese national, the connection with China feels almost fated. A Malaysian national of Chinese descent, he grew up immersed in Chinese culture.

"My ancestral home is Fujian Province, and I have been influenced by Chinese culture since childhood. My parents insisted that I attend Chinese-language schools from elementary to high school," Chin told the Global Times.

Chin came to China after graduating from high school to study music at university. "The first time I landed in China, I felt at home," he recalled. "Hearing people speak Putonghua everywhere, I thought of the phrase 'cultural resonance.'"

While studying in Malaysia, he watched numerous Chinese TV shows, which he thought provided a platform for people passionate about music to showcase their talents, skills, and ideas. "I thought it was a fantastic environment," said Chin.

Drawn to the open and creative atmosphere of China's music scene, Chin made the leap to pursue his career in the country. He debuted as part of a music group in China in 2018; and after the group disbanded in 2019, he continued his career as a solo artist. For the last six years, he has been pursuing his musical dreams in China.

"China offers a platform where different forms of expression and musical styles collide. It's exactly what I've always wanted to do," he said. 

Similarly, Moriarty, debuted in 2018 at the age of 18 as part of a boy group. His first visit to China was paid during a performance with the group. In 2021, he came to China to participate in the reality show CHUANG 2021, where his stage performances won the audience's affection, leading him to establish his career roots in China to pursue his musical dreams.

"It's China that gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams, have joyful experiences, and make lifelong friends," said Moriarty.

Speaking about his decision to come to China, Moriarty said, "I'm glad I took that brave step." The "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" his friends called allowed him to meet more fans and friends, and to experience the beauty of Chinese culture.

"China has so many places worth exploring, and I love every bit of it. Each city has its own unique style and charm." He speaks fondly of his love for the local cuisine, especially the spicy dishes of Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, and expresses a desire to explore places like Chongqing and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"If I have the chance, I want to explore China fully. I'd like to visit Chongqing and Xinjiang. I heard that Xinjiang is especially beautiful," said Moriarty.

Caelan Moriarty Photo: Courtesy of Mango TV

Cultural messenger

BothChin and Moriarty are participants in the fourth season of the Chinese singing reality show Call Me by Fire. On the show, 34 participants from various countries compete in various performing art forms including singing, dancing, and rapping. 

Having been influenced by Chinese culture from an early age, Chin views music as a powerful way to connect people.

"Although there are language barriers between us, when we work together to create a piece, we realize that language is not an obstacle. Good work transcends words," he said.

In Chin's view, culture can awaken people's senses, and music brings people closer together. "We can't remember all cultures in our lifetime, but music is like a vessel that can carry many expressions, and culture is one of them."

For Moriarty, growing up in a multicultural family gave him a natural appreciation for diversity. 

Working with other members, each from different cultural background, he has learned to embrace differences as a source of inspiration. "Cultural differences open up new conversations," said Moriarty. "There's so much to share, and we could talk about culture for a long time." 

Moriarty's immersion into Chinese culture has been transformative. Once unfamiliar with the country, he can now undertake interviews in fluent Putonghua. "I feel comfortable speaking this way, and I want to showcase my Putonghua." 

He also enjoys embracing diverse traditional Chinese cultural practices, from writing Spring Festival couplets to celebrating Spring Festival with friends. "Chinese New Year has such a significant meaning in this culture. It's a time of pride and joy for every Chinese person, and I'm lucky to experience it as a foreigner."

Both artists have ambitious plans for the future. Chin is gearing up to release his second album and can't wait to reunite with fans on his next tour. Moriarty, too, is excited to continue his journey in China, "creating more unforgettable memories in this land of opportunity."

"I'll keep being myself," said Moriarty. "And I hope you will too."