Finding the spotlight

Shengte Wuji has recently emerged as one of six finalists on Sound Trek, a program co-produced by provincial TV stations, including Hunan Satellite TV, Beijing Radio & Television Station, Jiangsu Satellite TV, Liaoning TV, and Xinjiang Satellite TV, as well as online streaming platforms Mango TV and Tencent Video.

The program scouts young vocal talent from 37 professional troupes and 86 art colleges across China, featuring three main categories: bel canto, ethnic and pop music. It aims to select a new generation of singers who possess both technical skill and cultural depth.

Through the competition, Shengte Wuji has grown increasingly steadfast in her goal to expose more people to Yi ethnic music through her voice. She has also clarified her artistic direction: whether adapting or fusing folk and pop music, the guiding principle must be "appropriateness".

"The aim is to make the work sound better, not to force in ethnic elements merely for the sake of showcasing them," she adds.

Similarly, Malaysian singer-songwriter Jesslyn Tan, a fellow competitor encouraged by veteran singer Na Ying's affirmations, is devoting herself to lyrical music.

"The meaning of the stage never lies in winning or losing, but in whether one can use songs as a bridge to connect heart-to-heart with the audience," she says.

The show is broadcast live, an approach Hong Xiao, vice-president of Mango TV, finds essential.

"We are selecting talent for the music industry, and the most fundamental requirement is real capability. A true singer must have both professional vocal skills and emotional expressions, not someone manufactured through short videos, apps, or audio effects. Only live broadcasting can fulfill this demand for authenticity," Hong says.