A Dutch social media influencer, known for bridging cultural gaps through music, has captivated audiences by commissioning an African band to craft a song celebrating Shenzhen, China.
Kole Sander, better known by his online alias "Bu Shi Ke Sang De (@不是柯桑德)," recently invested 5,575 RMB (738.5 Euros) to collaborate with a Nigerian music team. This follows his earlier viral project where foreign artists composed a song about China. Now, the 25-year-old "Shenzhen native," who has lived in the city since childhood, has turned the spotlight to his "hometown."
"My followers know I grew up in Shenzhen,'" Sander declared in his latest video, posted on July 4th. To guide the musicians, he provided a list of Shenzhen's defining traits: its culinary diversity, stunning mountain-sea landscapes, tech-driven innovation, and rapid transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis in just 45 years. He even highlighted local dishes like coconut chicken and pork trotter rice as symbolic flavors of the city.
The resulting track blends upbeat rhythms with heartfelt lyrics. It opens by juxtaposing Shenzhen's humble beginnings with its dazzling skyline, weaving in references to drones, robotics, and its nickname as "The Silicon Valley." The chorus repeatedly chants "Oh Oh Shenzhen," celebrating its modernity, entrepreneurial spirit, and natural beauty.
Dressed in Shenzhen's iconic school uniform, Sander praised the song as "10,000 points" and "amazing!" "This is so pleasant to listen to," he raved, clapping enthusiastically.
The project underscores Sander's mission to redefine global perceptions of China through cross-cultural collaboration. By blending African musicality with Shenzhen's dynamic identity, he offers a fresh, joyful tribute to a city often hailed as China's innovation hub.
Author | Jiang Chang
Video Source | Bu Shi Ke Sang De (@不是柯桑德)
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
