Behind the Curtain: A young Xinjiang artist sings the reality of his hometown

For Alading Asihali, a musical theater actor from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, art is more than performance – it's a personal mission. In his latest original song and music video, Alading pays tribute to his home region through a blend of music, culture, and powerful storytelling.

"I just want everyone to see what the real Xinjiang looks like, how beautiful the landscapes are, how warm the people are," he told CGTN in an interview. "Instead of listening to what others say, why not come see it for yourself?"

A project that sparks curiosity towards Xinjiang

The song, named "Dream Quest: Xinjiang," is a creative fusion of pop music and musical theater, drawing heavily from Xinjiang's local melodies and imagery. Alading collaborated with a seasoned Xinjiang-based composer, seeking to strike a balance between theatrical expression and musical accessibility. The result is a piece that captures both modern rhythm and ethnic authenticity.

"The intro features a shout inspired by 'The Lion King' musical. We wanted it to bring listeners into the atmosphere of a Xinjiang song immediately," Alading explained. "In section B, we added melodies that are characteristic of Xinjiang – rhythms that evoke a desire to dance."

The accompanying music video is a visual ode to Xinjiang. From the bustling Grand Bazaar in Urumqi to the serene beauty of Sayram Lake near Ili, the video offers both natural splendor and a rich cultural atmosphere.

"It was my first time visiting Sayram Lake, and I was blown away by the natural beauty of our country," Alading said. "People always say they want to visit Europe, but the landscapes in Xinjiang are just as stunning."

The project was born not only out of pride but also frustration. During his college years in Beijing, Alading encountered stereotypes and misconceptions about his hometown. "People used to joke, asking if we took our college entrance exams on horseback. That got to me," he laughed. "So, I decided, why not write a song and show them what Xinjiang is really like?"

Offering something different to the world

Alading's aspirations go beyond this one song. As an ethnic minority artist, he feels a strong responsibility to amplify Xinjiang's stories on a broader stage.

"Musical theater may have originated abroad, but we can adapt it to fit Chinese stories," he said. "We don't need to limit ourselves to historical or traditional themes, we have so many ethnic stories waiting to be explored."

Looking ahead, the Uygur artist dreams of creating a musical centered on Xinjiang. He envisions a production that not only incorporates Uygur musical elements but also includes Tajik, Kazakh, and other ethnic influences.

"As for the story, I'd prefer something modern, focusing on the lives of young people in today's Xinjiang and how they live in a modern society," he said.

Ultimately, Alading sees his work as part of a larger cultural conversation. "It's not just about Broadway or the West End," he said. "China has forged its path, and we can stand shoulder to shoulder, offering something different to the world."

When asked what Xinjiang means to him personally, Alading's answer was simple and deeply heartfelt.

"It's probably my mom's freshly baked pumpkin buns, or the sound of my grandmother speaking Uygur in her hometown accent, or that irresistible aroma of naan bread just out of the oven. That, to me, is Xinjiang."

And now, through his voice and vision, he's inviting the world to experience that Xinjiang for themselves.

Videographer: Liu Xinchao

Video editor: Guo Meiping

Cover image: Yu Peng