Archive
Skies looking Blue for Chinese Star Ayi at Film Event in London
Ground Breaking Chinese Star Ayi Jihu
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu stepped out in London to the ‘As Blue As The Sky’ private movie event at Mango Lounge in Earls Court. Ayi Jihu has a small part in this British Romantic Drama and this was her first real meeting with the Director and some of the producers of the film since finding out she was going to be in the film.
Ayi Jihu met up with several friends including the owner of the cool Mango Lounge bar, Oliver at the event.
Ayi was accompanied by Shlepp CEO Stevie Eagle E.
Ayi Jihu got to meet some to the producers involved in the film ‘As Blue As the Sky’ Like James Daley. The Main producer of the Film Frederick Archer was not able to attend the event.
Ayi spent much of her time meeting and greeting various investors involved in the film. All of them seemingly eager to embrace the Chinese interest Ayi Jihu brings to the film.
For The Director of the Film Wayne Campbell this was not his first time meeting Ayi Jihu. He directed her the first music video she was ever in almost 5 years ago at Shlepp Records in London. He recommended Ayi for this role in ‘As Blue As The Sky’ Wayne Campbell told us: ‘It is amazing to see the rise of Ayi Jihu since I first met her almost 5 years ago. She was just an extra in a music video I was shooting for Shlepp Entertainment and we all could not take our eyes of her in the editing suite. It was obvious she stole the show on the video then and we actually went back and shot more of the video around her. Like many people I have been keeping my eye on her progress over the years and it has been a while since she has been back in the UK as she always seems to be in some exotic location around the globe. When we looked at Casting for this movie we knew right away we needed every edge we can get being an independent film. Ayi is not only perfect for the part but she brings a lot of interest and eyes from all over the world and hopefully that will put a few more bums on seats. If her first video is anything to go by we can expect her first big screen experience to to really go of the chain. She has a way of doing that to the things she touches. We are all excited about having her on board.
Ayi Jihu broke out in her custom raw laugh when Director Wayne Campbell tried to explain her role in the movie. Apparantly whatever it is she will not be wearing much we have been told.
Global News have also been told at least one Ayi song will be included in the film Soundtrack.
As Blue As The Sky is a Romantic Drama set in Dorset UK. The movie is supposed to be a real tear jerker. Based on a true story It explores the the scenario of losing and find love from a slightly different perspective. The film is slated to break ground on production early 2013.
Ayi Jihu has a busy 2013 lined up with her new album and several other film projects including Fear Chaser starting to break ground also.
Special thanks to Royal Cars London, Chicane Film Productions and Mango Lounge
Ayi Jihu Fear Chaser takes on the bullies in schools
Ayi Jihu will be using her Fear Chaser story when speaking to youngsters in schools about bullying. Ayi, who will be speaking to students at A.Y. Jackson Secondary School in Toronto Canada is keen to tackle the bullying issue and feels Fear Chaser is a perfect way to get through to some of the kids out there.
Ayi believes that much of bullying is caused by Fear both on the part of the bully and the victim and feels understanding these fears and how they make us act and react is something she can pass on to the kids in schools. Ayi intends to use Fear Chaser to ram home her point when talking to kids in schools. Fear Chaser has already proved to be a hit with the kids all over the world notching up 25 million players in it’s online game format on AQ.com. Most of the players were between the ages of 8 – 14 years of age.
Ayi who is in Canada representing A Celebration of Women Foundatin Inc is mindful of her responsibility as a role model for young women. “I know that I am in a position where others are watching me and I want to be a good example especially to young women all over the world. Speaking to kids in schools is a great way of reaching the hearts and minds of young people and making a difference. I want to do my best to make a positive difference as many in the music industry don’t.”
Ayi Jihu is well known for her work with children all over the world. She is unique in that she represents children of all cultures and ages.
Ayi is also international Ambassador for Music From a Bottle, a brand new program that recycles bottles to get instruments for kids in schools and give them the opportunity to explore their creativity. Music from a Bottle feels Ayi Jihu will give them the global edge they need to take their program worldwide.
For more information on Ayi Jihu visit www.Ayijihu.com
For More information on Fear Chaser visit Fear Chaser online.
The Hollywood Star and the Chinese Madonna, Ayi Jihu the Joey English interview
On Saturday the 10th of September on the eve of 9/11 Ayi Jihu met up with Hollywood starlet Joey English for an interview on her Radio show.
Singer, Actress and dancer Joey English has worked with and interviewed some of the biggest names in Hollywood history and now also hosts her own radio show.
Ayi Jihu and Joey English hit it off as they share a joke on air
Amado Salinas Owner of Global Mobile network Uronimo who is staying within Palm Springs introduced Ayi Jihu to Joey’s listeners.
For more information about ayi Jihu visit www.ayijihu.com
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu hits Hollywood
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu is about to Land in Hollywood on a whirlwind promotional tour to promote her two new TV roles and various film projects this year.
Ayi Jihu will be the hosting the Brand new International Talent search show ‘The Big Stage’ (www.thebigstagecontest.com), as well as playing a major role in a brand new Comedy Drama Flyy Girl which starts production this October. Ayi Jihu recently held top level meetings in London with Movie Executive Arthur Wylie to play a part in his adaptation of the best selling book Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree.
Ayi told Star News. ‘I have been keeping my head down because so many things have been going down lately. I did not want to say anything, but now I can talk about it a bit and it’s all very exciting. The Big Stage is going to me huge, I can’t wait to start that and now my acting career is really going to start with Flyy Girl. I wont say too much about the part I am playing but it’s great for me. A great place to start. I’m going to be working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and I just can’t wait. It’s all very exciting for a little girl from Liebo China. I have already met some of the production team from the show like Dale Godboldowho has been helping come to grips with my part. Working with him has been so cool, i Mean he has done some amazing stuff, and worked and performed with so many people i admire. “
Ayi Jihu is also meeting with Anthony Bradshow Fashion designer and Glee Stylist, who will be styling her while she is in America. Film Director and Producer Dana Mennie who has a five film deal with Lionsgate is also meeting with Ayi Jihu to discuss a part in his latest film.
Ayi Jihu’s first official engagement will be at the Robi Reed red carpet event in LA on the 3rd of September (www.robireedendofsummercelebration.com) Robi Reed is considered one of the most powerful women in Hollywood and her exclusive red carpet charity event is part of the Hollywood Calendar.
Ayi Jihu has also been asked to perform at the 9/11 Remembrance event in Las Vegas. She told Star News: “Yes it’s a great honor and I hope I will be able to make it down to Vegas to do the show, It’s just that my schedule in LA is so crazy. I have spoken to my management and we are trying to make it happen. I would love to perform at this event, as a Chinese artist I feel even more honored that they considered me.”
Ayi Jihu was keen to praise her team for putting everything together. “There is so much happening, really I just can’t even begin to tell you everything, and I don’t like to speak about things too much. I feel very blessed and I have to say thank you to my wonderful team, they have been working 24/7 to make this all come together for me. Stevie Eagle E is amazing, I don’t think he sleeps at all, he is just always working, and also James Womack, Those two guys are amazing. People like Richard Victor Mahvrick are instrumental in all of this and My vocal coach JR Skeete has move heaven and earth to accommodate my mad schedule, even if we have to work on the phone he won’t let up. I need that as sometimes all these other things i do distract me from my singing a bit. Denzil from http://www.fabulous100.com has been amazing, I do not know what I would do without him. There are so many people behind me working with me, pushing me and supporting me I know I have to succeed.”
Ayi Jihu lands in LA on the 1st of September 2011 and if she does anything like what she did in September 2010 it could be the launching of a Global Superstar.
For More information about Ayi Jihu vist www.Ayijihu.com
Chinese star Ayi Jihu feels countryman Ding Junhui can become snooker world champ this time
Probably China’s most famous snooker fan Ayi Jihu is on the edge of her seat watching Ding Junhui Chinas most successful snooker player who is playing in the last for of the world Championships at the Crucible against Judd Trump.
Ayi Jihu who is a massive snooker fan and plays herself feels that this time Ding Junhui has a great chance of going all the way, although she admits it will not be easy. ‘Judd is playing like a wizard’ she says. ‘Some of his shots and the way he shows no fear and just goes for it is amazing. At one stage yesterday I thought he would run away with it, but Ding pulled him back and now its game on today.’
D.O.B. 01 Apr 1987
Lives Wuxi, Jiangsu Province
Last 5 Seasons13-11-9-27-62
Turned Pro 2003
Ranking Tournament Victories Four – China Open 2005; UK Championship 2005, 2009; Northern Ireland Trophy 2006
Last season World Snooker Tour prize money
£214,775
Highest Tournament Break 147 – Masters 2007, UK Championship 2008
The 2009/10 season marked a return to form for Ding, who had established himself as snooker’s most promising talent in 2005 and 2006, before suffering a dip in form which lasted nearly three years.
A run to the quarter-finals of the Roewe Shanghai Masters gave him a boost of confidence, and he carried that into the Grand Prix in Glasgow where he reached his first ranking final since 2006. Wins over Matthew Stevens, Stephen Maguire, Peter Ebdon and Mark Williams put the Chinese player through to a clash with Australia’s Neil Robertson; only the second ranking final between two non-British players in snooker history. Ding had to settle for the second prize, losing 9-4.
He didn’t have to wait long, however, to go one step further. At the Pukka Pies UK Championship in Telford in December, he knocked out Mike Dunn, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter and Stephen Maguire to set up a final meeting with John Higgins.
A tightly-contested battle saw Ding play superbly in the closing stages to come from 7-6 down and win 10-8, showing his class and composure with a break of 75 which sealed victory.
“I’ve had a long time without winning so I’m so happy, it’s crazy,” said Ding, who was accompanied, as ever, by his mum Chen Xi Juan. “I’ve been working very hard this season, practising six or seven hours a day with no breaks. There was a lot of pressure at the end of last season because I nearly dropped out of the top 16, so I’m surprised to play well in the first three tournaments this season.”
Part of his prize was his weight in Pukka Pies from the sponsor, and Ding showed his generous side by donating all 276 of the delicious snacks to a volunatary group in Sheffield which looks after homeless people at Christmas
Ayi Jihu who is also a big Ronnie O Sulivan fan says that the big shock was Neil Robertson going out in the first round to Judd, but seeing how he is playing she can see why.
‘He’s young and so talented and plays with no fear. I get that, it’s easeir to do when you are young, when you have nothing to lose. Some of his shots just leave you with your mouth open. He goes for shots that could lose him the frame if he misses them or gets them wrong, but he makes them and he has not let his form drop since beating Neil Robertson in the first game.’
Despite Judds great form and play, Ayi Jihu believes Ding has the experience and quality to win against him and go on to win the final. ‘It would be great for Ding to win, Great for China. I can tell you Millions of people are watching this in China.’ She continues; ‘Ding is a great player, and in the past he was very, very shy, but now he is coming out of his shell, his English has improved so much, and I know how hard that can be, but he has managed to get a good grip on it and I believe this is going to be his time. At least I hope so.’
Ayi Jihu has just returned to Cambridge after a hectic schedule or TV and press covering her Fear Chaser Game, movie and album release as well as the Royal Wedding. She intends to just chill out for a few days and watch the snooker and football.
This weekend is going to be crazy, I have the snooker to watch and then Man Utd are playing Arsenal on Sunday. I’m not sure if I will have any rest at all, but I’m going to try and enjoy it. I’m hoping Spurs will do us a favour and give Chelsea a good run for their money on Saturday. For me the perfect weekend would end with Ding in the final, Spurs and Chelsea draw or Spurs win, and Man Utd smashing Arsenal on Sunday. With it all starting with a fantastic, perfect Royal Wedding I think it would be a weekend I would remember for the rest of my life!’
Ayi Jihu with Neil Roberston and Tony Drago
For information on Ayi Jihu vist her website AyiJihu.com
To find out more about Ayi Jihu’s new Movie, Game and Album visit Fear Chaser
Chinese star Ayi Jihu historic online game a massive success!
The much anticipated Ayi Jihu Fear Chaser online game kicked off at midnight GMT and was an outstanding success. AQ.com knew the interest in the game would be good, but even they did not expect thier gamers to pile into the game in the numbers they did, with almost 20,000 lining up to play before the game even started. Thats twice the amount of people in Wembly Arena waiting to watch a digital animated concert.
Before the Game Event launched Ayi as Fear Chaser answered questions from her fans in the lobby area (digital) AQ.com moderators could not control the amount of questions and people trying to speak to Ayi causing them to have to break it off and re-group 30 minutes later.
Before the action truly starts and you go out there and bash some fear monsters you are taken through a story which sets up everything. Your character (whatever you create) becomes inlisted by Ayi Jihu to help her fight some serious fear monsters
All the time the action takes place Ayi Jihu’s music is pumping in the back ground. At this point you are not actualy playing as much as taking part in a digital movie or animation. There are some great, and quite funny bits too, like the animated Ayi Jihu belly dance or the AQ.com take on the patented Ayi Jihu dancing style. I think it would be almost impossible to replicate Ayi’s moves in any animation but they certainly give it a good enough go here.
Fear Chaser does some pretty cool super hero stuff too, jumping from buildings, leaping over crowds with a single jump and landing on poor characters in the game. All done with real style you find yourself getting drawn into the story as it unfolds.
This is all very watchable stuff and you will find yourself smiling and smirking quite a bit as you watch. AQ have obviously not cut any corners here and have produced a really watchable mini animation, that is somewhat interactive.
Once you watch the intro you are then ready to go on your first mission and battle some bad guys with Ayi. You return to the game lobby area which is like a little mini landscape and you will see that the next level is unlocked and you can now go and start fighting your fears. The first fear on your list is Virtigo the fear of heights. We wont spoil it by telling you too much about that but we can say its very playable and interesting too. AQ have taken time to do justice to the whole Ayi Jihu Fear Chaser concept and they have obviously done their research on fears and phobias. Another good thing is as you battle these fears you are joined by other fear fighters who help you out here and there
Serious hardcore gamers may not quite get this, world of warcraft it aint. It’s fun and does not take itself too seriously, and it’s charm is in the story and Ayi Jihu. It also is part of the whole Fear Chaser Franchise and project and from that perspective its a fantastic coupe. From the youngest in your family to the oldest there is something in this game event even if its just watching the animation, some of us older cats might find the game play and lingo a bit daunting.
With the Fear Chaser Chronicles album set about to be released on May 2nd but being made available to Gamers and the public at large on pre-release on Fear Chaser music site you can expect to hearing a lot more about Ayi Jihu – Fear Chaser over the forth coming months.
Adventure Quest can give themselves a big pat on the back for this one. It shoud be a big hit with kids of all ages. It also now seems that Ayi Jihu is set to conquer the digital world as well as the real world in her march towards supers stardom.
For more information, on everything Fear Chaser visit the Fear Chaser site.
To listen to music from the game or check out the Fear Chaser Albums visit the Fear Chaser Music site.
To Play the game on Aq. goto www.AQ.com and if you are not a member register free and hit the play button
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu prays for the people of New Zealand
Chinese star Ayi Jihu says her prayers go out for the people of New Zealand following a devastating earthquake in which many lives were lost.
Speaking to Star News Ayi Jihu said, watching the news on tv today brought back horrible memories of the earthquake in her region of China.
Ayi Jihu was an active fund raiser after the Sichuan earthquake. As a friend of the United Nations Ambassador for Australia Ayi is looking to see how she can assist in the region.
Ayi Jihu performing live at Chinese New Year Celebrations in London
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu is taking time out from working on her brand new album and multimedia project Fear Chaser Chronicles to perform at the Chinese New Year Celebrations in London’s W1. The event takes place on Sunday Ferbruary the 6th for several ours and traditionally draws large crowds to the Area.
Last year Trafalgar Square hosted two groups from China performing world-class dance, music and acrobatics routines after an official opening ceremony. The area also played host to a traditional Chinese dragon while Chinatown was bustling with special decorations, stalls, food and lion dance displays. Shaftesbury Avenue became “Hong Kong in London Chinatown” with a stage featuring performances by local Chinese artists. Leicester Square closed the celebrations with a fantastic firework display.
This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, showcasing the best of Chinese culture throughout the day. The festivities will begin at midday and continue through to 6pm.
Ayi Jihu made history by becoming the first Chinese artist to perform at the London Week of Peace live concert in Trafalgar Square. The show was beamed live to a worldwide audience and Ayi Jihu stunned the watching crowd with a show that fused R&B, Hip Hop and opera along with Contempory and street dance Using kids from all over the world.
We asked Ayi If her show would be anything like her historic London Week of Peace performance in Trafalgar Square where she stole the show? ” When I did the Peace show I had over 30 people on stage, it was amazing, this time it’s just gonna be and I hope it will be just as amazing if not better. I have had my head down working on my new project fear Chaser Chronicles. It is taking up all my time as I have to write songs, be in the studio, do Martial arts training, write the script with Stevie and prepare the live show for summer. So this time I just want to go on stage and have a good time and bring in the new year with my friends and the people of London.” We asked Ayi if she would be performing any Chinese songs? “I will be performing songs that have Chinese in them, but not purely Chinese songs. Im going to have to speak in both English and Chinese and switch back and forth too, it’s important to me that I communicate in Chinese too. I just hope it is not too cold or snowing, as I’m gonna freeze out there, or have to wear a macintosh coat, which is not very sexy on me. After the show, im going to eat myself silly!”
Finally we asked Ayi Jihu what she was expecting for this year after her amazing year in 2010?“I don’t expect things, I just work hard and keep working, and keep doing my best. Every since I started, each year has got better and better, but the work has got more and more and harder and harder. So i realise now that it’s not gonna get any easier only harder. I’m looking forward to putting out my first real new album Fear Chaser Chronicles’ for 3 years. I have been travelling and working, doing chartiy and sponsorship work for so long, I have had little time to just get down to the music, and thats what this year is all about for me, doing my thing again, getting back to the music. Everyone I am working with is excited about Fear Chaser, and so am I. The feedback from the trailers have been amazing and all my fans and friends in China are excited waiting for it to explode, so fingers crossed. We have an amazing team of people, absolutely the best, cartoonists, animators, dancers, singers, martial artists and with the creative genius of Stevie Eagle E behind it all its gonna be something.”
Ayi Jihu stars in Fear Chaser Chronicles coming summer 2011
For more information on the London ChinaTown New Years celebrations check here: http://www.chinatownlondon.org/news_2011_01_14.php or visit the facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186124981407397
For more information on Ayi Jihu visit http://www.ayijihu.com or for chinese http://www.ayijihu.me.
Waking the West – Sad Sweet Dreamer – Ayi Jihu
On the 27th of September 2010 Autobabe favorite, Chinese international R&B sensation Ayi Jihu will release her debut Uk single ‘Sad Sweet Dreamer’. Autobabes followers and fans will know that we have been following the progression of Ayi Jihu for quite some time ever since our first article about her in Macau. It was not long after that she was made the face of Autobabes Asia.
In an exclusive interview with Autobabes Ayi Jihu talks about her forthcoming release and her life on the eve of what may turn out to be an historic event.
Why did you choose that particular song Ayi?
Choosing ‘Sad Sweet Dreamer’ was in some ways a collective experience. I sat down with my management team, record company and publishing company and we spoke about it. The whole team thought it was time for me to make that step and go more above the Radar in the West. They wanted to establish my name somewhat in the minds and hearts of the British public first as this country is where I live. It was decided that since we were going to attack the British market that a strong R&B or Urban track was not the best way to go unless it was UK grime or R&B. We considered doing something like that but instead decided to go for a soul classic. We went through many songs and trust me to choose the hardest one to sing! I just loved the song from the moment I heard it. Stevie Eagle E kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to do that one, and I said yes. So that is how it came about.
Looking back now do you feel you made the right choice of song?
Yes I do. I do have moments when I’m not sure. It’s very different from what I have done in the past, but I’m happy I did it and I learnt a lot doing it. Also you have to trust the team around you or what is the point. The important thing is that the whole team are on the same page and believe in the project.
What are your expectations are you expecting a no.1?
Oh no. I have been fortunate enough to find myself with Shlepp Records and Stevie Eagle E. He has always made it clear to me from the start that this is a long hard journey and that he did not wish to shoot me up there to quick even if he could. When we sat down and spoke about our expectations for this project and song it was made very clear to me that it was about establishing me on the British scene, not getting a no.1 track. Hype is great, in this game we all need a bit of Hype, but it can also backfire. I am still very much learning my craft. If I shot to the top of the charts today I would be caught up in a whirlwind of publicity and hype and im not quite ready for all that just yet. If we can get into the charts and make a positive impression on people here that is fine. When you go with a Major you are under so much pressure to get a top 10 hit with your first track. Often times if you do not they will drop you. I’m not with a Major, I’m with the perfect record company for a girl like me Shlepp Records and every day we take steps forward and improve and I get better and learn more. So hopefully when the real madness starts and I do have a hit I am fully ready and prepared for the life that will follow and can sustain it.
How do you feel about the future?
Im cool about it really. I’m nervous sometimes and a bit afraid that people wont like me or what I do. I’m a woman and people expect you to be perfect. However for me most days I wake up, look in the mirror and wonder what all the fuss is about. I wonder why I am in this position and not someone else. I guess you can say I have doubts sometimes but I’m only human. These don’t last for too long as my work schedule is so hectic so I just get on with it and do my best. I love what I do and I know I was born to do this so I trust in that and those around me. I hope people enjoy the song and take it for what it is and continue this journey with me. I feel I am blessed with great fans worldwide and for them I will keep doing my best. In China my music is all around because of the mobile downloads through China Mobile and China Unicom. I was astounded to find out just how many milliions of people have downloaded my music there. Now I want to build in the West, slowly but surely introduce myself, my music and China to people here.
What can your Autobabes fans and others do to help you?
Well they can definitely support me with this single. Although its not released until Sept 27th 2010 they can purchase the song now on pre-release at http://www.sadsweetdreamer.com or directly here I think it’s only £0.79p this will help me get a decent position in the UK charts and fullfil my goal. On the 27th of September the track will be available everywhere Itunes, Napster, Amazon, and on mobile phones too. If not I would like people to just wish me the best. Good vibes are worth more than money sometimes. Whatever happens I just hope that my fans from Autobabes and everywhere else continue to support me as I move forward in this industry.
To download the single go to www.sadsweetdreamer.com
To buy this track with SMS,
users should text TRACK SWEET to 80818 (Texts
cost £1, which includes operator revenue share. UK only)
Ayi Jihu: The ‘Chinese Madonna’ of Cambridge
|
Ayi Jihu: The ‘Chinese Madonna’ of Cambridge
|
|||||
Ayi Jihu presents her gold disc to her parents in Cambridge The pop star known as “China’s Madonna” has returned to her Cambridge roots with a gold disc in her hands. Ayi Jihu spent her teenage years in the city before returning to China to pursue her music career. She was awarded a gold disc after her Chinese fans downloaded a staggering 100 million copies of her records. Having presented the disc to her parents, who will display it in their city centre restaurant, Ayi now plans to promote her music in Europe. The diminutive Jihu became a star in her homeland when she launched her risque RnB songs on an unsuspecting public.
‘Really strange’ The 25-year-old only began singing professionally three years ago. Spotted performing in a video for a rapper in London, she was snapped up by a UK record company and taken over to China’s equivalent of Las Vegas – Macao – to sing and dance in casinos. Before long, Ayi had acquired a loyal fanbase. “It was really strange,” she told BBC Cambridgeshire. “Some of them would turn up every day for all four of my performances. It was crazy, and they would write to me, send me gifts and give me flowers, too. I thought ‘gosh – this could really be something’.” Ayi took the bull by the horns and began touring the country, promoting her music, and appearing on Chinese television. Ugly Duckling But it wasn’t always like this for Ayi. She grew up in a small village in Sichuan province. When she was 11 years old her mother sent Ayi to live with her aunt in Cambridge. She wanted her daughter to have a better life than she felt she could give her in China.
After two years, Ayi’s mother, Cindy, left China and joined her in the city. She remarried and she and husband Samuel bought a Chinese restaurant, The Ugly Duckling, in the historic centre of Cambridge. “I was washing the dishes and waitressing for pocket money,” said Ayi. “I learned a lot about discipline and what it takes to get things done. It was very good training for me, I reckon. “I’ve always had a love for music and sometimes I would sing and dance for the customers in the restaurant,” she laughed. “My parents always knew that performing was what I wanted to do with my life.” The Ugly Duckling now proudly boasts a shiny gold disc on its wall, celebrating 100 million mobile phone downloads of Ayi’s music. ‘Ayi does RnB’ While she is in the United Kingdom, Ayi will be promoting her new single Sad Sweet Dreamer, and is going to be staying with her family in Cambridge. “I just love it here. I lived in London for a little while, but I just love to come back here. This is my home. “This is my work and I’ll be here for as long as I’m needed. It’s really important to me, but I’m so glad that I can do it from a base here at home.” She hopes she can replicate her popularity in China, and prove what she can do to the British public. Stevie Eagle E, from Shlepp Records, said her popularity in Asia was down to her being so different. “Everybody knows that the Chinese can do pop. They make great opera singers and have some wonderful classical musicians. “But they don’t do RnB.
“Ayi does RnB and her fans know that she does it brilliantly. She’s proof that the Chinese can do that too.” ‘Chinese Madonna’ Frequently voted one of China’s most beautiful women, Ayi has been dubbed the “Chinese Madonna”. What does she think of that accolade? “I’m very honoured. Madonna’s a very strong, independent woman. She knows what she wants to do, and she’s not afraid to do it. “That sort of personality is very striking. I want to be like that. If I’m half the person she is, then I’m very happy!” ‘So lucky’ But Ayi is not just a pretty face. In China, she is considered a minority, a status which has been seized upon by a number of organisations dealing with the rights of minority peoples around the globe. She is an ambassador for the Canadian-based Federal Association for the Advancement of Visible Minorities (FAAVM). As such, she travels around the world fulfilling the role of spokesperson for minorities. “They’ve never really had a Chinese person representing them before,” she said. She is also a fundraiser for Macao-based Global Flying Hospitals, an organisation whose medical staff respond to disasters worldwide. The Friends of the United Nations recently made Ayi their ambassador, and she also works for a NATO initiative, the Partnership for Peace. “I’m just so lucky,” she beamed. Bollywood beckons With her social duties and record promoting, it’s hard to imagine that she has time for anything new, but Ayi’s next project will see her as a siren of the silver screen. She has been asked to appear in the Hindi version of the Bollywood movie Udyan Express. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “I’ll be filming in Mumbai and working with the artists on a song for the soundtrack as well.” Work may be hard, but Ayi told the BBC she felt inspired to keep going and to achieve more. “I get so much support from family and friends in China. It’s because I’m from China and they want someone from there to do well. “But I have fans from all over the world. I get letters from people in Poland, Germany, India – all over the place, and I still wonder how they know about me and my music. “That is so inspiring and it makes me want to do more, and be better.” Love life Ayi laughed when asked about her love life. “Do you think I have the time for a boyfriend? Not right now. But, hopefully some day… “But just like everything else, you have to put in the time and effort if you want a relationship to work. It’s the same if you want your career to work. “You can’t have two masters. “Of course I want a boyfriend eventually, but the right time will come, and I’m not really worrying about that at the moment.”  Ayi Jihu’s new single, Sad Sweet Dreamer, is released in the UK on 27 September 2010. |
|||||
-1.jpg)
Comments