Singer moves out of Africa, into spotlight

Sierra Leone performer wins over fans with her declaration of love for China and her philanthropic work

Mariatu Kargbo, 34, a singer and philanthropist from Sierra Leone, has been a bridge between China and Africa over the past 16 years when it comes to culture, art and friendship.

In 2004, Kargbo came to China for the first time as a high school student to compete in an international beauty contest, which was part of a kite festival in Weifang, Shandong province.

"I was so grateful for that invitation because it turned my life toward a better and luckier direction," Kargbo said. "I've always said that it was fate that brought China and me together."

After Kargbo finished participating in the Weifang pageant, she took a train to Shenzhen, Guangdong province, to meet friends from Sierra Leone. However, she fell seriously ill on the journey. A middle-aged woman, Zhang Yanling, from Xi'an, Shaanxi province, persuaded Kargbo, who couldn't speak Mandarin, to get off the train.

Zhang took her to the hospital and paid for the treatment.

"She took all the responsibility for me without knowing who I was and whether I could pay her back. I was so touched," said Kargbo who refers to Zhang as her "Xi'an mother".

Kargbo, who has since cemented her fame as a performer and is known as "The Black Pearl of China" and "Maria", has not forgotten Zhang over the past 16 years.

They maintain a close relationship and Kargbo visits her whenever she has time.