Singer moves out of Africa, into spotlight

Stardom beckons

Kargbo returned to Sierra Leone after she recovered and finished high school in the country's capital, Freetown.

Growing up in Sierra Leone had been difficult. Her father died when she was young, and her biological mother suffered from psychological problems.

Kargbo was raised by a stepmother who died when the girl was 11.

She lived with friends and relatives and paid her school fees by selling water and babysitting.

All the while she harbored a dream of becoming a performer as she knew she was a good singer and dancer.

In 2004, she got her lucky break when officials from Weifang who were visiting Sierra Leone selected her to take part in the beauty contest in Shandong.

After saving enough money, she returned to China in 2006, where the people were "warm and nice", and found a job as a fashion designer with a company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Her big break in the entertainment industry came in 2007 when she appeared on the popular TV talent show Xingguang Dadao or Star Way.

People recognized her on the street and vendors gave her clothes. She realized that she was becoming famous, even though it was not the way she had expected, and began giving performances.

However, along with fame came criticism from some people who doubted her sincerity about her affection for China.

"Half of the people in China believed I really loved this country, but half of them thought I had just come here for money," she said. "I decided to spend my life in China because it has given me many opportunities to make a living through hard work. I love this country with all my heart."