Shyness can't stop a star from shining

Introvert's sold-out concerts make Mandarin more popular, Minlu Zhang reports in New York.

'Iam not a confident person," that is the phrase musician and singer Zhou Shen has repeated most often in past interviews. Yet, he was the only Chinese-language artist whose album ranked among the top 20 in global sales last year.

"Because I am not very confident, I want to say this at the concert: 'If someone as ordinary as me can do it, you can, too.' Everyone tends to underestimate themselves, especially those of us with reserved personalities.

"It's easier for us to downplay our abilities. Don't underestimate yourself. The light I have comes from all of you," says the singer.

The Chinese pop star launched his first global concert tour 9.29Hz World Tour earlier this year, marking a major milestone in his career. The tour is his third solo concert series but his first to expand beyond China.

Known for his soaring vocal range and emotive performances, the 33-year-old artist rapidly rose to fame recently, earning acclaim nationally and internationally.

Last year, Zhou ranked 11th on the IFPI Global Album Sales Chart. The ranking, released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, measures worldwide sales across streaming platforms, downloads and physical copies.

The IFPI recognition comes as Zhou's popularity continues to grow internationally. Last year, he became one of a handful of Chinese artists to rank on the global sales chart, joining crossover stars like Jay Chou.

Industry analysts attribute his success to strong fan support in China and increasing interest in Mandopop (popular Mandarin music) worldwide.

"I first got to know him from my girlfriend. He's a very talented singer, unlike anything I've ever heard. He sings very well and is very impressive," David Noack from Austin, Texas tells China Daily as he waits with his girlfriend to enter Zhou's New York concert.

Noack, whose girlfriend dressed in hanfu — traditional Chinese attire — with her hair arranged in a classical updo, laughs as Noack says: "Even though I don't understand Zhou's lyrics, it's still beautiful."

Noack says Zhou's music sparked his interest in Chinese culture, describing it as "a way of opening up to culture".

Most Western pop music sounds "more bassy or there's a bit more hip to it," says Noack. "The style of his singing is almost classical for me as an American," he says.

"A lot of the singers I've heard from China are very good. There are a lot of good singers and I can appreciate more than just Zhou," he adds.