Navigating a music career while being black in Asia is a narrative that has long been overlooked in global mainstream media. Despite having limited role models who came before them, these 4 black artists based in Japan, Korea, China, and the Philippines are steadily breaking barriers and making a name for themselves in industries where they are unafraid to tell their unique stories.
1. Daichi Yamamoto (Japan)
A bilingual Japanese -Jamaican hip-hop artist whose music stems from his personal experiences such as heartbreak as well as his experiences growing up in Japan as a bi-racial kid. He has released 3 studio albums throughout his musical career.
2. Fatou Samba (Korea)
Fatou Samba is a K-POP artist and rapper who grew up in Senegal and Belgium. She moved to Korea in her early 20s to pursue a career as a K-POP artist. She is currently a member of the K-POP group, BlackSwan, whilst pursuing a solo music career of her own. Dubbed Korea’s first African K-POP idol, she has carved an unconventional path for herself due to her sheer passion and determination.
3. Zhong Feifei (China)
Chinese-Congolese singer and performer, Zhong Feifei, began her career when she was scouted by a Chinese talent competition – Produce Camp 2020. This propelled her into the spotlight as she placed 27th out of 101 contestants. Her debut single, B.U.R.N. was released in 2020.
4. Massiah (The Philippines)
Massiah is a Filipino-Ghanaian hip-hop artist based in Dumaguete, Philippines. Inspired by his Ghanaian roots, the island-living aesthetic of Dumaguete, as well as hip-hop artists such as ASAP Rocky, Massiah’s music is a perfect blend of laid-back RnB, vibrant Afrobeats grooves, and catchy hip-hop flow.
Written by Anabel Rose Kubabom.
