88rising, the U.S.-based media company-cum-record label, has successfully bridged the gap between the Asian and Western music industries. Over the past eight years, they have been responsible for bringing Asian artists to the forefront of the American hip-hop scene. With the popularity of K-pop and their affiliated artists’ success internationally, 88rising has set their sights on an ambitious crossover by staging their Head in the Clouds festival in China.
The Challenge of Entering the Chinese Market:
Bringing American-produced shows to China is a complex undertaking due to the country’s delicate geopolitics and historic censoriousness. China has been a crucial part of 88rising’s equation, and they have a strong presence in Shanghai. However, putting on a festival in China requires navigating the strict guidelines and restrictions placed on international performers.
Navigating China’s Strict Regulations:
China’s cultural ministry has previously banned Western artists for reasons such as vulgar language or perceived inappropriate behavior. Political statements in support of Taiwan or Tibet have also led to blacklisting. The rules around acceptable performances in China are notoriously vague, encouraging performers to practice self-censorship. As a result, both international and domestic musicians must carefully balance their artistic expression with conformity to maintain their success in the Chinese market.
Hip-Hop’s Rise in China and the Challenges Faced:
Hip-hop has gained significant prominence in China in recent years, with the reality TV show “The Rap of China” contributing to its mainstream popularity. However, hip-hop artists face challenges in maintaining their authenticity while adhering to the guidelines set by the Chinese Communist Party. Straddling the line between the inherently rebellious spirit of hip-hop and government expectations is a challenging task for Chinese artists.
88rising’s Previous Experience and Adaptation:
88rising has already confronted conservative environments in the region, such as Jakarta, where live music is strictly regulated. They have successfully organized the Head in the Clouds festival in Jakarta, demonstrating their ability to navigate challenging environments. The process of staging the festival in Guangzhou involved informing authorities of the planned songs and adhering to their guidelines. While it remains undisclosed whether any songs were self-censored or altered per the authorities’ request, the focus was primarily on logistical aspects of the festival.
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