For Alading Asihali, a musical theater actor from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, art is more than performance—it’s a personal mission. In his latest original song and music video, Alading pays tribute to his home region through a blend of music, culture, and powerful storytelling.
Showcasing the Real Xinjiang
“I just want everyone to see what the real Xinjiang looks like, how beautiful the landscapes are, how warm the people are,” Alading shares. “Instead of listening to what others say, why not come see it for yourself?”
A Fusion of Music and Culture
The song, titled “Dream Quest: Xinjiang“, is a creative fusion of pop music and musical theater, deeply rooted in Xinjiang’s local melodies and imagery. Collaborating with a seasoned Xinjiang-based composer, Alading blends theatrical expression with musical accessibility, capturing both modern rhythms and ethnic authenticity.
“The intro features a shout inspired by ‘The Lion King’ musical. We wanted it to bring listeners into the atmosphere of a Xinjiang song immediately,” Alading explains. “In the next section, we added melodies characteristic of Xinjiang—rhythms that evoke a desire to dance.”
Visual Ode to His Homeland
The accompanying music video is a visual journey through Xinjiang. From the bustling Grand Bazaar in Urumqi to the serene beauty of Sayram Lake near Ili, it showcases natural splendor and rich cultural atmosphere.
“It was my first time visiting Sayram Lake, and I was blown away by the natural beauty of our country,” he says. “People always say they want to visit Europe, but the landscapes in Xinjiang are just as stunning.”
Breaking Stereotypes and Misconceptions
The project was born from both pride and frustration. During his college years in Beijing, Alading encountered stereotypes about his hometown.
“People used to joke, asking if we took our college entrance exams on horseback. That got to me,” he recalls with a laugh. “So, I decided, why not write a song and show them what Xinjiang is really like?”
Looking Ahead: Sharing Xinjiang’s Stories
Alading’s aspirations go beyond this song. As an ethnic minority artist, he feels a strong responsibility to amplify Xinjiang’s stories on a broader stage.
“Musical theater may have originated abroad, but we can adapt it to fit Chinese stories,” he says. “We don’t need to limit ourselves to historical or traditional themes; we have so many ethnic stories waiting to be explored.”
He dreams of creating a musical centered on Xinjiang, incorporating Uygur musical elements along with Tajik, Kazakh, and other ethnic influences.
“I’d prefer something modern, focusing on the lives of young people in today’s Xinjiang and how they live in a modern society,” he envisions.
A Personal Connection
When asked what Xinjiang means to him personally, Alading’s answer is simple and heartfelt.
“It’s probably my mom’s freshly baked pumpkin buns, or the sound of my grandmother speaking Uygur in her hometown accent, or that irresistible aroma of naan bread just out of the oven. That, to me, is Xinjiang.”
Through his voice and vision, Alading is inviting the world to experience that Xinjiang for themselves.
