Zhong Feifei: Bridging Worlds and Creating Legacy for the Diaspora
This question is real: Can you ever be whole if you are both and yet neither, straddling cultures that are often at odds with one another? For Zhong Feifei, the Congolese Chinese singer and model with over 1.6 million followers on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, this question has been the core of her personal and professional journey.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Transformation (S.A.T) Framework.
You might wonder, “How does someone who embodies the intersection of African and Asian cultures manage to stand out in an industry that typically favors one over the other?” How does a woman, born in China to a Congolese father and Chinese mother, challenge both racial and cultural expectations on the world stage?
Zhong Feifei’s life is not just about blending two heritages—it’s about celebrating and claiming them unapologetically. Her rise to prominence, as a model, musician, and activist, offers a powerful blueprint for African diaspora entrepreneurs and creatives looking to forge their own paths while making a positive impact on their communities.
Her story isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon for future generations of creatives, urging them to embrace the diversity within themselves and to use that diversity as a force for good.
A Childhood Split Between Two Worlds
Zhong Feifei’s story begins in Guangzhou, China, where she was born to a Congolese father and a Chinese mother. Yet, her earliest memories were forged not in the bustling cities of China, but in the Republic of Congo, where she spent her formative years.
The reason for this was simple: her parents wanted to ensure that their daughter would experience the African side of her heritage as deeply as her Chinese roots.
However, civil unrest in Congo forced her family to send her to Shanghai at the age of five, where she was raised by her grandmother—a woman deeply embedded in the traditional values of Chinese culture.
Growing up as a child of mixed heritage, Zhong learned early on that the world doesn’t always know how to categorize people who don’t neatly fit into pre-established boxes. “I used to feel like I had to pick sides,” she recalls, reflecting on the emotional tension of living between two worlds. “But as I grew older, I realized that I didn’t have to choose. I was both and neither—and that became my power.”
This experience mirrors the lives of millions of individuals in the African diaspora, whose identities are shaped by a complex blend of cultures and histories. According to the International Organization for Migration, the number of African migrants living in China is estimated at 500,000, a number that continues to grow.
The confluence of African and Chinese communities across the globe has resulted in a generation of young people like Zhong, whose lives are marked by this dual identity.
For entrepreneurs in the African diaspora, this is a crucial lesson: your unique background can be your greatest strength.
In a world that often asks individuals to assimilate, Zhong’s journey is a reminder that it’s possible to celebrate both your heritage and your future, crafting something entirely new in the process.
From Kinshasa to Shanghai and Beyond
When Zhong was 14, she made another pivotal move, this time to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where her mother had returned. This was the moment when she began to reconnect with her African roots in a way that would leave a lasting impact on her career.
It was in Kinshasa that she discovered the vibrant world of Afrobeats—artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and the legendary TPOK Jazz resonated deeply with her. The sounds and rhythms of Africa were no longer distant; they were alive within her.
But while her music tastes were embracing African influences, Zhong’s life was pulling her in a new direction, one that would eventually take her to the U.S. to study at Boston University.
It’s in these transitional moments that Zhong’s identity as an African Chinese woman began to solidify. Her experiences navigating diverse cultural environments helped shape her creative vision—one rooted in a deep understanding of how identity is fluid, multifaceted, and constantly evolving. This has profound implications for entrepreneurs who are part of the African diaspora.
Just as Zhong carved out a space for herself in an industry that lacked her representation, diaspora entrepreneurs have the opportunity to redefine industries, build new paradigms, and create businesses that reflect the richness of their diverse experiences.
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The challenge, however, is to recognize that identity is not static. African diaspora entrepreneurs must be willing to pivot, adapt, and innovate, much like Zhong did when she moved between continents and cultures. The potential for growth lies in the willingness to embrace change and forge new paths.
Making Her Mark: From Reality TV to the Global Stage
At 18, Zhong moved to the United States to pursue higher education, and it wasn’t long before her career trajectory shifted dramatically. She appeared in Produce Camp 2020, a reality television competition in China modeled after the popular Korean show Produce 101.
Though she didn’t make the final cut, Zhong’s participation as the first mixed-race, Black contestant generated an overwhelming reaction on Chinese social media, with people passionately debating her role in the competition.
While her experience was a mix of both excitement and challenges, it catapulted her into the spotlight, gaining her a loyal fanbase of 1.6 million Weibo followers.
For Zhong, this was more than just a career boost—it was a mission. “I didn’t make the cut, but I got the chance to be heard. It’s not just about making it, it’s about creating space for others who look like me,” she says.
Her growing influence on social media allowed her to advocate for what she calls “Blasian” representation—a term she coined to describe the blending of African and Asian heritage.
Her activism is embedded within her work, showing young people that it is possible to belong to multiple cultures and still excel in industries where you’ve traditionally been underrepresented.
The rise of Blasian visibility in China highlights a key shift in global business. As the African diaspora expands across the world, especially in Asia, there is a growing demand for representation across all sectors of business, media, and entertainment.
This creates opportunities for businesses to engage diverse communities while capitalizing on the intersectionality that defines modern global culture. For African diaspora entrepreneurs, Zhong Feifei’s career represents an opportunity to create businesses that embrace cross-cultural collaboration and inclusivity.
From the Runway to the Global Campaigns: Paving the Way for Future Creatives
Zhong’s impact didn’t stop at reality TV. In 2021, she made history as the first African-Chinese model to appear on the cover of Vogue China, a milestone that reflected the growing demand for diverse representation in the fashion industry.
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This was followed by another groundbreaking achievement—becoming the model and producer for Vogue China’s first-ever campaign shot in Congo, showcasing the rich heritage and artistry of Congolese fashion. The spread, which celebrated Congolese design talent, became a landmark in both Zhong’s career and the global fashion scene.
Her collaborations with major brands like Cartier, Fenty Beauty, and Chinese label Private Policy have further cemented her status as a global influencer. In doing so, Zhong is not merely participating in the fashion world—she is reshaping it.
Her message is clear: the world’s creative industries need to make space for individuals who have long been excluded. Through her partnerships and campaigns, she demonstrates the immense power that African diaspora creatives hold to transform industries, challenge stereotypes, and build a legacy that transcends borders.
The rise of African diaspora entrepreneurs, particularly those in the creative industries, has been nothing short of remarkable. According to the African Development Bank, African entrepreneurship is booming, with women-led businesses growing at a faster rate than the global average.
This trend is not just about economic growth; it is about social impact. Creatives from the African diaspora are using their platforms to advocate for cultural understanding, promote sustainability, and champion diversity.
Zhong Feifei’s work in fashion and entertainment represents a growing movement that recognizes the importance of representation in shaping future business landscapes.
Empowering the Next Generation: A Legacy in the Making
Zhong Feifei’s journey isn’t just about individual success; it’s about paving the way for future generations of African diaspora creatives. “I want to show young people, especially those with mixed heritages, that there’s a space for them to thrive,” she says.
Her focus is on mentoring and empowering the next wave of creative entrepreneurs, ensuring that they have the tools and support to build careers in industries that are often exclusionary.
Her message to African diaspora entrepreneurs is simple: “Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are. Your heritage, your story, your uniqueness—these are your strengths.”
Whether in fashion, tech, entertainment, or business, the potential for impact is limitless when entrepreneurs are willing to embrace their full, authentic selves.
As Zhong continues to break boundaries, her story stands as a powerful reminder that creative entrepreneurs from the African diaspora can shape global culture in profound ways. It is a legacy that is both rooted in tradition and reaching towards the future, one that you can be part of, too.
Conclusion on Bridging Worlds and Creating Legacy for the Diaspora
Zhong Feifei’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of cultural diversity. She has not only carved out a place for herself in industries where her presence was once unimaginable but has also opened doors for others to follow.
For African diaspora creatives, Zhong offers a compelling roadmap—one that celebrates identity, embraces challenges, and redefines what it means to succeed in a globalized world.
As you think about your own potential as a creative entrepreneur, remember Zhong’s story: your heritage is not something to hide; it’s something to celebrate and build upon. The world is ready for your vision. The future is yours to shape.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Transformation (S.A.T) Framework.
