Chinese artists eye overseas concert boom

(ECNS) -- From Singapore to Vancouver, Mandarin pop stars are drawing crowds abroad, underscoring China’s growing cultural reach. Jackson Wang, Zhou Shen and Silence Wang are among the artists leading the surge in overseas tours.

Chinese promoter CMC Live has signed a two-year partnership with Singapore’s IMC Group Asia to expand shows internationally.

IMC COO Leong Yew Soon said Chinese artists guarantee strong ticket sales in Singapore and Malaysia, while breaking into non-Chinese mainstream markets will take longer.

“Audiences ask if Chinese artists are coming because they know the box office will be stronger,” he said. 

CMC Live CEO Hong Di pointed to Wang’s global recognition from his South Korean idol days and English language songs as keys to his success.

He added that language barriers are fading as social media introduces more audiences to Chinese music.

Executives expect Asia’s concert industry to keep rising as new venues open in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while promoters eye Western markets.

(By Helen Mo & intern Xu Wenda)