"I try to orientalize electronica in the album," Sa says. "Like the success of (Taiwanese pop star) Jay Chou, who has successfully orientalized R&B, I pay detailed attention to this concept in making my music."
Sa Dingding wins the prestigious BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music in the Asia Pacific category, April 11,2008.
Adding to her impressiveness is the fact that Sa is also a dancer and choreographer. Although untrained, her free-spirited and intoxicating dancing tends to make her singing even more memorable.
"There have always been times when I can't help but dance while I am singing. I care about absolutely nothing in those moments," she says. "People are born with the ability to dance and sing. With a little imagination, even the fall of a leaf could lead to a nice dance or song. Truly, imagination makes us equal with each other."
Her BBC award has attracted considerable foreign media attention with many requests for interviews. The most often asked question, she says, is what is going on in the current Chinese pop music industry.
"What I feel concretely is that the world has a growing interest in Chinese music even if there is some misunderstanding about it," she says. "(But) I am glad our music is on the world stage. Every Chinese person has a responsibility to introduce our music and culture to the world."
In the wake of her latest success, the 25-year-old singer's schedule is tight. She has planned a major appearance in North America to launch her album there on May 30 and July 30, she will perform at the televised Award Winners' Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Sa is determined to keep pushing Chinese music and culture to the world. "It is easy to lose yourself in a highly commercial society where people seek quick success and instant benefits. I never thought about becoming a world star," she says.
"All I am doing is trying to be an exotic flower in the wonderful world of music, bringing enlightenment to people who are curious to explore China," she adds.
(Shanghai Daily May 5,2008)
