Sino Celeb is a monthly feature where we introduce a Chinese celebrity to our readers.
If you enjoy watching Voice of China, Jay Chou is a familiar face, having acted as a ‘mentor’ on the show for the past two seasons. Chou is also notable for teaming up with NBA star Jeremy Lin this past year to take on a role in Dunk of China, a popular basketball game show.
Here’s five things you should know about the Mandopop and pop culture behemoth that is Jay Chou.
1. Piano Before Books
As a student, Chou did terribly academically. Instead, he channeled his energy into music and practicing the piano.
2. Budget Musician
Before making his mark on the Chinese music scene, Chou lived in a tiny studio in Taipei where he composed music on a TWD600-a-song contract for less-talented, good-looking singers, subsisting on ramen and fried chicken.
3. A Prolific Singer
Image via @周杰伦中文网JayCn/Weibo
After dropping his debut, self-produced album in 2000, ‘President Chou,’ as he’s referred to by fans, has gone on to release 13 additional albums.
4. The Cover of Time
Chou was profiled for the first cover story of Time’s Asia edition in 2003. The story was titled ‘New King of Asian Pop.’
5. From Music to Movies
Image via Columbia Pictures/IMDB
Chou directed and acted in the well-received film Silent in 2007, before collaborating with Canadian funnyman Seth Rogan in The Green Hornet in 2011.
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[Cover image via 周杰伦中文网JayCn/Weibo]
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