# The African diaspora in contemporary China  
In modern times, various groups of Africans have been resident in China: artists, traders, students, diplomats, professionals and so on. Several African singers are now among the hottest pop stars in China, frequently performing on television shows. The most famous are two Nigerian brothers: Emmanuel Uwechue, the older one who has the Chinese name 'Hao Ge', and Steven the younger, named 'Hao Di'. They sing Chinese songs and their pronunciation is idiomatic. ${ }^{5}$ A charity sale for Ebola prevention in Africa was organized by Ada Yang, an artist in Chinese calligraphy from Sierra Leone. As chair of a foundation, she and her Chinese husband initiated the donation with the help of friends. More than ten calligraphers and painters joined them in the hall of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. ${ }^{6}$ African reporters work for CCTV and there is an African dance group, drum club and arts club in China (Bodomo, 2014, pp. 109-121; Li Anshan, 2015a, p. 22-26).  
African traders are by far the largest group, especially in the port cities of Guangzhou and Yiwu. Guangzhou, formerly Canton, has been an international port since ancient times. With the opening up of China, its role in foreign trade has become very important. According to China Customs Report, foreign trade in Guangzhou city totalled 759.77 billion yuan RMB during the period JanuaryNovember 2015. ${ }^{7}$ There is no accurate figure for Africans in Guangzhou, but the number is estimated at about 150,000-200,000. African communities in Guangzhou are mainly country-based and a community leader is selected.