Young Xinjiang artists shape modern culture

This summer witnessed the rise of a new rap star — Mirali Maxrap, better known as SHarK — from Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The 23-year-old claimed the championship title on The Rap of China 2025, adding another name to Xinjiang's growing list of top-tier rappers.

During the competition, SHarK delivered several hit tracks, including Shuffle and Riddled With Holes. His standout performances, along with the emergence of other talented Xinjiang rappers in recent years, have sparked curiosity online about what makes the region's rap scene so powerful.

SHarK believes the answer lies in Xinjiang's unique musical environment.

Due to the region's geography and cultural links, many young people there grow up listening to pop music from Central Asia, West Asia, and beyond — sounds that remain relatively niche in other parts of China.

"From a young age, we've been naturally surrounded by music that people outside Xinjiang might have to seek out intentionally," he said.

This exposure to diverse styles, SHarK said, encourages local artists to explore even further. "We eagerly look for music we haven't heard before — music from Morocco, South Africa, or even Iceland," he added.

SHarK's track Shuffle went viral not only on domestic social media but also on international platforms, garnering millions of views. He attributes this to the region's international outlook.

"Thanks to frequent trade and cultural exchanges with Central Asian countries, we've been familiar with global trends since childhood," he said.