Hip-hop star Vinida blazes fresh trail

Vinida, whose mother is a nurse and father a former worker, didn't know much about hip-hop until she was 12, when her parents bought her a MP3 player with an image of Mickey Mouse on it.

"My aunt has a computer and I went to her house after school to download music daily," recalls Vinida.

"I listened to pop, rock but was most attracted to hip-hop.

"One of my favorite Western singers is Beyonce. I love her onstage energy."

Before she became a professional rapper, Vinida joined small hip-hop labels while studying at Chongqing Normal University.

Along with other hip-hop musicians, she performed at live-music venues, where she met 3S, her boyfriend who produces music and goes by that name. He is assisting her with her debut album.

She graduated from university last year and she was prepared to get a regular job and use her salary to pursue her dreams in case she failed as a singer.

Like many others from their generation, Vinida's parents were against their daughter's decision to become a rapper because some still associate rap and hip-hop with unhealthy lifestyles.

"With my performances on TV and the recognition I have received, they are now supportive. I can make a living from music," Vinida says.

"The market is diverse and there are fans for different types of music."

Vinida hopes more Chinese will make it big in hip-hop.