Oct. 30, 2023

Translator: HE Qijin

He is a daring young rapper who fearlessly expresses himself, using lyrics to convey the younger generation's positive energy He cleverly combined anti-fraud messages with rap in his original song Claim With Code, which has been adopted as a teaching material by Study Great China, a mobile app that provides educational content, news and learning resources on various subjects. He is Lai Zhangtao, a young Chinese-South African in JNU’s 2022 class in international affairs and international relations.

（Lai performing）

Lai grew up in South Africa under the influence of traditional Chinese culture. During his childhood, China meant red envelopes filled with blessings during the Chinese New Year, as well as this parents' teachings living frugally and thrift. 

Later, Lai frequently visited China and enjoyed Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the snow in Harbin, the landscapes of Guilin and the waves of Xiamen.

(Lai in Zhuhai, Guangdong)

In September 2022, he came to JNU to major in international affairs and international relations. He said his courses at JNU were very comprehensive. In addition to courses in his major, he took electives such as an overview of traditional Chinese culture.

Lai has a passion for rap and often dedicates his spare time to his music. Last year, he was selected to join the performance team of the Rap Association at JNU and participated in the JNU Rap Association’s annual cypher performance in 2022.

(Lai, front row, third from right, at the recruitment scene of the Rap Association)

Lai's anti-fraud song was well received immediately on its release and adopted by JNU's WeChat channel and Study Great China plat. It has been played  tens of thousands of times  on major platforms.

(Lai Zhangtao)

As a Chinese South African, Lai pays close attention to the friendship between the two countries. This year, he participated in volunteer activities at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.