Brazilian singer Alexia Evellyn Photo: Courtesy of Alexia Evellyn

After gaining fame among young Chinese people because of her performances on Chinese music shows, Brazilian singer Alexia Evellyn said, in a video interview with the Global Times, her journey to China has weaved a story of cultural connection, musical exploration, and personal growth. 

The young music talent recalled that her journey to China, sparked by an invitation to the TV show Music in Joy and later The Singer 2025, was not just a performance opportunity but a transformative chapter in her life, blending the rhythms of Brazil with the melodies of China. 

From the moment Alexia stepped off the plane, China captivated her. As a child, she had been enchanted by Chinese culture through movies, music, and the intricate beauty of its written language. Seeing it firsthand - towering skyscrapers interwoven with lush greenery, ancient temples standing proudly beside modern marvels - felt like stepping into a dream made real. 

"I was in the car, looking at the streets, and I thought, 'This is all real,'"she said. 

Her participation in Music in Joy and The Singer 2025 became a bridge between worlds. These shows, known for blending traditional Chinese music with global pop and other genres, offered Alexia a platform to perform her original song "Hold On," the Brazilian classic "Varanda," and two Chinese songs: the timeless folk tune "Jasmine Flower" and the evocative "Upwards to the Moon." 

The song "Upwards to the Moon," performed in a duet with Chinese artist Sa Dingding, had special meaning. Alexia was drawn to its themes of strength, love, and beauty, which resonated with the Chinese tale of the red thread - an invisible bond connecting souls across time and space. This narrative echoed the interconnected stories in her own music, inspired by Brazilian folklore and her multicultural heritage. Singing alongside Sa Dingding, the song's composer, was an honor that deepened her connection to Chinese culture. 

"It was magical," she said, her eyes lighting up. 

"This song talks about the red threads, and it felt like my music and hers were meant to meet."  

Brazil's Ambassador to China Marcos Galvão praised her performance in the show: "Music knows no borders and brings us closer, conveying what words alone cannot express." 

Beyond the stage, Alexia's time in China was a cultural immersion. She explored Zhangjiajie's breathtaking peaks and marveled at Dongting Lake in Yueyang, Hunan Province. In a local ethnic village, she played traditional drums, feeling the rhythm of China's diverse heritage pulse through her. 

"I saw how Chinese people honor their culture in every aspect of life," she reflected. 

"It's like in Brazil, where music, dance, and stories are one."

"That's why I love music so much, because it really opens your eyes and your heart and your being to the planet and how people are like, how each of these styles can bring a different emotion to you," she added. 

China's blend of tradition and modernization left a lasting impression. Alexia noted the greenery in cities, designed to harmonize with nature, and the reverence for cultural heritage in everything from architecture to music. 

"You rebuild with traditional ways in mind, and that's beautiful," she said. 

She saw parallels with Brazil's rich, multi-ethnic culture and expressed hope that her country could learn from China's commitment to preserving its roots while embracing progress. 

"Brazil and China can learn from each other," she said, envisioning a future of shared inspiration.

Her message to young artists in the world was heartfelt: "Keep following your dreams, even the crazy ones. They're new visions for the planet." 

She spoke of a world without borders, where music and shared humanity unite people. 

"We're all in the same nature, here to take care of each other," she said.