When Tobias Le Compte first arrived in Shanghai as a conservatory student in the mid-2010s, he never imagined he'd become a local TV personality fluent in the city's melodic dialect. Now, after over a decade in China, the Belgian artist embodies cultural fusion – and he's dropping a new Lunar New Year anthem just in time for 2026's Year of the Horse celebrations 🐎.
"Learning Shanghainese wasn't just about words – it was finding the rhythm of this city," Le Compte told The Hub during this week's special Chinese New Year interview. His journey from struggling with tones to performing stand-up comedy in local theaters mirrors Shanghai's own blend of tradition and modernity.
📻 From busking near the Bund to prime-time TV appearances, the musician credits his erhu (Chinese fiddle) skills and language hustle for breaking barriers. His latest track "Between Two Homes" blends Flemish folk motifs with Chinese pentatonic scales – a sonic metaphor for his dual identity.
🔊 Young expats and Shanghai natives alike are vibing with the track's message: "Home isn't just where you're from – it's where you grow roots." As Lunar New Year lanterns light up the city, Le Compte's story reminds us that cultural bridges get built one note – and one word – at a time.
