On the evening of May 4th, CCTV broadcast its 2020 Youth Festival Gala. Boxuan LI (’21, Robotics Engineering) performed a rap with a professional singer and other college students across the country. LI is the first Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) student to present at the CCTV Youth Festival Gala.
The CCTV Youth Festival Gala was broadcast on CCTV1 and CCTV 3. Boxuan LI also supported the themed music video, “Spring Warmth and Blooming,” by performing in the song and the sign language dance.
The CCTV Youth Festival Gala sought to commemorate the 101st anniversary of the May 4th youth movement. It aimed to display the youthful spirit of university students that is driving the Chinese dream.
Boxuan LI has an enormous passion for singing and music. He had previously placed 4th in the Voice of SUSTech and enjoys playing the piano, the guitar and the ukulele. He has also been central to the Student News Agency’s Photography Department.
When he received the invitation, it took him a while to realize how important this program would be. The video materials had to be of very high quality, and his support networks were vital in supporting his performance. He had to stand out from the crowd with his performance and was given professional instruction to make sure that his performance worked with his natural voice, rather than making substantial changes to his voice. The instructor focused on pronunciation, rhythm, and tone to adjust to the song and his natural cadence.
Reflecting on his recording, Boxuan LI said that everything was filmed remotely. They had to film the entire program in less than two days. The sign language dance could be completed at home with the help of my parents, but it was challenging. I also had to find relevant outfits for the video recordings. There were some long days which included audio and video recordings, make-up, and time in the studio.
“The recording inspired me to think more widely about the arts in terms of my robotics engineering. I worked with excellent people, and I hope that I can become better in ways that will support societal progress. As a university student, this is what I understand to be the May 4th spirit.”
