Kenyan digital creators find inspiration in China

When Kenyan comedian and digital content creator Lawrence Mwangi Macharia — who goes by his stage name Terence Creative — took his seat in a modest theater in Central China's Hunan province, he expected a simple cultural performance.

Instead, he found himself absorbed in a multisensory display, with dancers, digital projections, music and lighting merging in flawless coordination. The performance, he said, revealed "a different level of artistic precision" and came to define a weeklong cultural tour of China undertaken by four Kenyan celebrities.

For Terence, the experience offered a glimpse into China's sophisticated blend of traditional performance and cutting-edge technology. "How they sync the music, the art, the props — it was pure magic. The precision was unbelievable," he said.

Terence was part of a four-member delegation of Kenyan content creators who visited Hunan and Fujian provinces in September, a trip that went well beyond the stage. He said the journey reshaped his understanding of China's cultural depth and technological advancement.

"The infrastructure is so efficient- everything moves smoothly. There is a system, a flow," he said. "The technology, the creativity, even the food — it inspired me."

Terence said interactions with Chinese influencers and digital creators opened opportunities he hopes will grow into long-term collaborations. However, it was the human warmth that left the deepest mark, he added. "They genuinely want to learn about where you come from. That openness helps us grow together."

Memorable moment

Also among the delegation was comedian and TV host Jasper Muthomi, better known by his stage name MC Jessy. He said his most memorable moment unfolded not at a major landmark, but on an ordinary street in Hunan.

"I joined locals in a stretching session," he recalled. "Five minutes of simple exercise, and the energy was amazing."

The experience reflected China's emphasis on wellness, community and daily balance, he said. "The electric cars, the clean streets, the ancient architecture, the modernization — everything works together beautifully."

For media personality Betty Kyallo, the highlight came high above the ground — a visit to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, suspended between dramatic mountain cliffs. "It was breathtaking — something everyone should experience," she said.

Her visit also included a stop at a traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Xiamen, Fujian, where she observed holistic treatments and quick recovery among patients with chronic illnesses.

Kyallo also immersed herself in China's cultural heritage, donning traditional costumes at a theme park — an experience she called "rich in color, artistry and story".

For comedian and digital creator David Oyando, who goes by his stage name Mulamwah, the tour challenged long-held stereotypes.

"From the high-speed trains to the architecture, everything was mind-blowing," he said.

His standout moment came during a visit to a technology store in Fujian. "The cameras, microphones, phones — they were world-class and affordable," he said. "It made me realize the counterfeit narrative about China is a lie."

Video clips he shared from the trip have drawn millions of views online, sparking fresh curiosity among young Kenyans about China's capacity for innovation.

The creators' posts from China also drew enthusiastic reactions from Kenyan audiences, many saying the content had reshaped their perception of the country. One Instagram follower, Almonny_monny, wrote, "I need to come here," while another, _just__bella, said she felt as if she had toured China virtually through the shared content.

Another follower, maryannmeyian, said she had recently seen the same scenic locations online and called China "beautiful".

Others expressed a desire to experience the country firsthand. A fan named Caroline Carlz commented that China "looks so good" and urged Kenyans to visit, while Angie Ke said she was already planning a trip next year.

Across the four influencers, a common theme emerged: China felt at once futuristic and deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. The visit, they said, offered lessons in innovation, community wellness and artistic expression.

"China is an eye-opener," Terence said. "You can't finish exploring it in a year. Everyone should see it for themselves."