Chinese pop star hasn't forgotten about his fans in Ipswich
HARRY Harding may have accumulated more than 10 million fans in China, but he hasn't forgotten about his supporters back home.
The Asian pop sensation, who shot to fame after learning to sing songs in Mandarin to help his university studies, returned to his old stomping ground on Tuesday, November 27, to meet a very special young fan.
Michael Chen has been in Australia for only six months and barely knows any English - relying on an internet translation service to converse with his Year 7 teacher and classmates at Raceview State School.
Of course, the language barrier hasn't prevented Michael from bopping along to the music of Hazza - and pop star and fan had the rare chance to converse in Chinese in the classroom.
Mr Harding also enjoyed a chat with Michael's mum and dad.
"I just asked Michael how his English was going and if he had made any friends," Mr Harding said.
"He said he was finding things a bit difficult, so I started talking to him about how I learned Chinese through singing and I suggested that he might learn some English through song."
Michael's teacher, John Lowik, said trying to break the language barrier had been a significant challenge but that Hazza's visit had given the student something to aspire to.
"He is just on cloud nine today. He has got a smile from ear to ear," Mr Lowik said.
While his singing career continues to skyrocket, Mr Harding is still hosting the TV show Face Time in China.
Unfortunately, this gives him very little time to visit family and friends in Ipswich.
"It is hard being away from family and friends, especially when you're in a job that can be stressful at times," he said.
Hazza Facts
- Hazza was living in Sunnybank when he started frequenting local karaoke bars.
- He gained a following after posting some of his Chinese cover versions online.
- His videos have received more than 10 million hits.
