Recently, a snippet of West End star John Owen-Jones belting out "China in the Light" in a London rehearsal went viral online 🌟. Posted in December 2025, the clip caught fire across social media, and songwriter Shu Nan took notice.
Weeks later, in early January 2026, Shu Nan flew John over to Beijing. We witnessed them jamming in the heart of mainland China 🤝—from writing sessions in a downtown studio to impromptu karaoke nights in hutong bars.
John, best known for his Phantom of the Opera performances, dove into Beijing's buzzing arts scene. From indie coffee shops in the 798 Art Zone to traditional tea houses where melodies drift through the air, he got a firsthand look at how local artists blend modern beats with classics like the guzheng.
Now, the duo is teasing a fresh track mixing Western musical theatre vibes with Chinese pop sensibilities—proof that when East meets West, magic happens ✨. Stay tuned for their upcoming collab; it could be your next global earworm 🎶.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
