Prudence Sinkala (COURTESY OF PRUDENCE SINKALA)

How would you describe your music style?

It's a mixture of Eastern and Western music with a touch of African voice. I have been compared, by many, to Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and Minnie Riperton. As a child I used to sing in church and that has been my foundation of music. My life is at optimum piety when pouring my heart out on stage. The music that I sculpt and the lyrics that I weave are the very fiber that has brought so much joy and solace in my own salvation.

To be with people gives and brings out the best in me. Singing in China hasn't changed my music style. But it has given me the joy of being different, because I've always believed it's best to be who I am. I love to be real. Though Hong Mei in China, I'm still Prudence.

Who has been a great influence on your music career?

Apart from singing in church, my greatest influences in my music career are Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. I love the soul I find in their music and that inspires me a lot. Today, what inspires me most is what I see happening in the world today and my own experiences. 

What albums have you released?

I have released two albums to date. The first is called Roots of My Heart. This album reflects my deep love for who I am. Pure and true to my roots, but very cautious of which manure nurtures me. I never fade in the inside. I might be fading outside everyday but my loving heart is growing stronger and bigger in me because my roots are getting deeper.

The second album is called Love Addict. This album is more about my family here in China. They are all I have known, love and live for. I find everything I need in them. I thank God for what he has blessed me with and this album is all about being addicted to my own family.

You're involved the Miss Laowai China project. Why did you organize it and what's your plan for 2011?

I know very well how much fun it is to participate in or watch entertainment programs. I wanted to share the feeling with my foreign friends, so I came up with the idea of holding a beauty contest that would feature the talent of foreign women. Although Miss Laowai is more about cultural exchange, community building and charity work than it is about fashion and poise. I've come to accept this society as my second home, and Miss Laowai is a way of getting involved in an activity that deals with the community. It's a unique pageant because it involves meeting people as we create awareness about the important issue of breast cancer.

This year our theme is still Breast Cancer Awareness and the show will be held in August 2011 along with a Mr. Laowai. We thought it wise to involve men as well because this is for a good cause and who better to support women than men? 

Why did you choose to settle in China?

We have made China our second home because we have come to learn, accept and know more about China and its culture. China is a sophisticated place for someone new especially if coming from Africa, because China is very different from most African countries from the weather to the food and general groceries. Otherwise it's a very interesting place with a lot to learn and discover!

Learn more about Prudence Sinkala at www.prudencesinkala.com