Student’s door-to-door Chinese ballads break down barriers, win fans and lamb chops

When Kieran Michael MacNeill ventured door-to-door in Richmond, B.C., singing Chinese ballads, he anticipated some skepticism. Instead, he found the residents embracing his efforts. As a 22-year-old student originally from Calgary, MacNeill studied computer science at Queen’s University in Ontario, but learned Mandarin to utilize his language skills during a trip to China. Upon returning to B.C., he chose Richmond, a city with the highest concentration of Chinese Canadians, to showcase his talent.

The project began in June, as MacNeill drove to a restaurant with his friends Jason Chen and another acquaintance. Encouraged by Chen, who had witnessed MacNeill’s rendition of a classic Mando-pop song, they started singing the sentimental 1980s ballad “A Spray of Plum Blossoms.” The initial reaction at the first house was so positive that the resident rewarded them with a meal.

A particularly notable performance for an 81-year-old immigrant from China garnered over 14 million views on Instagram, marking the first time a white person had sung in Chinese to her.

While MacNeill faced some skepticism, with residents sometimes mistaking him for a salesman and closing doors, he received overwhelmingly positive responses from many. These reactions, ranging from shyness to curiosity, motivated him to continue learning Chinese. Chen and his other friends provided invaluable mentorship, helping him overcome his initial awkwardness.

The success of his performances has not only broken down language barriers but also unveiled the genuine warmth of Richmond’s Chinese community, fostering deeper connections.