{
  "id": 1175850,
  "title": "Meet 'Chinepaiyen', the Chinese creator winning hearts with Tamil [WATCH]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/meet-chinepaiyen-the-chinese-creator-winning-hearts-with-tamil-watch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T02:00:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/sunday-vibes/2026/08/1512078/meet-chinepaiyen-chinese-creator-winning-hearts-tamil-watch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Blake Yap, known as Chinepaiyen, is a Chinese creator from Selangor who has gained popularity in Malaysia, Singapore, and India through his Tamil-inspired content. As a child, Yap's fascination with music videos from artists like Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys sparked his desire to entertain. In 2010, he entered a Digi competition with a parody of Lady Gaga's \"Telephone,\" which reached the top 10 and gave him the confidence to pursue his creative interests.\n\nDuring his secondary school years, Yap's social circle became more diverse, including Indian classmates who introduced him to Tamil culture. Curious about the language, he began learning Tamil through Kollywood films, music, and other forms of entertainment. This personal journey eventually led to his full-time career in content creation, producing music video parodies, comedy sketches, lifestyle vlogs, and other Tamil-inspired content.\n\nDespite facing skepticism from some of his old friends and classmates, Yap remained committed to his passion. An unexpected milestone came when his video cover of Ethir Neechal caught the attention of composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander, validating his efforts and providing a \"stamp of approval\" to continue his creative pursuits. Today, Chinepaiyen boasts over two million followers on TikTok and has worked alongside South Indian superstar Nayanthara.",
  "summary": "“WE pride ourselves as a multicultural and multiracial country, but how come at that point in my life, I could not understand a word of Tamil?” It was a question that began to weigh on a young Blake Yap when, in secondary school, he found himself forming friendships with a new and more diverse circle of classmates.",
  "key_points": [
    "Chinepaiyen, a Chinese creator, gained popularity with Tamil-inspired content.",
    "His fascination with music videos sparked desire to entertain at age of child.",
    "Collaboration with Anirudh Ravichander validated his creative pursuits."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Chinepaiyen's success validates the power of diverse social connections and personal passion in shaping a creative career that resonates with a broad audience.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}