Zi Yu: A Journey into Endless Possibilities
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Zi Yu is rapidly emerging as a prominent figure in the Chinese pop music landscape. Recently, he was crowned the winner of a collaborative initiative between Billboard China and Tencent Music, which culminated in the 2025 Billboard Global No. 1s China honors. Following two rounds of fan voting, Zi Yu’s song “Quagmire” secured the top spot, earning him recognition as China’s representative Global No. 1s honoree.
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Released in August, “Quagmire” marked Zi Yu’s first single to top the Tencent Music charts. His popularity surged this past summer, with subsequent hits including “Too Deep,” “Say It Before Sunrise,” and “Sunny Day After Rain,” all reaching No. 1 on the TME Uni Chart. Remarkably, he became one of the few young artists to achieve five No. 1 hits in his debut chart year. As his music festival calendar fills up, he has also announced plans for a solo concert, symbolizing his rapid ascent in the industry.
Lyricist-composer Li Shijue, who penned “Quagmire,” shared insights on the song’s concept: “I believe everyone has experienced a ‘quagmire moment,’ a low point in life. It’s not about the inspirational idea of ‘getting out of the quagmire,’ but about the courage to ‘stand firm inside it.’”
According to Li, Zi Yu’s rendition conveys a sense of “restrained resilience,” reflecting the artist’s personal journey. Behind his current success lies a history of perseverance and self-discovery. Once introverted, Zi Yu now stands confidently on stage, drawing strength from his audience.
Currently, Zi Yu is exploring new musical dimensions. His works encompass a variety of styles, from the electronic-pop fusion in “Too Deep” to the grand emotionality of “Her Path, Our Light.” His singles capture different themes, including the hopes of romance in “Say It Before Sunrise” and the metaphor of emerging from struggle in “Sunny Day After Rain.” Despite the variety, a consistent theme of upward energy and warmth is evident in his music.
As the 2025 Billboard Global No. 1s China representative, Zi Yu is poised for greater visibility and recognition, with a promising future unfolding before him.
This story originally appeared on Billboard China.
