As a native of Colorado, it might seem unlikely that Benjamin Schwartz could someday become a Chinese pop star, but after serving a Chinese-speaking mission, it became a possibility.

Schwartz is in the master’s of accounting program at BYU. He said he has always dreamed of becoming a performer and after serving in the Chinese-speaking Australia Melbourne West mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he hoped to make that experience a part of his career.

“It wasn’t until I started learning Chinese and about Chinese pop culture that I really saw a potential and an opportunity to fulfill my dream,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz started working on his goal. While at BYU, he has traveled on tours with the Young Ambassadors to China, Brazil and Argentina. He has performed for several ambassadors and recently sang for the Chinese Ambassador when he came to BYU.

Randy Boothe, director of the Young Ambassadors, worked with Schwartz when he was president of the group. Boothe said that Schwartz was a good representative for the university and the Young Ambassadors because he communicated well with the Chinese people.

“He has a willingness to take the time to memorize hard Chinese words and music,” Boothe said. “He’s always an extra miler and that has really paid off.”

Schwartz does not currently write his own music, but instead translates popular American songs into Chinese. He also sings some traditional Chinese songs and adds some of his own verses.

Boothe said Americans are popular in Asia so Benji has an opportunity to do well with his career.

“People are increasingly more interested in trying to develop English language skills,” Boothe said. “There’s a real interest on the part of the people to mesh with American music.”

Schwartz said his style is an old-school pop with a Backstreet Boys or Justin Timberlake feel.

“He kind of lives there in the pop style,” Boothe said. “It’s a really natural thing for him.”

But, Schwartz also sings classical music.

“My voice is naturally more inclined to ballads, so I will still do things like Josh Groban songs,” he said. “I feel like that can appeal more to the emotional side of the audience.”

Schwartz said he hopes his music can symbolize the union of American and Chinese cultures.

“The United States and China are two countries that mean a lot to me, and the continued success and future of both nations are intimately intertwined,” he said. “I hope to be an influence for good and a symbol of friendship.”

In the next few months, Schwartz plans on releasing a demo album and finding sponsors for a tour to China. He plans on living in China for a year or two to launch his career, and he eventually hopes to work in business there.

“I’m doing what I love and it consumes my life,” he said. “I think about it every moment of the day. I don’t really focus on my classes right now, which is a bad thing, but I feel good about it. I know I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing.”

Schwartz is gaining popularity since his Web site was released a few weeks ago. He has already had over 6,000 page views and visitors from 12 countries. More about Schwartz and his music can be found online at www.benji2u.com.



Copyright Brigham Young University 25 Oct 2005