Wu Borai Jinshan

These songs were recorded by the Asian American Art Center in New York City in the early 1990s. These songs were sung by Wu Shangzhi (Uncle Wu) in Taishan County in the Pearl River Delta. Mr. Wu has been a farmer all his life, but he is also a superb singer of narrative folk songs called muk'yu ("木鱼"). Wu moved to New York in 1979 at the age of 69 and continued to sing his beloved muk'yu songs on the corners of Chinatown streets, in community parks, in community centers, and any other places with or without audiences. The original recordings and video documentaries form part of the collection, recording and display of community art by the Asian American Art Center, preserving Uncle Wu’s artistry and capturing his precious singing time and contemplation on his life and music.