In a small basement space in downtown Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province, a group of youngsters from Africa are gathered, talking, discussing and laughing.

Some of them are students and some do business. Still, in the basement, they have a unified identity, members of Studio 316, a music studio focusing on promoting African music to the Chinese.

"People are always wondering that Africa is a big continent and what is African music exactly. My answer is there is a typical rhythm and percussion in our music that represent our style," said Blessing, CEO of the studio.

Coming from Zimbabwe, Blessing finished his bachelor's degree at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology and master's at Zhejiang University.

After graduation in 2019, it took him six months to start this studio and a band.

"From my childhood, I really wanted to have a studio. When I came to China, I saw Chinese people were really interested in experiencing African music," he said.

After almost two years of operation, the studio has entered a stable level that can support its members living in China.

They are invited to commercial shows every weekend and offer instrument classes like African drums and bass. During the process, Joshua, the band leader, feels he is getting more connected with the Chinese.

"Chinese people often have much fun when they fully open themselves up. When they do, they will find out that in people, there is no difference between us. We are just of different colours, but deep inside, we are blended together and connected by music," he said. 

Joshua is very confident about the studio's future. 

"China is an outgoing place and its economy develops fast. There are opportunities everywhere and every day," he said. 

Editor: Ye Ke