Only a few new faces are willing to take on Shanghai, though it is only a two hours' flight from Tokyo or Hong Kong. They worry about the reception and possibilities - the strong mainstream market for the big names doesn't inspire confidence.
Kingston is an exception. He tried it and loved it, and the city loved him back. M1nt was red for Valentine's Day and Kingston showed up after diamond fashion shows and dance time.
"I love Chinese culture, Chinese people and most of all, Chinese food. We definitely want to come back for more shows, definitely want to bring more of my music to the place," Kingston told Shanghai Daily, before heading to his next gig in Tokyo.
"I love the crowds. They are actually even more passionate than those back home. They respond a lot to the music. Just love it."
His company Beluga Heights (he's the premier artist) definitely doesn't regret contacting M1nt for show possibilities and prospects for selling Kingston's second album in China look good, too.
The album "Tomorrow" will be released worldwide in May or June. He also sang a major song "War" from the album in the Shanghai show.
He has matured his unique style with some new elements, but the theme hasn't changed much from his first album "Sean Kingston." It's about love and relationships, heritage and family.
Though more and more people worldwide are falling in love with hip-hop, rappers and rap lyrics have sparked the biggest debates for years - over vulgarity. And the teen Kingston is right in the middle of this controversial issue.
He is impressively different. He has proved you can tell the story in a cool way without using profanity.
"With this album (the first one), I thought it was important to not use curse words or negative language that might offend people," Kingston said earlier. "I write my own songs so it's like if I can write a great track without using those words, then that's the style for me."
"As an artist, my whole goal is to make powerful and classic album. I want everyone to feel my music and understand my heritage and that's what this album will do."
Without curse words or pessimism, Kingston still manages to tell a good story that appeals to millions. Both his first album and "Beautiful Girls" made one of the fastest ascents up the charts. Kingston sold more than 3 million digital singles and more than 3 million ringtones.
Awards, nominations and gig invitations just poured in.
Kingston says his success comes partly from three persistent messages a day. After he moved back to Miami, he got on the social networking Website MySpace and found the homepage of up-and-coming producer J.R. Rotem.
Determined to get a reply, Kingston sent Rotem three messages a day, persisting until the producer invited him for a meeting in LA. There was chemistry, and the whole magic started.
Even Kingston is surprised by the skyrocket to stardom, despite his impressive musical bloodline. Kingston's uncle is the iconic reggae artist Buju Banton and his grandfather the legendary Jack "L. Lindo" Ruby, producer of Bob Marley.
Though the teen says he's not stressed out, he is clearly concerned about his career development and his upcoming second album "Tomorrow."
"This album is really important for me. I've devoted a lot of time and energy to writing the songs and recording. It will brand my career as a professional artist who will last long," says Kingston.
He advises newcomers to the industry to stay "confident, original and persistent."
(Shanghai Daily February 19, 2009)
