Beijing — Jamaican content creator Chiney K has received international recognition after winning the Silver Award at the China–Latin America & Caribbean Friendship Short Video Contest. Her entry, one of more than 350 submissions from across the region, was praised for highlighting people-to-people ties and cultural diplomacy, a theme she describes as “my story of Chiney K in China.”
The video presented her personal connection to the people of China, her work with the United Nations, and her Caribbean roots. “The whole basis of it is to showcase your relationship and connection to China,” she told World Music Views after arriving in Beijing. “My video was about connection to the people of China, and I ended up winning silver among hundreds of submissions.”
As part of the award, she returned to China to collect her certificate, tour several provinces and take part in workshops on social media, ethics and emerging technologies. Other winners from the Caribbean, including participants from Trinidad and Suriname, joined in a programme designed to deepen cultural links between China and the wider region. “It allows me the opportunity to further strengthen the relationship I have here in China, both with the people on social media and in general,” she said.
This was her second visit, following an earlier trip as an influencer representing Jamaica. She credits the experience with reinforcing her presence in China’s growing social media landscape. Asked whether the recognition confirms her status as an influencer there, she was candid: “I must be doing something right, because I’m back here again. The aim is to make it look easy, but it’s a lot of work, dedication, creativity and focus. Even if your content only reaches 10 or 20 people, someone is watching. Keep going.”
Beyond the ceremony, she has enrolled in a three-week programme at the Communication University of China, where she will continue training in media ethics and future technologies. One highlight of the cultural exchange was watching robots perform traditional Chinese mask dances. “The advancement is incredible,” she said. “Robots were on stage in traditional wear, dancing and entertaining us. I had never seen anything like that in my life.”
Just last month Chiney visited India on a similar cultural exchange mission and the trip to China came at a personal cost, with Chiney K missing her child’s first day of school. But she described the opportunity as an answered prayer. “There were times I asked God for just one shot, one chance to do something in my field. Now the opportunity presented itself again. My dreams didn’t stop after having a baby. I want her to be proud.”
Her journey, she believes, reflects a wider role for Caribbean creators as “living bridges” between regions. “It’s not just about collecting an award,” she said. “It’s about bonding with the people, learning their history, and creating content that strengthens global friendships. That’s Chiney K in China.”
