Hours ago, photos of a half Nigerian and half Chinese young man who prides himself in being called an Igbo man, Chen Wang Emmanuel, hit the internet.

“My name is Chen Emmanuel, I’m half Chinese and half Nigerian. Dad is the Chinese, mom is Igbo. I think there are very few of us in the world maybe less than 20. I think Nigerian blood made I and my siblings way finer and different from the normal Chinese. We are way taller than the average short Chinese race. We look quite more appealing (I think) Better Hair…I think moms blood is strong We don’t have the “sleepy eye’ thing and some other private things…lol. ” he told LIB

We reached out to the young man and we had an even more interesting chat. Emmanuel Chen  is a 20 year old undergraduate of Civil Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

His parents met in Abia state over 20 years ago, where his mum used to be a secretary, they got married and still live happily today.

His Igbo name is Chinerorom. When in China, he uses Wang Chen but in School, he is called Emmanuel Chinero.

Why he loves being Igbo:

First, my mom is Igbo. Two, Igbo people to me are the smartest in the world. They can maneuver and blend anywhere in the world. I grew up here, so that makes me more fluent in Igbo.

Growing up:

So many memories I can’t recount. God has been faithful. I blend in both worlds. With the Igbo community and the Chinese too. Either ways I’m more familiar with the Igbos. I hear Igbo really well. Chinese a little. Growing up wasn’t that easy because I did not look like the normal Igbo kid.

I had people who loved it and others who ‘yabbed’ it. Back then, I could not head to the market because there will always be people shouting everywhere, calling me ‘oyibo oyibo’. It was fun sometimes though.

Sometimes, I have to speak Igbo to blend or change their minds, other times I just bow down my head and keep walking.

For instance, the times when some traders try to cheat me in the market thinking I am a foreigner not knowing I have been there for a long time. 

Even in School, I faced the same thing but now I am used to it, it is very much fun.

Hobbies:

He loves music and is currently working on a Gospel Album that will feature Gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey.

“I started singing in secondary school after I was forced to lead praise one day because the worship leader was absent. I led truly and people were moved in a way I had never seen, even all my teachers  were commending me and since then music was it for me. I love gospel music a lot and most inspiration comes from Donnie Mcclurkin. Nathaniel Bassey and Micah Stampley. I love swimming and intellectual games, I love meeting people.  I hate being proud though some people feel I am. I love meeting new people a lot..especially singers and artists too”

His upcoming album:

I am not releasing the album to make profit. I will produce the songs for free. Some of my songs are danceable, especially the Igbo ones. I have also some worship song and solo works in the album.

Favorite meal:

My favorite meal would be Egusi soup and Eba

Similarity between Igbos and Chinese:

Well, both of them are very wise sets of people. Very committed to whatever they do. They know how to cooperate very well, they are money focused. I once heard of a Chinese man who had hotels but still drove a taxi to make more money.  They uphold their traditions and festivals too.