A Chinese version of rap music has become the latest musical sensation across the country, with an unlikely political twist: it is being used to promote the “spirit” of an important Communist Party meeting.

Netizens across China are viewing videos of “shuo Chinese rap,” the latest offspring of the traditional shuochang yishu, or quyi, storytelling art forms using speech and song. The current versions carry messages about the success of October’s fifth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Shuo Chinese rap comprises singing and speech set against a background of medium to fast-paced beats. Videos depicting performances by citizens of all ages from all walks of life have been spreading across the country like wildfire.

The latest trend is one of the central government’s tactics to promote and implement the results of October’s 5th plenary session in an easily-understood way that will connect with a wider public.

In Feixiang district in Handan, Hebei, 26 arts teams have been formed comprising mostly aged “aunties and uncles.” Dressed in red outfits decorated with gold embroidered dragons, the performers spread the gospel of the Communist Party’s new theories and teachings to an audience of villagers.

Police officers in Mengzi city, Yunnan, have performed “Chinese rap” songs while training in a wilderness camp, championing the party’s teaching and the importance of party loyalty.

“The lyrics contain all the key points from the 19th fifth plenary session, and are easy to understand and remember,” said young officer Tian Yuhe.

Primary school students in Lijiaxiang town, Zhejiang, have performed pieces describing the plenary session’s policies on culture, environment and livelihood. The performance was praised for its power to captivate and inform viewers.

Wang Xiaohui, the deputy director of the propaganda department of the party’s central committee, has said that the spirit of the fifth plenary session lies in its comprehensive review and approval of the recommendations of the 14th five-year plan and the long-term goals set for 2035.

Speaking in a press conference, Wang said the session’s key elements were its strategic and innovative measures for addressing social conflicts. Technological and scientific innovations that promote national development and the expansion of domestic demand will be important for the future, he said.

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