A 95-year-old veteran of the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) has become the “most popular rapper at the moment” after his “self-composed rap” went viral. His lyrics describe his experience during hard times to encourages the younger generation.
“I took my gun during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). I was wounded during the War of Liberation(1946-49), and I used to plow wasteland during the peaceful and developing years,” Wu Laiyin, probably the oldest PLA rapper, sang off the cuff when he was recently interviewed by the media.
“Our young kids, born in the new society, growing up under the red flag, are flowering successively high,” Wu sang in a video clip posted by China Central Television (CCTV).
Wu joined the PLA at the age of 18 and went to Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to cultivate and guard the border at the age of 22, devoting all his youth to the frontier construction of the motherland. Today he is still hale and hearty.
The video of his rap received more than 2.9 million clicks within 24 hours after being posted online. Many internet users paid tribute to the veteran who devoted his life to China’s peace and development.
“I wish you good health grandpa, without your dedication, we would not have a sound and peaceful life today,” said a Weibo user.
“You are the best solider, and also the best rapper in my heart,” said another.
Wu Laiyin. Screenshot from CCTV
