Are African children being exploited for Chinese entertainment?

WARNING: Some might find the language in this episode upsetting.

In February 2020 a video of African children speaking Chinese went viral. In the clip, the children are seen cheering and dancing while repeating words from an unseen male voice in the background.

Some of the language used in that viral video are offensive and derogatory.

In the short clip, the children, all dressed in similar red costumes with a white dragon on the front pocket, are heard saying in Chinese “I’m a black devil, and my IQ is low”.

The video and words the children were made to say sparked outrage around the world.

Over the past few years, video sharing platforms have exploded in popularity. And on Chinese social media, it’s become big business. An industry has developed around personalised video greetings, which can cost between $10 and $70.

A BBC investigation has found out how African children are exploited in these videos.

Alan Kasujja speaks to BBC Africa Eye reporter, Runako Celina, who’s been part of the team investigating this booming industry.

Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Runako Celina: @RunakoCelina)