Red Songs and Rectification in the Xi Era

Episode Narrative

In the landscape of modern China, a profound transformation brewed within the realms of music and culture, quietly echoing the ideals of a state intent on shaping narratives and behavior. The Xi Era marked a time of strict governance and defined morality that seeped into the fabric of public entertainment. One could liken it to a storm, persisting with both fury and precision, reconfiguring the once-vibrant tapestry of artistic expression. This episode, titled "Red Songs and Rectification in the Xi Era," seeks to unravel this intricate journey — a path that traces the evolution of cultural control from lively pop beats to the stormy embrace of patriotic fervor.

The shift began subtly but gained momentum rapidly. In 2017, a wave of excitement swept through the country as "The Rap of China" debuted on iQiyi. This groundbreaking show heralded the mainstream arrival of hip-hop culture and artists like GAI and PG One captured the imagination of a nation. Their lyrics resonated with young audiences, promising an escape from the confines of routine. Yet, within a year, this vibrant surge began to face scrutiny. By 2018, the show was suspended, marred by accusations of promoting “vulgar” content and undue influence on the nation’s youth. The government's concern echoed loudly, deeming the lyrics a threat to moral stability, resulting in an abrupt censorship that sent shockwaves across the burgeoning hip-hop landscape.

As the waves of discontent rolled in, another storm was brewing beneath the surface. In 2019, the crackdown shifted focus to “fan circles” — a world alive with fervent devotion yet marred by backlash and chaos. The government identified these online fan communities as a breeding ground for cyberbullying and extravagant voting behaviors. Authorities sought to restore order in this realm, targeting online behavior they deemed excessive or disruptive. It was a concerted effort to stifle budding movements that, while vibrant, increasingly diverged from the state's preferred narrative of unity and control.

A year later, in 2020, regulations further choked the music industry. All online platforms were mandated to purge songs considered “vulgar” or “immoral,” leading to the erasure of countless tracks. The shift was stark — a move away from the creative freedoms that had started to blossom into a tightly regulated environment. Digital platforms like QQ Music pivoted swiftly, proclaiming profitability as streaming surged in popularity. The industry was in flux, transitioning from physical sales to digital domination, but the price was steep, with thousands of songs wiped from existence.

As the crackdown continued, the atmosphere morphed further. In 2021, an edict from the National Radio and Television Administration mandated a ban on “sissy” male performers. This was not merely an attack on gender expression but part of a broader campaign to instill “positive energy” and traditional masculinity within the artistic realm. The landscape of music and media transformed into a battlefield for ideological conformity, where messages of strength and virtue became fiat.

The government’s tightening grip did not stop at censorship. With a keen eye on wealth and excess, the “Common Prosperity” campaign launched that same year, scrutinizing celebrity incomes and lavish lifestyles that had long been celebrated. The state media unleashed criticism about “excessive” wealth among artists, fostering a climate that demanded socially responsible behavior from those who had once basked in the limelight of fame.

Fast forward to 2022, the atmosphere thickened with intensified scrutiny as tax investigations into high-profile stars like Fan Bingbing and Zheng Shuang unraveled the illusion of invulnerability. Massive fines imposed on these artists redefined the financial landscape of not only the music industry but the entertainment sphere at large. The echoes of change signaled a departure from exuberance; it was a stark reminder that even the celebrated could be rendered vulnerable under the weight of state intervention.

As the years advanced, 2023 heralded a new chapter. The government began elevating “red songs,” the backbone of revolutionary and patriotic music, as it propelled a cultural rectification effort. These songs, steeped in the grandeur of propaganda, were now encouraged as state-approved content — an emblem of national pride. The government directed state media and music platforms to prioritize these patriotic genres, entwining culture more closely with political ideologies.

The campaign intensified in 2024, marking a significant turn. It wasn't just music; it was about purging cultural influences deemed undesirable. A sweeping initiative aimed to “purify” online music content, targeting genres and artists associated with what the state labeled as “decadent” and “Western." The oppressive atmosphere shaped both producers and consumers alike, fostering a climate where traditional sounds and ideology took center stage, while vibrant expressions were drowned under waves of conformity.

Compounding these developments were the growing technological interventions introduced throughout this period. By 2024, the government began harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and big data to manage and monitor cultural industries. This technological embrace armed them with a toolset to predict trends and enforce censorship effectively, crafting a landscape where artistic expression could be measured, controlled, and redirected.

Amidst the tightening reins, educational institutions also faced transformation. New guidelines rolled out for music education in 2022 emphasized integrating traditional Chinese music and patriotic themes in curricula. Future generations would be taught not just about melodies but also about the narratives their leaders deemed worthy, embedding state ideologies deeply within educational foundations.

As the government’s reach expanded, new regulations were rolled out demanding that all music performances include a specific percentage of “red songs.” This requirement reinforced the message of political significance at live events and transformed concerts into rallies of state pride rather than venues of purely artistic expression. The consequences rippled through music venues and festivals, leading to the cancellation of high-profile concerts and closures of major venues, signaling an era of oppressive cultural control.

By 2025, restrictions tightened further, not just on music’s content but also on its delivery. The online environment became fraught with risks as campaigns to “rectify” business practices emerged, pushing out private capital in favor of promoting state-owned enterprises in music production and distribution. A shadow loomed over creators who dared to stray from the narrative the state demanded.

As we reflect on this turbulent era, a powerful image remains: the deep scars left on the once-robust tapestry of Chinese music culture. From the exuberance of hip-hop to the stark tones of red songs, this journey encapsulates a moment where art became a reflection of political ideology. The music industry, now a mirror to state control, paints a vivid picture of what occurs when creative expression is placed under the unyielding grasp of power.

In asking ourselves what this means, we confront a crucial question: What is the cost of cultural conformity? As we delve into this complex landscape, we must remember the voices that linger beyond the reach of censorship — those young dreamers, artists, and fans yearning for authenticity amidst a sea of imposed narratives. In their stories lies the heart of a culture battling for survival, a melody not easily silenced. As we close, we hear echoes of their yearning, a haunting reminder of the songs that have yet to be sung.