N'Guidjol says he is continuing to work on his animation series and also recording and creating music at home. He is also a vocal coach in Shanghai, a role he says is rewarding because he is able to encourage students to grow in confidence as they strengthen their singing.

But for a singer who coaches others and has been a professional since he was a teenager, N'Guidjol is surprisingly self-depreciating about his own voice.

'To sing is all about accepting your voice and confidence,' he says. 'I find my confidence in my feelings, I don't think I have a beautiful voice but I connect with the audience and that's what I like - to work with them to create a good atmosphere.'John N'Guidjol

Nationality: French

Age: 35

Profession: Singer, vocal coach, producer, entertainer

Q&A

Description of self in three words:

Energetic, friendly, honest

Favorite place in Shanghai:

My apartment when I am writing or just hanging out with my girlfriend. I also like walking around and taking pictures of life in the city.

Motto for life:

Love and sharing. This is very important to me because I have lost people in my family. It is important to show love to those close to you.

Strangest thing seen in Shanghai:

It is not one thing but is the way people change their minds so easily. One moment they are in 100 percent disagreement over something and then a day or a week later they will totally agree.

Worst experience in Shanghai:

I haven't really had much bad happening here but I suppose this tendency of people to change their minds so easily has sometimes made things hard.

Advice to newcomers:

Enjoy. It's very important in Shanghai to have the attitude that you are going to enjoy and discover and see as much as you can. Just go for it.

(Shanghai Daily September 9, 2008)