The Disney classic "The Lion King" hit Chinese cinemas earlier this month. This time, the Young Simba was able to sing the familiar melody in Chinese. The little boy who dubbed the lyrics is a primary school pupil from eastern China. In today's story, we find out more about the adorable voice behind the little lion.

It all began two months ago, when producers started searching for a soft Chinese voice to sing the nostalgic songs of Young Simba. "In May, we got notice from his music teacher, saying Disney's 'The Lion King' was looking for a Chinese voice nationwide. Then we decided to have a try," said Ziyi's mother. 

After sending a demo to the organizers in Beijing, Ziyi was given a chance to audition. 

"I was nervous at the beginning as there was a crowd of people ... and many were directors. After a while, I found there was nothing difficult to sing, so I just relaxed and sang better and better," said Ziyi.

He sang so well, in fact, that he stunned the producers and won the chance to be Young Simba's voice in the Hollywood blockbuster.  

"Ziyi's voice is distinctive. But the most important thing is that it sounds like the Chinese voice of the actor of Young Simba," said the movie's Chinese reference.

It has also earned him a lot of praise at school, although some of it is difficult to understand. "There's a uniqueness about the way he sings a song. His mouth looks like a shower head or a water pump," said one classmate. "At school, I sit behind him every day. He's like a bee, humming all the time," another classmate added. 

Ziyi, however, is taking all this fame and praise in his stride and hails the important part music plays in his life 

"I am going to be a junior high school student. I'll have to do my homework every day – this will bring on stress. Apart from my parents, music stays with me most of the time. Especially when I feel unhappy, music brings me happiness and I feel there is always this invisible force helping me," said Ziyi.

Indeed, Ziyi has been trying to get a head start on his studies this summer, attending special academic classes with many of his peers. But he hasn't forgotten what makes him so happy, and also continues his music and singing lessons.

He says he would like to be a hip-hop singer, but he'll need to work very hard to meet that goal. 

"I know everything is unlikely to go smoothly in the future, but I hope I can be as brave as Young Simba when facing my difficulties. I hope I can go further on my musical journey," said Ziyi.

(Cover image via VCG)