Old waste picker teaches dozens to play mandolin

World
Europe

A 66-year-old waste picker from southern China has become a popular street performer after he bought a Mandolin and learned it by himself. Mr Wu, as he is called, has even taught over 40 students to play the instrument for free in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

His story has attracted Chinese netizens’ attention on social media after the People’s Daily reposted a clip of him being interviewed on Weibo, China’s Twitter-equivalent, on May 23.

Screenshot from Weibo

After a second divorce, he came to Nanning in 1998 to start a new life. Having done all kinds of jobs, from cleaner to porter, he finally became a waste picker.

At the same time, his great passion for music never left him. When he was young, he was quite good at playing the flute. Unfortunately, he lost all of his teeth as the years went by and he was forced to quit playing. Luckily, he found his new passion – the mandolin.

His life changed after he used his savings to buy one. He began to learn the instrument by himself and creates his unique style. Even, a vice professor from the department of music at a local university was attracted by the playing style and came all the way to listen to his performance of the famous Russian folk song “Moscow Nights.”

Mr Wu playing the mandolin on the street. /Nanning Daily Photo

Mr Wu became a street performer and his excellent performances have not only brought him new audiences but also students eager to learn from him.

He told Pear Video that over 40 students had asked to learn Mandolin with him during these years and he willingly taught them for free.

“I’m a folk player and I only have limited skills, so I shouldn’t take any fees for teaching,” Mr Wu said.

"I've taught over 40 students," Mr Wu told Pear Video. /Screenshot from Pear Video

His latest student, he said, was a second-year student from Guangxi University. The student, Wang, recognized Mr Wu on the street from previous reports of him online and asked for help. So far, Wang has had eight lessons.

During the early years, Mr Wu’s students always brought him presents or gave him money after learning, and he still kept the gifts in kind at home. Now, he would always tell his students not to bring anything when visiting him, or he would refuse to meet them.

Mr Wu said he was an introvert person, but whenever he brought out the mandolin, he always had a lot to say. He lives alone in Nanning, but says he always feels happy and warm with the companionship of the instrument and his students.

Chinese netizens left comments praising Mr Wu on Weibo. /Screenshot from Weibo

Mr Wu’s passion for music and his positive spirit towards life has encouraged many young people and he was praised by many Chinese netizens on social media.

“The old man has a clear mind and an extraordinary temperament, so he can be regarded as well-educated. From him, I have to say that everything is possible in life,” commented Weibo user @SongXinbo.

“A teacher is one who propagates the doctrine, imparts professional knowledge, and resolves doubts. Mr Wu has already passed on the knowledge, so he deserves to receive tuition fees,” a Weibo user @huahuahuadebuhao commented.