( CNN ) -- From a Chinese pop idol to a champion of ethnic minorities in China , singer Dadawa is a musician like no other . Dadawa , whose real name is Zhu Zheqin , was a student in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou when she won a TV talent competition in the early 1990s . But despite finding herself on the fast-track to pop stardom , she knew from a young age her life and musical career would take her away from the mainstream . `` ( Growing up ) I always have my own idea . I imagine one day I will be traveler , travel all around the world , '' she says . `` At that time I told my mother and the other kids and they were laughing at me . At that time China was like your mother , father work in a certain unit and child will follow them . '' Her imagination and travel led her away from the Chinese pop scene to Tibet that inspired the 1995 album `` Sister Drum '' . It struck a chord with a global audience -- it was the first time in 45 years that a Chinese album had been launched globally -- but also brought criticism from across China including those in Tibet . `` That 's really , really surprising me , '' she says . `` For a time I was so miserable for that because I did n't expecting . And I am always hoping in the future , for some other young generation , like the artist , who do n't have to face that sort of problem . '' Before becoming Dadawa , Zhu also faced a problem with her name in attracting a global audience . Tibet and her interest in surrealism inspired the transformation . `` I was thinking what kind of name I should have , of course should be very simple , you know the vowels very common language pronunciation . So I 'm thinking about it , and at that time I was traveling in Tibet ; I 'm so in love with Tibet , '' she says . `` So in Tibet , Dawa means moon . And I 'm also interested in Dali-ism , which is surrealism . So I put two concepts together and make a new name for myself . '' Zhu has recorded four albums as Dadawa since her 1995 debut , but she has also spent much of her time promoting the ethnic culture and music of China as a U.N . Goodwill Ambassador . `` My thinking is that we have to do something definitely , especially for the ethnic minority culture . You know the people have liked the culture when we are traveling there , they say 'wow that 's a fantastic culture ' . But when we left they always think that it 's so far away from us ... . That 's why I thought I should do something with connect with other people . '' Dadawa was talking to CNN Talk Asia at Hullett House , the design-led heritage hotel located in Tsim Sha Tsui , Hong Kong .
She is a globally recognized Chinese singer . Her music is inspired by ethnic minorities across China . She is also a U.N . Goodwill Ambassador for China , promoting minority rights .