Musician and band leader Moises “Moi” Sumile Jr. started his musical journey in China in 2000 when he moved to Shanghai as the Asian Financial Crisis dried up gigs and venues elsewhere.

Already an accomplished musician before his transfer to Shanghai, Moi and his band had performed in different parts of Asia, including a career highlight performance for the Heads of Government of Commonwealth Nations meeting in Malaysia in 1989.

Moi, who hails from Davao, treads on the footsteps of Filipino musicians who have regaled the storied city of Shanghai since the 1880s when public bands were formed, through the 1920s jazz era, and into the 21st century, when Shanghai emerged as a global financial capital.

Moi soon found his footing in Shanghai. In 2007, he and his circle banded to form the Philippine Musicians Association of Shanghai (PMAS), of which he serves as president.

Aware of the particular hardships that come with the profession, the group now looks after the special needs of Filipino musicians: to individuals in distress or dire need of aid, or as a collective contending with shared concerns, as was the case during the Covid lockdowns of 2020-2022.

With over 700 members, PMAS is now the biggest Filipino organization in China. Using their talent, Moi’s group has been active in charities and fundraisers in Shanghai.

“While not connected to any charitable institution, our group has been doing fundraisers that have contributed to helping other musicians here and their families, and those back home in the Philippines,” Moi, now 59, says.

Moi says he seeks to use his musical and leadership skills to serve a higher purpose.

By standing out with his band and the PMAS, Moi – Shanghai’s “Leader of the Band” – #MadeItInChina

#PHLinChina #50thAnniversary