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Big in Shanghai – German Internet Star Thomas Derksen

May 29, 2017

28-year-old Afu Thomas hails from the Rhineland and entertains millions of Chinese fans every week with his video blogs. In less than a year, he's become an internet superstar.

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DW Sendung Shift Internetstar in Shanghai
Image: v.qq.com

Big in Shanghai: the German internet star

Every week, Thomas Derksen uploads new sketches to blogging services like Weibo, Meipai and QQ. The German comedian sends up Chinese stereotypes, speaking the local dialect fluently. Tens of millions of users click on his videos. What began as a lark for an exchange student has turned into a good living. Just one year after starting out in Shanghai, Derksen has two employees helping out, plus his wife.