An influencer in China, who bears a remarkable resemblance to the basketball icon Kobe Bryant, has swiftly amassed 80,000 yuan (US$12,000) in just 10 days.
Ma Jinghui, a 21-year-old hailing from the southwestern province of Yunnan, experienced a meteoric rise in his fan base on Douyin, soaring from a modest following to an impressive 600,000, all attributed to his uncanny impersonation of the sports legend.
In his captivating videos, Ma dons Bryant’s legendary No 24 jersey, effortlessly wields a basketball with one hand, and poses against a white backdrop, all set to the melodic strains of the song “See You Again.”
Furthermore, he greets his audience in English, exclaiming, “Man, I’m back.”
Self-proclaimed as the “Chinese counterpart of Kobe Bryant,” Ma consistently attracted over 100,000 viewers during each of his live sessions.
Ma Jinghui expresses his astonishment at the online stardom he has garnered. Photo: 163.com
Within a mere span of 10 days, Ma raked in over US$12,000 through his emulation of Bryant in his live broadcasts.
Kobe Bryant, revered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese fans, boasting nearly 10 million followers on Weibo.
Having skyrocketed to fame as an 18-year-old rookie, Bryant graced the courts for the Los Angeles Lakers for two decades, earning 18 All-Star appearances and clinching five NBA championships.
Tragically, the basketball luminary passed away at the age of 41, alongside his daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash near California in January 2020.
A devoted fan of 20 years elucidated the popularity of Ma’s doppelgänger act.
“When Ma smiles, I catch a glimpse of my idol Kobe, and it stirs up profound nostalgia,” the individual remarked.
“Just observing him seated here moves me to tears,” echoed another sentiment.
Originally a gaming streamer, Ma’s interests encompassed basketball and video games, with Bryant reigning as his ultimate basketball idol.
In February, a social media user highlighted Ma’s striking resemblance to Bryant and recommended that he impersonate the basketball icon to attract a wider audience.
Embracing the suggestion, Ma underwent a transformation by shaving his head, applying makeup to darken his complexion, donning the No 24 jersey, and commencing live streams with a basketball in hand.
Expressing his delight at the unexpected fame, Ma articulated his aspirations, stating, “I aim to amass more wealth, purchase a car for my father, and procure a new phone for my sister.”
“I am presently honing my English skills to pay a more fitting tribute to Kobe Bryant,” he added.
Ma has adopted a shaved head and is diligently sculpting his physique to mirror Kobe Bryant even more closely. Photo: 163.com
“My objective is to reach 1 million followers, and I intend to live stream basketball matches in the future.”
Nonetheless, the impersonator encountered online criticism.
“His limbs appear slender, he lacks the appearance of a basketball player, merely capitalizing on people’s adoration for Kobe,” critiqued a Douyin user.
In response, Ma disclosed his commitment to a fitness regimen, currently focusing on muscle-building.
“As long as there is dedication and love, irrespective of one’s background or affluence, anyone can excel in basketball. This is the invaluable lesson Kobe imparted to us,” remarked a fervent supporter of Ma.