"Li’s career as a kusang ren — or 'funeral wailer' — is part of a tradition that now blends centuries-old rites with modern-day spectacle..."

"... to send deceased relatives off in style. Li’s days are filled with mourning, as families hire him to perform melodramatic dirges at ceremonies honoring the dead. Surrounded by grieving family members, Li contorts his face in agony, howling into the microphone until his voice goes hoarse. With his kusang performances, the funerals become lively occasions for the dead" (Sixth Tone)(video at the link, so you can hear what professional wailing sounds like).

AND: Here's the Wikipedia article "Professional mourning":

Professional mourning or paid mourning is an occupation that originates from Egyptian, Chinese, Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures. Professional mourners, also called moirologists, are compensated to lament or deliver a eulogy and help comfort and entertain the grieving family.... Held in high esteem in some cultures and times, the practice was vilified in others, such as the Chinese Cultural Revolution.... Professional mourning is still practiced in China and other Asian countries....