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China has expressed a strong interest in partnering with Nigeria to develop its music industry as part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral cultural diplomacy and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the grand finale of the “China-Africa Good Partners – 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition” held at the Nigeria-China Cultural Centre in Abuja, the Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange as a vital element of its foreign policy.
He stated that China was ready to leverage the universal power of music to foster mutual understanding and deepen social and cultural cooperation between both countries.
“Music transcends borders, and song is a bridge connecting hearts,” Yang said. “Today’s competition is not merely a vocal contest but a dialogue between Chinese and African cultures — a testament to a friendship that transcends mountains and seas.”
Yang highlighted that over the past 54 years, China and Nigeria have cultivated a robust relationship founded on equality, mutual respect, and shared progress.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 54 years ago, China and Nigeria have remained good brothers who respect each other and treat each other as equals — and good partners who pursue mutual benefit and win-win development,” he emphasized.
He noted that cultural diplomacy has become a central pillar of China’s engagement with Africa, complementing economic and political cooperation.
“Cultural exchange is a crucial link in promoting the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations,” he added. “This competition serves as a window into the harmonious interplay of our cultures and strengthens the belief that mutual appreciation can lead to lasting friendship.”
Yang further explained that the event aligns with the “People-to-People Exchange Partnership Action” proposed by President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“By allowing different languages to blend in melodies and different cultures to resonate through exchange, we reinforce the foundation of public goodwill that underpins the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership,” he remarked.
Addressing the participants, the Chinese diplomat described them as “ambassadors of cultural understanding,” commending their performances for strengthening the human bond between the two nations.
“Each and every one of you is a winner,” Yang told the contestants. “Your voices express love for life and friendship, allowing us to feel the joy of closer ties between our peoples.”
The event also featured remarks from Muhammed Sulaiman, President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, who commended the initiative for advancing China-Nigeria relations through what he called “soft diplomacy.”
“This is not just a competition — it is a profound act of cultural exchange,” Sulaiman said. “Over the years, China and Nigeria have built a smooth and enduring relationship, and events like this help to strengthen those bonds.”
He proposed that future editions of the competition should include performances in Nigerian indigenous languages alongside Chinese and English songs, noting that such inclusion would further enhance mutual cultural understanding.
“Perhaps one day, we will not only hear English and Chinese songs but also Nigerian languages,” he added. “That will tie us even closer together.”
Sulaiman praised the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for consistently providing platforms that promote mutual respect and cooperation between both nations.
“This initiative shows the strength and unity that cultural diplomacy can foster,” he concluded. “It must continue to grow.”
The 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition, supported by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, is one of several cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening friendship and understanding through music, language, and artistic collaboration. It is widely seen as part of China’s ongoing “soft power diplomacy” on the African continent.
In the Chinese Category, Glory Livingston emerged as the overall winner, earning thunderous applause for her moving rendition. James Augustine took second place, while Yang Xin, Shen Lili, and Zhu Xiang Yang jointly claimed third position.
In the English Category, Zhang Ji won the top prize for his outstanding vocal performance. Lu Yongbin and Wang Jiayi placed second, while Liuyiming, Ekpety Edima, and Igwe Okezie shared third place.
The winners received awards and certificates in recognition of their artistry and their role in promoting cultural harmony between China and Nigeria.
The competition concluded with a spectacular joint performance by all finalists — a symbolic act that, in Yang’s words, represented “the harmony of two peoples united by song, friendship, and shared aspiration.”
The event drew an audience of diplomats, cultural officials, artists, and music enthusiasts, all of whom applauded the event’s contribution to strengthening the bridge of cultural friendship between China and Nigeria.
As China continues to expand its cultural footprint in Africa, initiatives like this competition underscore how art and music remain powerful tools for fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration across continents.
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