By Maryam Suleiman Yusuf
China has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of its relationship with Nigeria, using music to foster mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties.
This commitment was highlighted on November 9 during the finale of the “China-Africa Good Partners – 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition” at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. Diplomats, cultural officials, and art enthusiasts gathered in a hall filled with excitement, applauding warmly as each contestant performed on stage. The air was electric with anticipation as attendees cheered for their favorites, reflecting a genuine celebration of friendship and cultural exchange.
Counselor Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, while delivering the keynote address, emphasized the role of cultural exchange in consolidating bilateral relations.
“Music transcends borders, and song is a bridge connecting hearts,” Yang said. He described the event as more than a vocal contest, calling it a dialogue between cultures and a gesture of goodwill.
In an interview with VIP News, Counselor Yang Jianxing said, “By giving people the chance to sing together across languages and cultures, we are not just celebrating art—we are building bridges of friendship that will last far beyond tonight.” He noted that over the past 54 years, China and Nigeria have built a relationship based on equality, mutual respect, and shared development.
“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 seek mutual benefit and win-win development,” Yang added.
Highlighting cultural diplomacy as a complement to political and economic cooperation, Yang said: “Cultural exchange is a crucial link in promoting the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations… By allowing different languages to blend in melodies and different cultures to resonate through exchange, we are reinforcing the foundation of public goodwill that underpins the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Yang praised the contestants as “ambassadors of cultural understanding”:
“Everyone of you is a winner. Your voices express love for life and friendship, allowing us to feel the joy of closer ties between our peoples.”
In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, welcomed the initiative.He described the competition as a meaningful example of cultural cooperation and expressed hope that it would inspire further exchanges. “This is not just a competition—it is a profound way of cultural exchange. Perhaps one day, we will not only hear English and Chinese songs but also Nigerian languages. That will tie us even closer together.”
The highlight of the evening was when the winner, Glory Livingstone, was announced. The young singer, beaming with joy, told VIP News, “Winning this competition feels surreal. I’ve always believed music is a universal language, and tonight I experienced that firsthand. Sharing the stage with such talented performers and feeling the energy of this audience was unforgettable.” When asked what this victory meant to him personally, Glory added, “It’s not just about winning—it’s about celebrating friendship and cultural unity. I hope this inspires more young people to connect across borders through music.”
The competition, supported by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre, served not only as a celebration of artistic talent but also as a platform for fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the fusion of Chinese and Nigerian musical traditions firsthand, from traditional folk songs to modern pop renditions. Organizers emphasized that such events strengthen mutual understanding, inspire young artists, and lay the groundwork for future cultural collaborations, reinforcing the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
