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ABUJA, Nigeria - China and Nigeria are seeking to strengthen their diplomatic ties through cultural exchanges.
The director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), Yang Jianxing, made this announcement during a Chinese Pingtan Art Performance hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the CCCN on Sunday in Abuja.
The Chinese cultural group is in Nigeria to foster cultural exchange between the two nations using Pingtan, a traditional Chinese performance art.
Yang expressed that culture can connect individuals and enhance cultural exchanges between Nigeria and China.
He referred to the event as a bridge of friendship and understanding between both countries.
“Today, we came together to appreciate the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Water Town, a Pingtan art performance. With a rich history spanning over 5,000 years, China is home to over 400 forms of traditional folk art, with Pingtan being a notable highlight.
Emerging from the water towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingtan weaves together the art of storytelling, the graceful beauty of opera, and the melodious rhythm of music,” he stated.
Yang noted that the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe was in Abuja to present the richness and diversity of Chinese culture to their Nigerian counterparts.
He emphasized that the establishment of state relations is rooted in people-to-people connections, and that the true essence of these connections is mutual understanding.
He highlighted that cultural exchanges and shared learning are vital to fostering friendly relations between the people of China and Nigeria, both of which have rich cultural heritages.
In his remarks, deputy director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Shen Jie, highlighted the significance of cultural performances in enhancing cultural exchanges and diplomacy.
He mentioned that Pingtan utilizes the softer Wu dialect to narrate life’s experiences, evoking powerful emotions through instruments like the pipa and sanxian.
“When Pingtan thrives on this flourishing soil, it will enhance understanding and cultural exchange between civilizations and nurture genuine connections,” Shen stated.
A director from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACCE), Raphael Oraelunu, expressed optimism that Pingtan would flourish in Nigeria, nurturing heartfelt connections and shared values.
He noted the parallels between the art performance’s elegant storytelling and musical flow with African oral traditions.
The director-general of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Muhammad Bulama, represented by Msurshima Kighir, affirmed FRCN's dedication to promoting cultural understanding and unity via its flagship program, “Diplomatic Ties.”
He announced that the corporation would soon initiate Mandarin Chinese classes on its Network Service. “This aligns with our goal of enhancing cultural understanding and unity through the program, 'Diplomatic Ties,'” he remarked.
Earlier, Mohammed Suleiman, president of the Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, highlighted the economic and creative potential inherent in cultural performances.
The event's highlight featured performances by the troupe, merging traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection.
