The director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), located in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, Yang Jianxing, stated that China and Nigeria are set to deepen their strong diplomatic ties through the exchange of their valuable and rich cultures.
Jianxing stated this at a Chinese Pingtan Art Performance organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in conjunction with the CCCN.
In fulfillment of their commitment, the event was organized to promote Chinese culture in Nigeria. During the event, the Chinese cultural troupe performed a traditional Chinese dance style.
According to Jianxing, the cultural exchange between the two countries can strengthen ties and tolerance between them while connecting people from both countries and facilitating deeper cultural exchange.
Speaking further at the event, Jianxing described the event as a testament to friendship and understanding between the two nations.
“Today, we gathered to enjoy the Wuxi Fellows’ Portrait of Watertown, a Pingtan art performance. With a history of over 5,000 years of uninterrupted civilization, China boasts of more than 400 forms of traditional folk art, of which Pingtan stands as a shining pearl.”
“Originating in the water towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties hundreds of years ago, Pingtan combines the narrative power of storytelling, the lyrical beauty of opera, and the rhythmic melody of music,” he said.
He extolled the beauty of the Chinese and stated that the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe was in Abuja to promote the Chinese cultural dance and the rich diversity of Chinese culture to their Nigerian audience.
Jianxing highlighted the root of genuine relations between states and individuals, stating that the foundation of state-to-state relations lies in people-to-people bonds. And the essence of people-to-people bonds lies in mutual understanding.
The leader of the performing troupe to Nigeria, the deputy director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Shen Jie, speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of cultural performance in promoting cultural exchanges and cultural diplomacy.
Speaking further at the event, Jie explained the various aspects of the performance, stating that the troupe used a softer Wu dialect to capture emotions and the deep essence of life through what he called “pipa and sanxian.”
“When the art of Pingtan blossoms on this vibrant soil, it will promote understanding and cultural exchange between civilizations, as well as foster heartfelt connections,” Jie said.
Also present at the event was Raphael Oraelunu, the director in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACCE).
Oraelunu spoke about the similarity between the Chinese cultures as showcased by the troupes as reflective of African culture. He posited that the performance had a storytelling and musical style like ones seen in African oral traditions.
Msurshima Kighir, who at the event represented Muhammad Bulama, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), spoke about the readiness and the commitment of the corporation to promoting culture through its renowned diplomacy program on radio known as “Diplomatic Ties.”
He confirmed that the corporation would soon commence teaching Mandarin Chinese on its network service to enable those who wish to learn to do so.
“This is part of our commitment to promoting cultural understanding and unity through our program, “Diplomatic Ties,” he said.
The event had highly placed government officials and those who work in the diplomatic circles present. The high point of the night was the performances by the troupe, who colored the night with soulful rhythm laced in love, history, and humanity.
