China has shown interest in collaboration at building Nigeria’s music industry as a tool of advancing the existing cultural diplomacy between both countries.
Speaking at the final of the “China-Africa Good Partners – 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition” held at the Nigeria-China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Yang Jianxing while reaffirming his government’s commitment to advancing cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of its foreign relations with Nigeria, said China was ready to use the power of music to strengthen mutual understanding and deepen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
He said: “Music transcends borders, and song is a bridge connecting hearts,” adding that: “Today’s competition is not merely a vocal contest but a dialogue between Chinese and African cultures, and a testament to friendship that transcends mountains and seas.”
He said over the past 54 years, China and Nigeria have nurtured a relationship built on equality, mutual respect, and shared development.
Yang said: “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.”
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 remarked. “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.”
He further explained that the competition reflects the goals of the “People-to-People Exchange Partnership Action” proposed by President Xi Jinping during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024.
Yang said: “By allowing different languages to blend in melodies and different cultures to resonate through exchange,” stressing that “we are reinforcing the foundation of public goodwill that underpins the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Addressing the participants, the Chinese diplomat lauded them as “ambassadors of cultural understanding” whose performances have strengthened the human bond between both nations.
He told the contestants that: “Each and every one 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.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the China Alumni Association of Nigeria Muhammed Sulaiman commended the initiative for its role in advancing China-Nigeria relations through soft diplomacy.
He said: “This is not just a competition—it is a profound way of cultural exchange, Over the years, China and Nigeria have built a smooth and enduring relationship, and events like this help to strengthen those bonds.”
He encouraged future editions of the event to incorporate performances in Nigerian indigenous languages alongside Chinese and English songs, describing such inclusion as an opportunity to enhance cultural understanding.
Sulaiman said: “Perhaps one day, we will not only hear English and Chinese songs but also Nigerian languages,” he said. “That will tie us even closer together.”
He further praised the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria for providing a platform that consistently promotes mutual respect and cooperation between both nations.
He said: “This initiative shows the strength and unity that cultural diplomacy can foster,” he added. “It must continue to grow.”
The 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition, is part of ongoing cultural initiatives supported by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, is widely seen as a soft diplomacy effort aimed at deepening understanding between the peoples of both nations while showcasing the unifying power of art.
In the Chinese Category, Glory Livingston emerged as the overall winner, earning loud applause for her heartfelt rendition. James Augustine took second place, while Yang Xin, Shen Lili, and Zhu Xiang Yang jointly clinched the third position.
In the English Category, Zhang Ji won the top prize for his outstanding vocal performance. Lu Yongbin and Wang Jiayi secured second place, while Liuyiming, Ekpety Edima, and Igwe Okezie shared the third-place spot.
The winners were presented with awards and certificates in recognition of their artistry and contribution to promoting cultural understanding between China and Nigeria.
The event closed with a group performance that brought all finalists together on stage—symbolizing, in the words of Counselor Yang, “the harmony of two peoples united by song, friendship, and shared aspiration.”
The event was attended by diplomats, cultural officials, and art enthusiasts.
