China Seeks Partnership with Nigeria to Develop Music Industry and Deepen Cultural Ties
Entertainment — China has expressed its intention to collaborate with Nigeria in developing its music industry, aiming to strengthen bilateral cultural diplomacy and foster deeper people-to-people connections.
China has signalled interest in working together to build Nigeria’s music industry as a means of advancing the longstanding cultural diplomacy between the two nations.
Speaking at the final of the “China-Africa Good Partners, 2025 Chinese-English Singing Competition” held at the Nigeria-China Cultural Centre in Abuja, Yang Jianxing, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to cultural diplomacy as a cornerstone of its foreign relations with Nigeria. He stated that China was ready to harness the power of music to promote mutual understanding and deepen interpersonal ties between both countries.
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.”
Yang highlighted that over the past 54 years, China and Nigeria have cultivated a relationship grounded in equality, mutual respect, and shared development.
He 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 its 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.”
Yang further explained that the competition reflects the objectives 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.
He 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 praised them as “ambassadors of cultural understanding” whose performances have helped to strengthen the human bond between both nations.
He told the contestants: “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, 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.”
Sulaiman encouraged future editions of the event to include performances in Nigerian indigenous languages alongside Chinese and English songs, describing such inclusion as a way to enhance cultural understanding.
He 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 went on to praise 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, part of ongoing cultural initiatives supported by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, is widely regarded 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, receiving loud applause for her heartfelt performance. James Augustine took second place, while Yang Xin, Shen Lili, and Zhu Xiang Yang jointly secured third position.
In the English Category, Zhang Ji won the top prize for his outstanding vocal performance. Lu Yongbin and Wang Jiayi came second, while Liuyiming, Ekpety Edima, and Igwe Okezie shared third place.
The winners were presented with awards and certificates in recognition of their artistic talent and contribution to promoting cultural understanding between China and Nigeria.
The event concluded with a group performance featuring all finalists on stage, symbolising, in the words of Counsellor Yang, “the harmony of two peoples united by song, friendship, and shared aspiration.”
The occasion was attended by diplomats, cultural officials, and art enthusiasts.
