By Abubakar Yunusa
A captivating Pingtan art performance was held on Sunday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, marking a significant moment in the growing cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
The event was jointly hosted by the Network of International Culturalink Entities, the China Cultural Centre, and the renowned Wuxi Pingtan Troupe from Jiangsu Province.
Attendees included embassy officials, representatives from Nigeria’s Ministry of Culture, members of the diplomatic corps, students, and music lovers.
In his welcome address, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, hailed Pingtan as a “shining pearl” among China’s rich heritage of over 400 traditional folk art forms.
“Pingtan originated in the water towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It blends storytelling, lyrical opera, and rhythmic music to create a unique cultural expression,” he explained.
Yang emphasised that the performance seeks to bridge cultures and offer Nigerians an authentic glimpse into the elegance and depth of Chinese tradition.
Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Chief of Staff Raphael Oraeluno commended China for its dedication to safeguarding cultural traditions.
“We are eager to expand this partnership. Nigeria’s own folklore and oral traditions are ready to be shared on an international platform,” he stated.
Mrs Msurshima Kighir, Director of Programs at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to introduce Mandarin programming on Nigerian radio.
She noted that the agreement between the Chinese government and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and Orientation is aimed at promoting deeper people-to-people understanding.
The highlight of the evening was a series of mesmerising ballads by the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, which left the audience visibly enthralled and appreciative.
The event underscored the role of the arts in building cross-cultural harmony and reinforcing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
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