The grand finale of the Good Partners of China and Africa – 2025 Chinese and English singing competition held on Sunday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, bringing together talented performers, diplomats, and music lovers in a lively celebration of cultural exchange and friendship between China and Nigeria.
The event was co-hosted by the China Cultural Centre and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, and organised by Eighteenth Company International Limited. Contestants from both countries showcased their vocal prowess across two categories; Chinese and English, celebrating the beauty of language, art, and mutual understanding.
After a series of remarkable performances, Glory Livingstone emerged winner in the Chinese category, while James Augustine and Onyinye Chioma placed second. Yang Xin, Shen Lili, and Zhu Xiangyang shared third place.
In the English category, Zhang Ji claimed the top spot, followed by Lu Yongbin and Wang Jiayi in second place, while Liu Yiming, Ekpete Edima Friday, and Igwe Okezie tied for third.
Winners received cash prizes of N400,000, N300,000 and N200,000 each, while consolation prizes were isued to other participants.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described the competition as “a dialogue between Chinese and African cultures and a testament to friendship that transcends mountains and seas.”
He noted that music, one of humanity’s oldest and most unifying art forms has the power to bridge nations and connect hearts.
“Chinese folk songs and pop music carry the grandeur of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, while Nigeria, known as the ‘Music Capital of Africa,’ offers the infectious rhythm of Afrobeat and the rich traditions of its diverse ethnic groups,” Yang said.
He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 54 years ago, China and Nigeria have remained “good brothers who respect each other and good partners who pursue mutual benefit and win-win development.” He added that cultural exchange remains a vital pillar of China–Nigeria cooperation, helping strengthen mutual respect, understanding, and people-to-people bonds.
“This singing competition is more than a contest, it is a vivid expression of the ‘People-to-People Exchange Partnership Action’ proposed by President Xi Jinping at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation,” he said.
Yang commended the contestants for their passion and artistry, saying that through music, they had expressed love for life and friendship between both nations.
He also urged them to continue serving as “ambassadors of cultural exchange,” promoting understanding between China and Nigeria beyond the stage.
In his remarks, Cui Gwangzhen, Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce commended the contestants for their passion and creativity.
He said the competition has become a platform for cultural interaction, fostering deeper understanding between Chinese and Nigerian communities.
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