By Francis Wilfred
As part of efforts to enhance cultural exchange and foster people-to-people friendship between China and Nigeria, The CGC Nigeria Limited hosted a Chinese Pingtan Art Performance in Abuja
Speaking on behalf of the company, Jiang Wei, Deputy Managing Director of CGC said the performance by the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe from Jiangsu Province serves as both a cultural exchange and an affirmation to the enduring friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian peoples.
He stated that the aim is to deepen cultural cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen trust between the two nations.
Also speaking, Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described Pingtan as a “shining pearl” among China’s over 400 traditional folk art forms.
“Originating in the water towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingtan seamlessly blends the narrative depth of storytelling, the lyrical elegance of opera, and the rhythmic charm of music,” Yang said.
He also noted that the Pingtan performance by the Wuxi musical troupe aims to use culture as a bridge, allowing Nigerians to experience the rich diversity of Chinese culture and the Chinese people’s pursuit of harmony.
Earlier in his remarks, Shen Jie, Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe noted that the melodies, crafted in the gentle Suzhou dialect and accompanied by the elegant tones of traditional string instruments, create a profound emotional connection.
“Each lyric paints vivid images of life, love, and history, resonating like gentle ripples in a stream,” Shen said.
The event was attended by music lovers, Chinese and Nigerian employees of Chinese companies, members of the diplomatic community and the Nigerian media.
Highlights of the performances by the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe included Wuxi Scenery, Family Letters from Dangkou, A lovely jasmine, the Joy of Reading, Blooming Flowers and Full moon, The Moon Over the River on a spring night, Ascending spring mountain among others.
