The grand finale of the Good Partners of China and Africa – 2025 Chinese and English Singing Competition was held on Sunday at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, drawing together talented singers, diplomats, and music enthusiasts for a vibrant evening of cultural celebration and friendship.
The colourful event, co-hosted by the China Cultural Centre and the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, and organised by Eighteenth Company International Limited, brought together performers, diplomats, and music enthusiasts from both countries. Contestants competed across two categories: Chinese and English, blending language, rhythm, and emotion to showcase the beauty of cultural diversity.
After an evening of exceptional performances, Glory Livingstone emerged as the winner in the Chinese category, while James Augustine and Onyinye Chioma claimed second place. Yang Xin, Shen Lili, and Zhu Xiangyang tied for third position.
In the English category, Zhang Ji took the top spot, followed by Lu Yongbin and Wang Jiayi in second place. Liu Yiming, Ekpete Edima Friday, and Igwe Okezie shared third position.
Cash prizes of ₦400,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 were awarded to the top three winners, while other participants received consolation prizes in recognition of their effort and creativity.
Addressing the audience, Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described the competition as a “cultural bridge” connecting the people of China and Nigeria through music, a universal language that transcends borders.
“Music has the power to unite hearts and cultures. Chinese folk and pop music embody the spirit of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, while Nigeria, the heartbeat of African music, brings the vibrant rhythm of Afrobeat and the deep traditions of its diverse ethnic heritage,” he said.
Yang noted that for over five decades, China and Nigeria have enjoyed a relationship built on mutual trust, equality, and shared progress. He emphasised that cultural cooperation remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, nurturing deeper people-to-people connections.
“This event reflects the vision 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 explained, adding that such platforms help strengthen the foundation of friendship and collaboration between both nations.
He praised the contestants for their talent and enthusiasm, urging them to continue as “ambassadors of culture and friendship” who promote understanding beyond music and across borders.
In his remarks, Mr. Cui Gwangzhen, Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, commended the organisers and participants, saying the competition has grown into a major platform for cultural dialogue.
He said the initiative encourages greater appreciation of the two countries’ artistic traditions, deepening mutual understanding between Chinese and Nigerian communities.
See more photos below:
