An enchanting display of Pingtan, a traditional Chinese storytelling art form, captivated audiences in Abuja on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural relations between China and Nigeria.
Held at the China Cultural Centre, the event drew diplomats, artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts, underscoring the growing collaboration between both nations in fostering mutual understanding through the arts. The performance, titled Wuxi Ballads: Portrait of Watertown, was organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN).
In his opening remarks, Yang Jianxing, Counselor for Cultural Affairs at the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Centre, described the event as a “bridge of friendship and understanding,” celebrating the rich heritage of the Jiangnan region. He noted that Pingtan—an art form combining narrative, opera, and instrumental music in the soft Wu dialect—embodies history, beauty, and talent.
Deputy Director of the Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, Shen Jie, highlighted the cultural significance of Pingtan, explaining how its melodic storytelling, accompanied by traditional instruments like the pipa and sanxian, evokes deep emotions and promotes harmony and peace.
Representing Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Raphael Oraeluno welcomed the performance, noting its resonance with African oral traditions and expressing hope for deeper cultural partnerships. “Pingtan blooms on this vibrant soil to foster heartfelt connections and shared values across borders,” he said.
Mrs. Msurshima Kighir, Director of Programmes at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), announced plans to introduce Mandarin language lessons on FRCN’s Network Service, further promoting cultural understanding through its Diplomatic Ties programme.
Mrs. Fatima Sambo, Director of FCT Secondary Education, praised China’s cultural outreach, emphasizing the value of involving Nigerian students in such exchanges to nurture cross-cultural awareness. “Without culture, there is no identity, and without identity, there is no nation,” she remarked.
President of the Chinese Alumni Association and Society of Nigerian Artists, Mohammed Suleiman, underscored the economic and creative potential of cultural exchange, noting how art can create employment through costume design, music, and language.
The evening concluded with resounding applause for the visiting Wuxi Pingtan Troupe, whose performance—delivered after a journey of over 10,000 kilometers—blended traditional Chinese melodies with universal themes of love, history, and human connection, leaving a lasting impression on the Nigerian audience.
