Linda Ifeoma, a Nigerian singer, has emerged as the winner of the Chinese category in a singing competition organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre.
The event, held over the weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, featured two categories—Chinese and English—and was sponsored by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited.
Speaking to journalists after her victory, Linda expressed her excitement, particularly as she triumphed in a category predominantly contested by native Chinese speakers. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “I was initially hesitant to participate after losing in a similar competition in the past. However, when I was encouraged to try again, I thought, ‘Let me give it another shot.’ Winning this time feels surreal.”
Linda’s success stemmed from her perseverance, rigorous preparation, and linguistic expertise. A graduate of Business Education from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, she also studied Chinese as a side course and later earned a master’s degree in the language through a Chinese government scholarship in Nanjing, China. Her performance of a Chinese song at the competition showcased not only her fluency but also her deep appreciation for the culture.
“When I was in school, I aspired to work in an embassy. I realized learning a foreign language was essential to achieving that goal,” she explained. Now, Linda envisions using her skills in songwriting and language as a platform for furthering her career. “This competition is a stepping stone for me to showcase my talent,” she added.
Encouraging Nigerians to embrace the Chinese language, Linda highlighted its potential to open doors in employment and cultural exchange. “The characters can be challenging, but with dedication, it becomes easier to learn,” she said.
The competition recognized winners across both categories:
English Category Winners:
- Third Prize (₦200,000): Chen Jun, Li Wei, Qiu Liu Liu
- Second Prize (₦300,000): Guan Xin, Wang Jia Yi
- First Prize (₦500,000): Tan Jian
Chinese Category Winners:
- Third Prize (₦200,000): Yang Fan, Zhang Ji, Deng Xiu Yuan
- Second Prize (₦300,000): Glory Livingston, Yang Xin
The annual competition highlights the growing cultural ties between China and Nigeria, fostering mutual appreciation through music and language. The event exemplifies the power of cultural exchange to strengthen international relationships.
