By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
A Nigerian, Miss Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, has won the Chinese category at the 2024 Good Partners of China and Africa Chinese and English Singing Competition.
The Singing Competition aimed to strengthening the existing ties between China and Nigeria through cultural exchange and mutual appreciation of music and language.
The grand finale of the singing competition in Abuja, was in grouped in two categories, which includes the English Language category and Chinese language category.
Contestants from both countries sang in both Chinese and English language, with Ms. Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, a graduate of Business Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Master’s degree in Chinese language, emerging as the overall winner of the Chinese Language category.
She went home with a cash prize of five hundred thousand naira.(#500,000).
Ms. Onyelabara. while expressing her excitement about her win, particularly as she competed in a category dominated by Chinese participants, said the win is a dream come true.
“This competition is a pivotal moment in my journey. Personally, I write songs, and I think this is an opportunity for me to step out of my shell and showcase my talent,” she said.
Ms. Onyelabara who holds a masters degree in Chinese language shares what motivated her to learn Chinese, adding that hard work got her to the top, she further encouraged the study of Chinese and described her win as a dream come through.
“When I was in school, I wanted to work in an embassy. I asked myself, ‘What do I need to achieve this goal?’ I realized I needed to learn a language other than my mother tongue. I encouraged the study of the Chinese language, because it has the potential to unlock opportunities in employment and cultural exchange. The character aspect can be challenging, but with dedication, you’ll find it easier to learn” she added.
Similarly, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Center, Mr. Yang Jianxing, said that the event highlights the beauty of music, as well as celebrates the existing friendship between China and Nigeria through vibrant cultural exchange.
He added that music is a vital tool that unites people, beyond borders.
“Today, we gather through the universal language of music, a force that transcends borders, connects hearts, and showcases the richness of cultural expression. This event not only highlights the beauty of music but also celebrates the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria through vibrant cultural exchange” he stressed.
The Director-General, China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr. Cui Guangzhen, described music as an instrument with the capacity to brake barriers.
On his part, the President, Society of Nigerian Artists Mr. Muhammad Suleiman, noted that music is a food of the spirit and unifies people of diverse culture and ethnicity .
Other winners of the competition went home with the following prices.
“English Category First price went to Tan Jian, with a Price tag of 500,000 Naira, while second Third Prize inn both got 300,000 Naira, and the Third price got 200,000 Naira”.
The singing competition, was organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center in collaboration with China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited.
