On a breezy Wednesday morning, the air around Kenyatta University in Nairobi,
Kenya's capital, pulsed with rhythm and energy. A vibrant fusion of ancient
tradition and modern artistry unfolded as performers from China and Kenya took
to the stage, delivering a cultural showcase that carried the audience on a
journey across continents. The event featured more than 10 performances,
including martial arts demonstrations, traditional Chinese instrumental music,
and classical pieces celebrating heroism, unity, and the beauty of nature.
Dressed in colorful traditional attire, a 14-member touring troupe from east
China's Shandong Normal University showcased their mastery of instruments such
as the guitar, flute, and saxophone, weaving enchanting melodies that resonated
deeply with the audience. Kenyan performers also took the spotlight during the
half-day event, performing with traditional instruments that represent the
country's rich and diverse ethnic heritage. Feng Jikang, president of Shandong
Normal University, noted that since launching student exchange and talent
cultivation programs with Kenyatta University in 2008, the two institutions
have harnessed their respective cultural strengths to achieve fruitful results
in artistic and humanities cooperation. The performances, Feng said, received
enthusiastic responses from local audiences, emphasizing that such immersive
and interactive cultural exchanges provide Kenyan participants with vivid
impressions and firsthand experiences of China's rich traditional culture.
Following the event, many local students and faculty expressed interest in
pursuing further studies in China. Feng expressed hope for greater cultural
and academic exchanges between China and Africa to deepen friendship, promote
mutual understanding, and strengthen people-to-people connections. For her
part, Waceke Wanjohi, deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs at Kenyatta
University, said the performances showcased the enduring cultural ties between
Kenya and China. "The world is a global village. Events like this help us
integrate cultures from different parts of the world with the Kenyan culture,"
Wanjohi said. She also highlighted the long-standing partnership between
Kenyatta University and Shandong Normal University, which has focused on
Chinese language education and academic exchange for many years. Wanjohi noted
the growing interest in the Chinese language and culture among Kenyan youth,
attributing it in part to the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Kenya's
four oldest public universities. The integration of Mandarin (standard Chinese
language) into primary, secondary, and tertiary education, she added, has
significantly advanced cultural diplomacy between the two countries. Mirriam
Gakii Kirimi, a lecturer at Kenyatta University's Confucius Institute, noted
that the visiting performers, including students, lecturers, and a 2008 Olympic
gold medalist, helped strengthen the bonds of friendship between Kenya and
China. Kirimi emphasized that musical exchanges and Mandarin teaching have been
vital in fostering mutual understanding and cultural harmony. She also pointed
to the role of the Belt and Road Initiative and school-based cultural programs
in strengthening people-to-people ties. For students like Caroline Njomo,
currently studying Chinese at Kenyatta University, the performance was both
entertaining and enlightening. "These moments help us understand how culture
shapes identity," she said. "They also show us how African and Chinese values
can complement each other. We need more of these events." The touring troupe
from the Chinese university has so far staged six performances across Kenya,
showcasing a kaleidoscope of Chinese culture at universities and cultural
venues, such as the Kenya National Library. From martial arts to melodies,
their journey has been one of shared rhythm -- and shared dreams.