Chinese singing competition in Kenya celebrates the two countries' bond

Twelve contestants from various institutions across Kenya took part in the final of the Ninth Kenya Good Voice Chinese Singing Competition, held in Nairobi on Tuesday. The finalists performed a wide range of songs covering themes like romance, gratitude, and perseverance.

During the event, contestants used their voices and expressive performances to convey emotions in a language different from their mother tongue.

Leonard Chacha Mwita, the Kenyan director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, said that music has no boundaries.

"We use the competition to celebrate the growing cultural, educational and traditional cooperation between China and Kenya," he said. "It is through music that our students demonstrate the beauty of the understanding and friendship that exist between the two countries."

Kenyan students use Chinese lyrics and melodies to depict the deepening cultural exchanges between Kenya and China, reflecting how such exchanges are expanding beyond language learning into music and other fields.

Caroline Kattee, a 32-year-old online English teacher who tutors Chinese students, began learning Chinese three months ago. After learning that she would participate in the competition, her students recommended several Chinese songs to her.

She chose to perform the classic Chinese song The Moon Represents My Heart, famously sung by Teresa Teng. Kattee often listened to the song on her way to Chinese classes to practice.

"There's a representation of the culture of love in China. It also represents how much value is put into romantic relationships," Kattee said. "The way the song expresses it in Chinese is really passionate, so when I sing the song, I picture myself in love."

From timeless classics to contemporary Chinese pop hits, the performances on stage reflected a wide musical range. Tricia Mutheu, a 20-year-old Chinese TV drama enthusiast, said watching Chinese television dramas has been an important way for her to learn the language and understand Chinese culture.

John Mark Shibevo won first place with his heartfelt interpretation of Huan Yan, a song originally performed by renowned Chinese singer Chyi Yu. As last year's winner, he said he was delighted to retain his championship title.

"I really want to see myself as a very good Chinese speaker, and this is just an assurance," he said. "There's a long way ahead."

Shibevo plans to pursue a career in the arts and seek opportunities for future collaborations. "Right now I'm looking for opportunities to collaborate with others, especially to collaborate with China and Kenya creations, in terms of bringing out the culture and the significance of the relations between these two cultures."

Liu Haowen contributed to this story.