Chinese orchestra group performs at Kenya’s oldest university

Published: April 20,2024

Members of the traditional instrument orchestra of China’s Nanjing University perform with a Kenyan singer at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

The traditional instrument orchestra of East China’s Nanjing University gave an exciting performance at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest university, on Thursday, winning applause and accolades from the assembled audience of students and faculty members.

Dressed in elegant costumes, the orchestra group of students showcased their skills on traditional Chinese musical instruments, including flute and drums.

Dubbed “China and Africa: Diversity, Beauty and Harmony,” the traditional Chinese musical instrument performance was organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi ahead of the United Nations Chinese Language Day which falls on April 20. It was part of the celebrations in Kenya.

Stephen Kiama, vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, hailed the electrifying performance, saying it injected vitality into China-Kenya cultural ties.

“Through the performance by Nanjing University, we became immersed in the understanding of Chinese language and culture which are intertwined,” Kiama said.

Drawn from diverse faculties at Nanjing University, the orchestra group performed Celebration of Jasmine Flower, Spring Visit to Xiangjiang River, and Charming Africa.

The orchestra electrified the audience with melodious tunes accompanied by the methodical playing of traditional Chinese musical instruments, reaffirming the growing vitality of Sino-Kenyan cultural bonds.

As the show concluded, a choir from the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi performed the popular lyric “Jambo,” a Swahili word for warm greetings, amid an ecstatic reception from the audience.

Edith Okinyi, an economics major from the University of Nairobi, could not hide her excitement after watching the entire Chinese traditional musical instrument performance.

“Nanjing University’s performance was marvelous, and the way they performed those instruments was unique. I loved how they carried themselves and how the music flowed together with the beats,” Okinyi said.

She said the lyrics were soothing yet enjoyable, adding that as a Kenyan youth, she looked forward to similar performances that promoted cultural diversity and understanding.

Bate Chloran Louise, a Cameroonian female student pursuing a postgraduate degree in public health at the University of Nairobi, said the performance shone a spotlight on the richness of Chinese culture that has found positive reception in Africa. 

Members of the traditional instrument orchestra of China’s Nanjing University perform with Kenyan singers at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 18, 2024. The traditional instrument orchestra of East China’s Nanjing University gave an exciting performance at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest university, on Thursday, winning applause and accolades from the assembled audience of students and faculty members. (Xinhua/Han Xu)