Actors perform traditional Chinese dance at the Nairobi Lunar New Year Gala in Nairobi, Kenya, February 10, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Han Xu)
Michael Jessee became a household name shortly after delivering an electrifying kung fu performance at the Lunar New Year celebrations held at Two Rivers Mall on the northern outskirts of Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Saturday.
NAIROBI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — Moments after giving an electrifying kung fu performance at the Lunar New Year Gala held at Two Rivers Mall on the northern outskirts of Kenya’s capital Nairobi on Saturday, Michael Jessee , became its star. for a moment.
The 17-year-old Chinese language student at Kenyatta University, Kenya’s second-oldest public university, reflected on the mood of the audience who braved the humid weather to celebrate the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year. made it brighter.
Jesse said, “I’m very happy to be able to participate in this gala and experience so many aspects of Chinese culture. It was special to be able to perform kung fu and dance in front of such a large audience.”
Actors perform a dragon dance at the Nairobi Lunar New Year Gala held in Nairobi, Kenya on February 10, 2024 (Xinhua News Agency/Han Xu)
The Lunar New Year celebrations in Nairobi, organized by the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association and the Kenya Overseas Chinese Women’s Association, attracted hundreds of visitors from various nationalities.
Aiming to share the key attributes of Chinese New Year – joy, peace and human unity, the gala featured cultural performances such as kung fu, dragon dance, Chinese food, lucky draws and interactive games. Ta.
Nairobi UN Secretary-General Zainab Hawa Bangura (third from left) and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian (second from left) pose for a photo at the Nairobi Lunar New Year celebrations held in February in Nairobi, Kenya. It is reflected. 10th, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
The first Nairobi Lunar New Year Gala was attended by Nairobi UN Secretary-General Zainab Hawa Bangura and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian.
Daniel Musyoka (24), who majors in economics and Chinese at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest university, confessed that the melodious songs played at the gala were fun and soothing. The excitement was palpable.
“The melodious voices of the Chinese and some Kenyan performers not only provided unique entertainment, but also had a soothing effect,” said Musyoka, who was impressed by the Chinese food he ate at the gala. I admitted that.
People pose for photos holding up the Chinese character “福”, which means “good luck”, during the Nairobi Lunar New Year celebrations on February 10, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua News Agency/Han Xi)
The large courtyard of Two Rivers Mall, built by a Chinese company, was filled with conviviality, cross-cultural dialogue, and family reunions as the gala entered its homestretch.
Tastefully decorated exhibition stands showcasing Chinese food, beverages, green technology, clothing and artworks attracted throngs of visitors from all walks of life.
Mirka Rotić, a 26-year-old university student, said she was fascinated by the cultural performances, the aroma of Chinese food and the interaction with foreign tourists strolling through the gala venue.
“This is my first time attending the gala. I feel like I am in China. I enjoyed the cultural performances. What I will remember most after the gala is interacting with Chinese people who are doing business in Kenya. That’s what we do,” Rotich said.
She added that the gala is an opportunity for Kenyans to experience different elements of Chinese culture.
People try their hand at Chinese calligraphy and woodblock prints during the Nairobi Lunar New Year celebrations on February 10, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Kenya Overseas Chinese Association President Gao Wei said Kenyans from all walks of life enjoyed attending the gala as traditional concepts such as unity, harmony, joy, dialogue and sharing were emphasized.
Gao said the celebration was a cultural event, but it was attended by a large number of Chinese companies operating in Kenya in various sectors such as construction, financial services and manufacturing.
He said the celebrations served as a platform to promote friendship between China and Kenya, adding that the Year of the Dragon heralds prosperity and good health for the peoples of both countries.
Benson Kamau, a Chinese language teacher at Kenyatta University’s Confucius Institute, said it was important to educate locals about the global significance of Lunar New Year.
Kamau noted that Kenya’s Lunar New Year celebrations are evolving and present a great opportunity to strengthen cultural diplomacy, understanding and friendship.
This photo taken on February 10, 2024 shows the Nairobi Lunar New Year Gala in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Henry Rotich, chairman of the Kenya-China Alumni Association, said Nairobi’s Lunar New Year celebrations serve as an invitation to Kenyans to learn more about Chinese culture as the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in December 2023. He said that he had achieved this.
Recognizing the dynamism of Kenya-China relations across various economic sectors, Rotich said it had brought mutual benefits such as improved cross-cultural understanding, job creation and skills transfer.
Stephen Ndegwa, a Nairobi-based expert on China-Africa relations, said the celebrations were held against the backdrop of China’s growing influence in Kenya, adding that investment from the Asian country had changed the lives of local residents. added. ■