Students perform traditional Chinese dance and martial arts during the Malawi Chinese Singing Competition in Lilongwe (YAMIKANI ZALIRO)

The China General Chamber of Commerce in Malawi’s major focus has traditionally been to act as a business network for Chinese living in the country. However, that role has been expanded in the recent past as cultural exchange emerges as a powerful outreach to foster growing international relations. 

On 24 May, the chamber, supported by the Chinese Embassy in Malawi, sponsored the Malawi Chinese Singing Competition, organised by the Good Shepherd International School at Kamuzu University of Health Science Lilongwe Campus. 

Schools from the capital Lilongwe and the major commercial city of Blantyre participated. They included Mkwichi Primary School, Catholic Institute Community Day Secondary School, Eagles Nest Christian Academy, Good Shepherd International School and Amitofo Care Centre.  

Showing off skills 

The final list of singers for the competition was selected from 80 Chinese songs sent by six different schools, with 33 songs being shortlisted. The shortlisted songs were in three categories of Basic Solo, Secondary Solo and Ensemble. Basic Solo was for students from primary schools who performed alone, and Secondary Solo was for students from secondary schools who performed as soloists, while Ensemble was a performance by primary or secondary schools in groups.  

Apart from singing, students also showed off their skills in a number of Chinese traditions that included dancing and martial arts, in an event that took months of planning and commitment to enhance cross-cultural education. 

Zhou Shanjian, president of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Malawi, said the competition is a result of a need to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Malawi and China. 

“We firmly believe that language and culture are the bridges that connect people’s hearts, and promoting Chinese language learning is a key to deepening mutual understanding between our two nations,” said Zhou. “This is why we have been actively involved in various educational initiatives, from donating text books to providing performance costumes. These efforts are our humble contributions to creating a more conducive environment for Malawian students to explore the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.” 

Cultural exchanges 

Zhou said he understood that learning a language is not easy, and as a result, the Chinese community wants to make Chinese language learning fun and creative. 

“Through singing Chinese songs, students not only improve their language skills, but also gain a deeper appreciation of Chinese art, history and emotions. We hope that this competition will become a platform where students can showcase their talents, express their love for the Chinese language and make lasting memories,” he said.  

Understanding the importance of Chinese language in cultural exchanges, Malawi’s Ministry of Education supported the event and sent a senior official Lindiwe Chide to represent the government at the finals. 

Speaking at the event, Chide said the competition marked an important milestone in cultural and educational exchanges between China and Malawi. 

“In recent years, with the deepening ties of cultural exchanges between Malawi and China, the enthusiasm for learning Chinese among Malawian students has been constantly on the rise. Chinese language and culture have gradually penetrated into our primary and secondary education, bringing new vitality and broad vision to our students,” said Chide. 

She added that as a universal language, music has the power to break through language and cultural barriers. 

Chide said through singing Chinese songs, students can not only improve their Chinese language skills, but also gain a deeper understanding of the profound Chinese culture and enhance the cultural exchange and friendship between Malawi and China. 

The importance of the competition was also shown by the presence of the African Union ambassador to Malawi David Pierre. 

He said language and music are powerful bridges that connect people from different corners of the world. 

“Through learning Chinese songs, students are not only exposed to the beauty of Chinese language, but also get a glimpse into the rich and diverse Chinese culture. Each song is like a window opening up new worlds of history, traditions and values,” said Pierre. 

He added that the competition provides a wonderful platform for the youth to showcase their skills and enthusiasm. 

Language benefits for the future 

One of the highlights of the event was when an ensemble from Mkwichi Primary School mesmerised the judges and audience with their relaxed stage presence and firm grasp of the language.  

School Headmistress Esnart Kaumamoya said what happened was unexpected and she was delighted her school took part. 

“What our learners have done is incredible. They mastered everything and we feel they did well. It is a good language. They have not only learned a new language, but also gained confidence and a wider understanding of the global world, in this case, Chinese culture,” she said.  

Good Shepherd International School Principal Jane Frances Alaoma explained why they decided to organise the competition. 

“We wanted to promote intellectual excellence, cultural appreciation and linguistic diversity. We believe that young minds must be nurtured and that language learning thrives on creativity, songs, performances and dances,” she said. 

The school’s Chinese teacher and competition coordinator Lin Yanli said that of the 33 songs chosen for the final round, 11 were from each of the three categories. 

Lin said the purpose of planning the event was to spread Chinese culture and enhance cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Malawi, with the indirect effect of increasing local people’s interest in Chinese language and culture.  

The finalists were judged by experts in China. All 33 finalists received rewards, with the top three receiving substantial cash awards.