In essence, art comes down to cultural expression of man’s views, emotions and inner feelings. Without emotions and spirit, presentations and skills have no artistic value.

Numerous ethnic groups in the world have vastly different etiquettes and customs. Some greet VIPs with flower bouquets, others with tea or wine. The Tanzanians welcome guests with colorful folk dances. I experienced their warm hospitality during my trip to the country. On airport lawns and in government compounds alike, we were deeply touched by spontaneous song and dance performances that immersed us in unique Tanzanian culture. The fact that the Tanzanians pay respect to guests with artistic performances shows the nation gives top priority to art and culture.

Each of Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups has its distinctive songs and dances. Whenever drums beat, energetic performers will burst into dancing with instinctive movements. Passionate dances enable them to release inner feelings in a sincere, simple, natural and unembellished way. They always capture viewers’ hearts as they communicate with them through body movements and songs.

Like green and organic food much sought after by consumers nowadays, African dances are a form of “green art,” which is pure and free from “pollution.”

Several years ago, the China Central Television created an award for “pristine singers” in its young singers’ contest, which offered opportunities for amateur singers from rural areas to showcase their talent. Many of them have since been idolized by fans across the country. Shows featuring these singers have also become the most watched TV programs in China. “Pristine performances” have opened a new chapter in the art of singing and dancing. The performances we watched in Tanzania, of course, fall into this category.

Like a river flowing from its source, art also has sources, which are people, life and nature. If it is confined to altars, palaces and a world dominated by the pursuit of fame and profits, art will lose its originality, simplicity and vitality. In other words, without the spontaneous flow of emotions, art will be reduced to flattery, empty and insincere shows, flirtations, absurdity and dullness.

In essence, art comes down to cultural expression of man’s views, emotions and inner feelings. Without emotions and spirit, presentations and skills have no artistic value. The quality of art is a much-debated topic. Without sincerity, there is no quality to speak of. Art should be a faith, almost like a religion. The essence and quality of art should be in line with each other.

Some people promote purely technical presentations using cutting-edge audiovisual technology as art. They are ignorant, if not disrespectful, about art. It is acceptable to draw more attention to art with the help of technology and skills, but attempts to equate these things with art will bring a disaster to art. No matter how impressive they are, robots’ dances are not art, but merely programmed mechanical movements. Art will grow up like a plant. It takes roots in soil and bears flowers and fruit as it absorbs sunshine and rainwater. It is impossible to help it grow faster by pulling it upward.

Some scholars said Africa is a “cultural desert.” But I think it is an oasis steeped in culture as well as a cultural treasure house. As a matter of fact, we can find African elements in the most avant-garde forms of art today, from the globally popular modern dance to stylish rapping. Many of the scholars who tend to be hypercritical of African culture have not closely examined Africa from a cultural perspective with a down-to-earth attitude. As a result, they are not in a position to make comments. Nobody is more qualified to speak about African culture than the Africans.