China brings Spring Festival to Malawi

The mention of China brings vivid memories of Kung-fu and karate movies in the minds of people that grew up before the turn of the new millennium.

Kung-fu and karate movies top that list of what constituted entertainment so much that Hollywood, at one point-in time, lived in the shadows of the Chinese film industry.

Today the market is diluted by the rise of many various players that include Nollywood and Bollywood.  Still, the Chinese legacy continues to strive.

But for a change, the effects of the Chinese arts industry will not be restricted only to those growing in the 1970s to the ‘90s. China is coming to town and there is already a brand new feeling in the air!

For the first time ever, art enthusiasts in the country will be treated to rare and endless Chinese cultural public performances courtesy of the Spring Festival Gala the Far East giant will hold in Lilongwe and Blantyre today and tomorrow, respectively.

The Spring Festival, which spans to ages, follows the Chinese New Year that falls in the third week of February and has been organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture.

Breaking the news in an interview, Chinese ambassador to Malawi Zhen Qingyang assured there will be “something for everyone” in attendance, adding the move hopes to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

The envoy said: “The will be wonderful Chinese Kung-fu, acrobatics, opera, singing and dancing to the audience. We have also managed to rope in some Malawian artists to help serve a dish palatable to all across the board.”

Qingyang disclosed that to help spice the event, his embassy has flown in a famous art troupe from his China’s Zhejiang Province.

He added: “This year, the Spring Festival Gala has a special meaning for us and the people of Malawi. The recent flood disaster quickly comes to mind and I hope such cultural events will only strengthen the ties we have. “

The embassy last week also coordinated for the Chinese business community in the country in contributing relief items worth K10 million towards the flood victims which were handed over to Vice President Saulos Chilima.