Events

Nigerian, Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, Wins Chinese Category at 2024 China-Africa Singing Competition

Published

2 years ago

November 25, 2024

Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara China-Africa Singing Competition

Miss Linda Ifeoma Onyelabara, a Nigerian graduate of Business Education and a Master’s degree holder in Chinese language, has emerged as the winner of the Chinese Language category at the 2024 Good Partners of China and Africa Chinese and English Singing Competition.

The competition, aimed at fostering cultural ties between China and Nigeria through music and language, was held in Abuja, with participants competing in two categories: English and Chinese.

A Historic Victory

Linda, who competed in a field dominated by native Chinese speakers, walked away with a cash prize of ₦500,000 for her exceptional performance. She described her win as a dream come true, noting its significance in her artistic journey.

“This competition is a pivotal moment in my journey. Personally, I write songs, and I think this is an opportunity for me to step out of my shell and showcase my talent,” she said.

Linda attributed her success to determination and hard work, emphasizing the importance of learning additional languages.

“When I was in school, I wanted to work in an embassy. I realized I needed to learn a language other than my mother tongue. The Chinese language offers vast opportunities in employment and cultural exchange,” she added.

Bridging Cultures Through Music

The event was organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Center, in collaboration with China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited.

The Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Yang Jianxing, highlighted the role of music as a universal language that strengthens ties between nations.

“Music transcends borders, connects hearts, and showcases the richness of cultural expression. This event celebrates the enduring friendship between China and Nigeria through vibrant cultural exchange,” he said.

Other Winners

In the English Language category, Tan Jian clinched the first prize, also taking home ₦500,000. The second and third prizes in both categories were awarded ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.

Encouraging Multilingualism

Linda’s victory underscores the importance of language and cultural exchange in strengthening global relationships. As a role model, she encourages Nigerians to explore new languages, including Chinese, as pathways to greater opportunities in both personal and professional spheres.

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WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”