Beaven Dhliwayo, Group Features Editor
A COLOUR blend of African and Chinese art, music, and dialogue lit up Shanghai’s Noble Center on Saturday as hundreds gathered for a unique cultural exchange event marking Africa Day, the 45th anniversary of China–Zimbabwe diplomatic relations, and China’s National Disability Day.
Themed “Shared Fragrance, United in Art,” the event brought together diplomats, artists, students, and civil society groups for a day-long celebration aimed at deepening people-to-people ties and highlighting inclusive development through culture.
The event also saw the official launch of the Sino-Africa Hub (Shanghai) — a landmark initiative created by the China Zimbabwe Exchange Center and the Sino-Africa Cultural Exchange Center — to serve as a platform for cultural dialogue, artistic collaboration, and entrepreneurship between China and African countries.
“Life has no finish line — this is only the beginning,” said Mr. Liu Long, Executive Director of the Sino-Africa Cultural Exchange Center and Chairman of the China–Zimbabwe Exchange Center. “The Hub will be a vibrant space for youth, artists, and entrepreneurs from both continents. It is here to empower talented African youth in China by offering cultural, educational, and business-related opportunities.”
Liu recalled his first visit to Zimbabwe 15 years ago, sharing how the experience shaped his passion for Africa–China collaboration. His remarks drew warm applause from a diverse audience, many of whom echoed similar sentiments about the value of cultural exchange.
Mr. Rodgers Bokosha, Counsellor at the Embassy of Zimbabwe in China, described the event as a powerful symbol of cooperation: “This is a timely celebration of shared heritage and understanding. Art is a universal language that deepens connections between cultures.”
Bokosha paid tribute to the event’s focus on inclusion, particularly the participation of artists with disabilities.
“Disability is not inability,” he said. “Today’s event showed how people of all abilities can be empowered through art and cultural expression.”
Referencing the newly launched Sino-Africa Hub, he added: “Its inclusive vision is especially important for supporting youth and grassroots cultural exchange. As we say in Shona, Kuturika Denga Remba Kubatirana — to roof a house requires cooperation. Strengthening China–Africa friendship demands such unity.”
The event was jointly hosted by the China Zimbabwe Exchange Center, the Sino-Africa Cultural Exchange Center, and the China Disabled Persons’ Sports and Art Training Base, among other institutions. It featured a fusion of art exhibitions, live music performances, and interactive displays.
Mr. Zhang Jingjin, Chairman of the Noble Center Shanghai, welcomed guests with a speech emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the festivities.
“This event is more than a tribute to Africa Day. It is a meaningful act of public engagement, highlighting the cultural and humanitarian connections between China and Africa,” he said. “As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of China–Zimbabwe diplomatic ties, we are also honouring 22 years of the Noble Center’s commitment to cultural services for people with disabilities. The collaborative spirit of today’s event is a model for inclusive development.”
The venue buzzed with cross-cultural interactions. Guests explored a striking art exhibit that included vivid Zimbabwean paintings, stone sculptures, and intricate Chinese paper-cuttings created by disabled Chinese artists. On stage, traditional African drumming gave way to Chinese pop songs, and then to fusion performances that sparked spontaneous applause.
One of the emotional high points came with the performance of “Madiro,” a traditional Shona song made famous by Zimbabwean music legend Oliver Mtukudzi. Sung entirely in Shona, the piece stirred pride among Zimbabwean attendees while offering Chinese guests an intimate window into Zimbabwe’s musical heritage.
“I come from Zimbabwe, so seeing my fellow friends perform a cultural song by the late legendary Oliver Mtukudzi was a great moment for me,” said Michael Munashe Mafukidze, a Zimbabwean international student who attended the event. “It’s amazing to be in China. Honestly, I feel welcome, and I feel happy every time I see events like this happening here.”
Equally impactful was the performance by “Unreliable,” a band of visually impaired Chinese musicians who delivered rousing renditions of Beatles classics such as “Love Me Do” and “From Me to You,” as well as a Chinese ballad titled “I Believe.”
The group, which performs without reading sheet music, captivated the audience with its technical skill and infectious energy. Their performance stood out as a testament to resilience, joy, and the power of music to transcend barriers.
The celebration closed with a poignant duet of “You Raise Me Up,” performed by African and Chinese singers. Rehearsed in just minutes before the show, the performance, supported by live saxophone and keyboard, achieved remarkable harmony, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
Among the visitors was Tarisai M. Mukunga, a Master of China Studies student at Zhejiang University International Business School, who was particularly drawn to a painting of a lion family. “It gives off a family vibe — a mother, father, and child,” she said. “It speaks to me because I connect with that sense of family.”
Mukunga, a regular participant in exchange events, underlined their importance: “I’d like people to take time to learn about how amazing Zimbabwe is — how rich its culture is. We are loving people who look out for each other. At the same time, I’m learning more and falling in love with Chinese culture. This is a better way to get to know each other than just through the media.”
The event was supported by the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (SPAFFC), the China-Africa Shanghai International Network (CASIN), and multiple district-level disabled persons’ federations.
From shared rhythms to shared values, Saturday’s event offered a compelling glimpse into the evolving cultural ties between China and Africa, not just as governments, but as communities.
“From art to action, from vision to voice — this event is a testament to the power of inclusion, cooperation, and cultural solidarity,” said Liu Long.
With the launch of the Sino-Africa Hub and growing grassroots engagement, organizers say the momentum for people-to-people exchange is only just beginning.