By: Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA Eleven Liberians were honored over the weekend for their performances of Chinese songs during “The 6th Liberia Good Voice” competition hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia.
The event brought together Liberian students to showcase Chinese culture through music, promoting unity between Liberia and China while providing education through song.
Speaking at the official opening, Prof. Dexter S. Sumo, Director of the Confucius Institute at UL, said the Institute engages in several activities, including the “Chinese Bridge” competition.
He noted that “Voice of Liberia” is more than a singing contest , it is a form of cultural and academic exchange. Prof. Sumo added that Liberians who participated in the “Chinese Bridge” competition are currently in China for further studies.
He also addressed ongoing challenges at the University of Liberia, stating that UL campuses will be closed for six to seven months for renovation funded by the Visitor of the University, President Joseph Boakai.
Despite the closure, Prof. Sumo assured that learning at the Confucius Institute will continue at an alternative location outside the UL campus. He urged all participants to take their studies seriously.
Delivering special remarks, Mr. Zhou Hongzhuan Li Wei, Chinese Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, described music as a universal language.
“Music is a universal language shared by all mankind. It can directly touch the heart and connect you and me without the need for translation,” she said.
“This afternoon, we not only enjoyed the charm of music, but also witnessed an extraordinary fusion the beautiful melody met with elegant Chinese poetry, and the Liberian rhythm resonated with Eastern sentiment.”
Zhou noted that some students performed classic Chinese folk songs with deep emotion, others delivered energetic renditions of modern Chinese songs, while some ingeniously blended Liberian musical elements with Chinese lyrics.
“Each song is a story. Every performance on stage is a cultural exchange and a deepening of friendship. You are not only singers, but also cultural exchange messengers, using songs to build a bridge of heart-to-heart connection between the people of China and Liberia,” she added.
He emphasized that “The 6th Liberia Good Voice” is not only a competition, but also a classroom where participants learn language, showcase talent, express emotion, and gain confidence and friendship.
“The core mission of the Confucius Institute is to promote cultural exchange and enhance people-to-people ties,” Mr. Zhou concluded.
Awards were presented to outstanding performers, including Best Performing Participant, First, Second, and Third Place winners. Mariam Kamera emerged as the Grand Winner and received an undisclosed cash prize.
Organizers noted that all participants were recognized as winners for their efforts in promoting cultural understanding.
