By Ndey Sowe
The Chinese Embassy in Banjul on Monday, April 7, 2025, hosted the third edition of the China-Gambia Bantaba under the theme “Cultural Exchange between China and The Gambia in the Perspective of Global Civilization Initiative.”
The event brought together artists, musicians, and cultural leaders from both nations to celebrate shared values and promote cross-cultural understanding through music.
Organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in The Gambia, the Bantaba series is designed as an informal and engaging platform for cultural diplomacy. This year’s edition spotlighted a visiting Chinese musical ensemble, the Strikeeast Percussion Ensemble (SEPE), as the highlight of the cultural exchange.
SEPE, a premier Chinese chamber music collective led by award-winning percussionist Yin Fei, specialises in innovative percussion performances inspired by contemporary Chinese artistic traditions. The group’s visit to The Gambia, which ran from April 4 to 7, followed a successful tour in the Republic of Benin during the 2024 Spring Festival, where they introduced China’s first dedicated percussion concert in Africa.
During the Bantaba, SEPE collaborated with Gambian musicians in a dynamic exchange of performances and discussion. The session included live instrument demonstrations and an interactive Q&A, fostering dialogue on the development and innovation of national music traditions.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Zhao Shangsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange under the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023.
“We advocate the respect for the diversity of civilizations. Countries need to uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness,” Zhao said. “We must let cultural exchange transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcends clashes, and coexistence transcends feelings of superiority.”
Zhao further highlighted the shared global values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom, adding that “countries need to refrain from imposing their own values or stoking ideological confrontation.”
He underscored the need for innovation in cultural heritage, encouraging nations to transform and develop their traditions in contemporary contexts. “Together we can make the garden of world civilization colorful and vibrant,” he said.
Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), praised the initiative, calling it a significant step toward deeper cultural cooperation.
“This is a great initiative that promotes culture, and we are enthusiastic to be part of the program. It offers another platform for the two nations to learn from each other’s culture,” Ceesay noted.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Sheick Omar Bittaye welcomed the collaboration and expressed optimism about its impact.
“I want to welcome you to a musical program to be jointly performed by a percussion group from our friends in the People’s Republic of China and Gambian performers, notably the Flex Fuzion Cultural Dance Group,” he said.
He added: “We will be entertained by the rich Chinese culture of percussion and dance, and the rich Gambian culture as well. But more importantly, we will be informed by the cultural and traditional musical heritage that we have in common.”
Mr. Bittay reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to its diplomatic ties with China, stating, “The Gambia will continue to put a high premium on diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. China is a great friend and shall continue to be a great friend, especially in the cultural heritage sector.”
The event was attended by leaders of eight artistic associations, renowned Gambian musicians, members of the China-Gambia Alumni Student Association, and other distinguished guests, marking yet another milestone in the flourishing cultural partnership between the two nations.
