January 10 was a typical day at Nairobi National Park in Kenya: tourists took pictures of animals and enjoyed the beauty of nature, while younger visitors played with their friends. And then suddenly, an African boy dressed in a Kenyan folk costume began beating a djembe with a strong rhythm. As soon he stopped drumming, a series of Chinese art shows began, including kung fu performances, a fire-breathing display, and dragon and lion dances
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A special flash mob featuring the collision of Chinese and African cultures spread over the Central Square of Nairobi National Park. With a carnival atmosphere building, the crowd of tourists was consumed by a show full of surprises.
The 2015 CCTV Spring Festival Web Gala has organized a variety of activities to welcome participants from all over the world, and this flash mob kicked off the public carnival. With a mixture of Chinese and African cultures, it embodied the Gala’s theme— ‘the whole world jubilation for Chinese new year’ — and, with its use of modern concepts, it helped to promote traditional Chinese culture on the international stage. The flash mob, which combined an ancient festival and a modern element, was both exciting and meaningful.
Dr. Hassan Wario Arero, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts of Kenya, and Yao Ming, Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Kenya, took part in the carnival and led fellow participants in delivering their best wishes to their Chinese friends. To symbolize the long-standing and valued friendship between China and Africa, they also gave the crowd of tourists Chinese knots, sheep mascots — representing the forthcoming Year of the Sheep — and decorations marked with the Chinese character for ‘happiness.’
“Performers all needed to dance barefoot, and the ground temperature was so high that it burned their feet! But they still made every effort to deliver wonderful performances, and we sincerely appreciate the efforts they have made for this activity,” said the head of StarTimes, the executive company responsible for the performance.
The flash mob is a major part of 2015 CCTV Spring Festival Web Gala, which will be broadcast February 11
