by Christine Lagat
NAIROBI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Methody Owaki had unusual composure when he occupied the stage to beat traditional Chinese drum whose beats electrified guests attending Sino-Africa Friendship knowledge competition that took place at Kenya's oldest University on Wednesday.
Born and raised in a rural village in Western Kenya, Owaki's prowess in Chinese language, music and dance has secured him a ticket to a life of glamour and privilege.
The 27-year-old performing arts guru has a post graduate degree in Chinese language and is among a growing number of Kenyan youth who have raised the bar in their grasp of the Asian giant's rich culture.
Owaki is not only fluent in mandarin but has as well mastered contemporary Chinese music and dance.
He beat 15 contestants to emerge the overall winner during the Sino-Africa friendship competition organized by Chinese Embassy in Nairobi and the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute.
During an interview with Xinhua, Owaki said his dalliance with Chinese language, music and dance opened new doors to a former village boy who had little exposure to the outside world while growing up.
"Growing up in the village had its own challenges and thrills but am glad my curiosity to learn more about Chinese culture since I joined campus has paid dividends," said Owaki.
He was fascinated by Chinese language and music immediately he joined the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor's degree in education and linguistics.
In 2010, Owaki enrolled at the University of Nairobi's Confucius Institute to study mandarin.
He was also a devoted member of the University choir that practiced and sang Chinese songs during special events.
Owaki's membership to the University of Nairobi choir secured him an opportunity to visit China in 2010 to perform in different cities.
He also visited China in 2011 to perform at major festivals and in 2012 won a six months scholarship to study mandarin in China.
Ever agile and adaptable, Owaki was determined to improve his proficiency in Chinese language with the knowledge and it would boost his career prospects.
"After my six months study in China, I came back to Nairobi and worked briefly for a Chinese real estate company. In 2013, I won a two year scholarship to pursue a masters degree in Chinese language in a prestigious Chinese university," Owaki told Xinhua.
He returned to Kenya in August having accomplished a feat that has won him accolades from peers and family members.
Owaki's proficiency in mandarin and the ability to play the Chinese drum with ease could land him a rewarding career in future.
He will fly to China in November to participate in the final competition that will be attended by contestants from all parts of the world.
"It feels great to be the overall winner in the Sino-Africa friendship knowledge competition. I look forward to improving my ability to beat the Chinese drum," Owaki told Xinhua.
Kenyan youth's prowess in Chinese language, music and dance is unrivalled in the African continent.
Enrolling for mandarin lessons has gained traction among Kenyan youth keen to visit China to pursue further studies or business ventures.
Monica Muigai, a 19-year-old Chinese language student at University of Nairobi`s Confucius Institute was upbeat that fluency in mandarin will secure her plum jobs in Kenya and abroad.
"The Chinese language offers many opportunities. It is officially recognized by the UN and is critical to cement Sino-Kenya bilateral cooperation," said Muigai
Sino-Kenya cooperation in education, arts and culture has blossomed as evidenced by establishment of four Confucius institutes in the country.
The Counselor of Chinese Embassy to Kenya Yao Ming said cultural diplomacy is a critical component of a comprehensive cooperative partnership endorsed by President Xi Jinping and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013.
"People to people exchanges have thrived due to establishment of Confucius Institutes in four Kenyan Universities. Understanding Chinese language and culture is an eye opener to Kenyan youth," Yao remarked.
The Chinese government funded exchange programs have improved proficiency in mandarin among Kenyan youth.
Isaac Mbeche, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs at the University of Nairobi, said that language and culture are the cornerstone of Sino-Kenya friendship.
"We need regular interactions among Kenyan and Chinese students to promote appreciation of our different cultures," Mbeche remarked.
