CRI听力:The Voice of the Soil

A four-member acapella group from South Africa has been putting on performances at the National Center for the Performing Arts here in Beijing to help commemorate the year of South Africa in China.

CRI's Zeng Liang has more.

The music you are listening now is sung by the South African acapella singing group—The Soil. Without any electric and instrumental sound, The soil strives to fuse their voices to deliver melodic and harmonious messages that are aimed at uplifting and healing souls all around the world.

Ntsika Fana Ngxanga, one of the members of the Soil explained that the name of their group comes from the story they want to tell to the world.

"The name of the Soil is related to the music we do. The soil, as a matter, is very raw and basic. And our music is also basic and raw. And with the stories we tell in the music, we want to perform on all world stages, tell our stories and spread all across the world. When you look at the soil, it is everywhere in the world. "

Their beautiful songs got both Chinese and South African audiences dancing at the concert. Li Yuetong, a primary school student said she wants to go to South Africa in the future to listen to more music and stories in that beautiful country.

"The Soil gave a sparkling performance tonight. Their interaction with audiences makes me very happy. And through their performance, I had a certain understanding of South Africans' language and character."

This concert is one of the many cultural activities conducted by South Africa and China for the Year of South Africa. According to Zhao Haisheng, an official in charge of China's Ministry of Culture liaisons, the Year of South Africa introduces South African culture to China through broadcasting, film, TV and seminars. He believes the wide range of events will help Chinese people to understand South African Culture comprehensively.

"Culture is really about people. It is about their heart, communication. Through the art, we'd really know how people live the inner worlds. And through the cultural exchange, both sides can have a better understanding of each other. In the broad sense, it could help to further consolidate the already good overall relationship between China and South Africa."
Apart from this concert in Beijing, more than 50 events about South Africa including trade seminars, art programs and educational projects will be held in China during the year.