STORY: Chinese TV series gain popularity among Kenyan youth
SHOOTING TIME: Jan 24, 2024
DATELINE: February 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:28
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. Kenyan student singing a theme song of Chinese drama
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NAOMI WANJIKU, Student in Kenya
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NAOMI WANJIKU, Student in Kenya
4. Kenyan people watching Chinese TV series
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English) : IPTISAM MOHAMED, Student in Kenya
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ALICE WANGARI, Interpreter in Kenya

STORYLINE: 
A surge in the translation and dubbing of Chinese TV series has created a cultural bridge in Kenya in recent years, captivating young audiences and providing a unique window into Chinese life and culture.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): NAOMI WANJIKU, Student in Kenya
"I really love watching Chinese historical dramas. After I got my own phone, I decided to watch it with the Chinese language. And till now, I'm still continuing to watch."

Naomi Wanjiku's enthusiasm for Chinese culture has led her to join the Confucius Institute, where she aspires to pursue a deeper understanding of Chinese history.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NAOMI WANJIKU, Student in Kenya
"What really attracts me in those dramas is the storylines and the costumes. I just love their clothes. They are so smart. They are so pretty. They are decent, but very pretty. I have gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. I've learned about their culture, their behavior, their way of interacting with others. It's so interesting. It's so sweet. It's so desirable. It's my dream one day to go to China."

As the popularity of Chinese TV series continues to rise in Africa, it fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English) : IPTISAM MOHAMED, Student in Kenya
"At first I was recommended by my friend. She told me to check out this drama, Chinese drama called Story of Yanxi Palace. So I decided why not to watch it. I actually got to appreciate how diverse they are, how different we are as human beings and how many similarities we have at the same time. So I think it's interesting to watch the dramas and to understand mostly the storylines as well."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): ALICE WANGARI, Interpreter in Kenya
"I initially was interested in Chinese history before I watched the dramas. I think especially 'wuxia' (martial arts chivalry). It's like historical dramas. Because they're more fantasy. So there's that element. So I didn't really go in for the history, but then there's something that you notice in the dramas that is very representative of Chinese culture, which is harmony."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)