In July last year, I had the good fortune of attending a performance by Chinese classical prodigy Lang Lang with Herbie Hancock at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKf58Y7WDe8
Their rendition of Gershwins “Rhapsody in Blue” totally blew me away, with Lang Lang’s total mastery of the piano leaving all in complete awe. I remember remarking to my Rwandese friend how, if what I saw that night was anything to go by, China was ready to conquer the world.
With its growing dominance economically, is China about to conquer Africa culturally?
The relationship between China and Africa has become a major focus of attention as trade between the two blocks has grown substantially, much to the consternation of Africa’s traditional trading partners (partner being used very loosely here), Europe and The USA. Invariably, analyses of the relationship between China and Africa have been broadly locked along the narratives of casting China as the new colonizer or as a non-judgemental/laissez faire partner for African development.
An article from Reuters speculated about the influence that Chinese culture might have on African culture in the future.
http://blogs.reuters.com/africanews/2010/01/22/how-will-chinese-culture-influence-africa/
One of the conclusions drawn in the article was that the Chinese are establishing “cultural programs” in recognition of the need to start positively engaging Africa. Beyond the bureaucrats, such initiatives are unlikely to have any significant impact. American hip hop culture is popular amongst African youth, not because some government minister said so….simply because they like Jigga’s swagger and Biggie’s colourful storytelling.
Thus at face value, Chinese culture is unlikely to have as significant an impact on African as the West does. Certainly not in the near future. There is one main reason for this. Most Africans seem to harbour negative views about the Chinese and are thus unlikely to imbibe Chinese culture as easily as they did Western culture, in spite of the latters colonial legacy.
The aetiology of this phenomenon, where Chinese (and Indians) are not held in high esteem, is unclear. It is appears to be related to a Fanon-esque hierarchy of race that seems to be instilled in most Africans (and other non-whites) whose basic tenet is to place the West at the top of the food chain.
The basic principle seems to be that one should not necessarily respect or aspire to be like, the ones most similar to one (other Africans, Indians, Chinese) but rather, perversely, respect those from the West, who are, invariably of a lighter hue. Interestingly African Americans, in some instances, but not always, benefit from their association with America and are thus held in higher esteem than say other Africans or Asians. To be sure, a lot of these views are shaped by cultural products exported to Africa (fashion, music etc).
Significantly, other than official governmental/institutional contact, the average African’s interaction with the Chinese has been with less culturally sophisticated blue collar workers brought in to work on African roads or at the street level in Guangzhou whilst haggling over cheap textiles, fake designer clothes and electronic goods. Both these settings hardly present the ideal environments for aspirational cultural exchange.
Interestingly, there was a time, during the Bruce Lee era, when Chinese culture (more like Macau/Hong Kong) took centre stage in terms of movies. I still remember from my childhood, the famous moves in “Enter the Dragon” and “Game of Death”. Culturally, Bruce Lee inspired Asian pride and respect because he projected intense Chinese nationalism. Martial Arts became very popular internationally as a result of the Bruce Lee series. After his death, culturally China’s star started to wane to reach the current stage where Chinese cultural influence on Africa is limited.
In South Africa, one of the manifestations of early Chinese influence is “fafi”, a fascinating dream based gambling game played mainly by women in the townships. The game, also known as “mo-china”, used to be very popular but has waned over the years as other forms of gambling such as Lotto have emerged.
But what will change this trajectory? How will China’s cultural influence grow?
In my opinion two key things will drive this, one is that as Chinese people increasingly learn, trade and communicate in English and as they move up the value chain from low cost producers to design and services (creative industries), they may start impacting on world and thus African culture. Lang Lang and hundreds of other creative’s are already starting to do that.
Secondly, as the centre of economic gravity shifts from West to East , Africans will begin to be exposed to, appreciate and respect China’s achievements. This is key to the acceptance of Chinese cultural influences.
This change will happen faster than most people imagine.
Already Chinese brands such as Shanghai Tan are eyeing expansion into Africa, with an expected opening in Johannesburg
http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/2010/04/28/shanghai-tang-is-here/
A shift in the cultural view will also significantly benefit Chinese brands such as Huawei and ZTE, who, in spite of matching the quality of Western brands like Ericson, still tend to be grudge buys rather than natural “value for money” brands .
As China’s star has risen, economically, so has its desire to express itself culturally. Over the past 5 years that I have been traveling to China, there is a palpable increase in a more inward (Sino-centric) focus and less US centric sentiment especially amongst Chinese youth.
Sadly, an inward looking China will not amplify its cultural influence on Africa . On the other hand, the current EXPO being held in Shanghai is likely to further accelerate China’s cultural influence.
Personally, there are things that I hope Africans can draw/imbibe from Chinese culture.
Firstly it is tenacity , discipline, true self knowledge and pride. Secondly, the food – to be fearless, creative and experimental. Being a Southern African, I am always amazed ate how bland our food is.
The most important lesson that Africans can draw from the Chinese is that it is possible to modernize without Westernising. There is no need to discard ones culture in the belief that development or modernisation can only happen when you shed all that is you.
However this influence will pan out, Africa’s future and fortunes are inextricably linked to China, and greater Asia. Over time I think Africa will see the brighter side of Chinese culture.
