Sierra Leone Cultural Ambassador to China and Philanthropist, Mariatu Kargbo the Black Pearl of China thrilled presidents, ministers among other guests in this year’s eighth ministerial conference of the Forum On China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The Forum which took place in Dakar, Senegal between 29 and 30 November, 2021 has its theme: “Deepening China-Africa Partnership and Promoting Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.”

This is the second time Mariatu Kargbo has been chosen to perform in front of presidents, ministers among other guests by the Chinese authority.

Hawanatu Konneh

The opening ceremony which was broadcast live on Star Times saw Mariatu Kargbo performing along with Raymond from Ghana and Youssou N’Dour from Senegal for the Chinese president and the 55 African leaders.

Due to the Covid-19, this year’s Forum of African Leaders gathered in Senegal and those in China gathered in Beijing where President Xi Jinping addressed the gathering.

In 2018, Maria performed in the presence of President Xi Jinping, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio among other 51 presidents.

Mariatu Kargbo and team performance this year was purely on African and Chinese culture.

“The African and Chinese people are good brothers for life. I wish China and Africa friendship forever. I wish China – Africa Cooperation Forum more and more success,” Mariatu Kargbo expressed.

She also expressed appreciation to be back on stage for the second time in that Forum and thanked the Chinese Government, Foreign Ministry, her fans, family and friends for their prayers and good wishes!

After a tremendous stage performance of their team song, they received high commendation from their audience.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. David. J Francis led his country’s delegation for this year.

Mariatu Kargbo was also one of the speakers during the China -Africa Youth Conference in the presence of Ambassadors and Ministers.