In a vibrant episode of Global Civilizations Dialogue on The Vibe, CGTN reporter Wendyl Martin introduced viewers to the Chinese mainland musician Liu Chen and her Malian husband, Adama Yalomba Traore. Their story is more than a love tale—it’s a celebration of cultural connection through music.
When Liu Chen first heard the rhythm of Adama’s traditional West African instruments at a Jam in Beijing, she felt an instant pull. Adama, a skilled balafon and djembe player, invited her to join his percussive world. Soon, she was learning intricate patterns on the balafon, while he discovered the beauty of string arrangements she played on her Chinese guzheng.
Today, their living room transforms into a cross-continental stage. Together, they blend the balafon’s earthy tones with Liu Chen’s melodic guzheng lines, weaving stories of two continents into a single harmony. Their weekly sessions draw friends from across the city, sparking conversations about cultural heritage, creativity, and unity.
“Music erased boundaries for us,” Liu Chen shares. Adama adds, “When our instruments speak together, the world feels smaller.” Their partnership shows how personal connections can inspire global understanding—one beat at a time.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers tune in, Liu Chen and Adama’s journey reminds us that cultural exchange thrives on curiosity and openness. In a world seeking unity, their melody offers a simple truth: harmony starts when we listen.
Reference(s):
A personal story of global connection through a Chinese-Malian couple
cgtn.com
