By Xinhua
New Delhi : Indian and African artists performed traditional dances and music in New Delhi on Monday evening for leaders and delegates attending the first India-Africa summit.
On the lighted courtyard of the Purana Quila, the 16th century Old Fort in the Indian capital, the hour-long show titled “A Tribute to Africa” showcased Indian and African traditional dances and music.
The culture show was presented by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). “Over 100 artists from African countries and about 100 artists from India took part in the wonderful concert,” Program Director of the show Padam Talwar told reporters, adding that Indian and African traditional performing arts bear some cultural similarities.
Cultural exchange between India and Africa was highlighted on the show, with artists in colorful and dazzling costumes from two sides sharing the same stage.
Performances include the Indian traditional Mohiniattam dance in the music played by musicians from Senegal, as well as the duets between dancers from Karnataka of India with a troupe from Kenya. Drummers from India also shared the stage with African performers. A young man from Algeria and a young lady from India sang an Indian romantic song together.
Ghanaian drummer Charles Konu, who made his first visit to India with seven other Ghanaian artists, told the reporter before the show he was fascinated by the performance of Indian artists though they had difficulty in language communication.
India will host on Tuesday and Wednesday the first-ever India-Africa summit in New Delhi. The summit will be attended by leaders from 14 African countries.