Chinese engagement with Africa is going much beyond infrastructure and manufacturing and entering new vistas and disciplines. The latest uptrend is Chinese entering entertainment. A Chinese entertainment group- Huahua Media- will align with Nigerian filmmakers to create first major China-Nigeria film. Actors have been chosen and shooting schedules are finalized. The deal is to co-produce the film in 30 -days in China. The Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY will play the lead role along with other Nigerian and Chinese actors. The multi-country production film will be shot in Atlanta and Sun City and will be released sometime next year.
With China entering the entertainment domain in Africa, its ubiquitous role as the largest trading partner ahead of countries like France, India and the United States, is going to take a new twist. At US$ 204 billion as the volume of Chinese trade with Africa in 2018, the entry into entertainment will throw open more possible areas for cooperation and that will tick further the trade and investment volume.