New Chinese TV 'star' rises across Africa

Priceless happiness

China-Africa relations have reached a stage of growth unmatched in history.
While an increasing number of Chinese are visiting Africa, many more Africans are choosing China as a destination to work and live.

Gabon national Bolabola Joelle Zita has worked as a fashion host and voice actress at StarTimes's headquarters for 17 months.

Zita earned a bachelor's at Beijing Language and Culture University and a master's at the University of Science and Technology Beijing.

Back in her home country, Zita was a government employee who dreamed of working in the fashion industry.

However, until she joined StarTimes she never imagined that her dream would ever be realized.

"I appreciate the opportunity and environment that StarTimes has offered to help me grow as a TV host. It is a company that is willing to teach and listen to you," she said.

Now Zita's makeup show S-Belle is broadcast to African audiences via StarTimes channels, and it can even be seen in small, remote villages.

"Although I have to get up at 5 o'clock every morning and work all day, I never get bored or tired, because I am doing something I love. TV shows give me a better understanding of the different cultures in Africa and the world," Zita said. "It is amazing, isn't it - I'm getting to know more about Africa while in China." Brice Icigumije, from Burundi, has lived in Beijing for a year. He works on a TV show called 100 Cine which focuses on movies.

"I try to give African audiences a glimpse of the latest movies from across the world and encourage them to go to the cinema," Icigumije said, with a smile. "This is a job I feel passionate about."

During the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which concluded on Tuesday, Tchiegue spent time helping African embassies in China with receptions and arrangements for meetings.

"Many of my friends didn't understand why I went to China rather than European or American countries, but now they are all happy for me because I have finally found something I enjoy doing which is not about money," he said.

"Through the TV shows we make together, I hope the Chinese can get closer to the real Africa and Africans to the real China."

Tchiegue is also an enthusiastic cultural ambassador. He makes tours and delivers speeches across the world to help people learn Chinese and get closer to Chinese culture. When we met him, he was looking forward to taking part in the people-to-people and cultural exchange events at the summit.

"I will definitely participate in the events," he said. "It is a kind of priceless happiness."