Ulan Tuya: Conveying power of Asian and African women through song
On June 17th, on the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia- Africa (WEDS.AA), the launch ceremony of the association’s theme song “Love in Asia and Africa” titled “Brushstrokes of Friendship, Boundless Love” was grandly held at Beijing Jinta Art Museum. This event brought together nearly one hundred Chinese and foreign guests, including the ambassador of Pakistan to China and his spouse, the President of GAAS in China, the spouse of the ambassador of Gabon and diplomats from other countries, using “Art + Philanthropy” as a bridge to play a symphony of unity between Asia and Africa.
At the anthem launch ceremony, Ulan Tuya, renowned vocalist, member of the All-China Youth Federation, and Council Member of the China Literary and Art Volunteers’ Association, passionately performed the Chinese version of “Love in Asia and Africa”. Her powerful singing vividly interpreted the tenacity and big love of Asian and African women, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. At the event, Ulan Tuya was officially appointed as the “Goodwill Ambassador” of the WEDS.AA.
“Stepping into the venue, I was deeply touched by the warmth shared by Asian and African sisters,” Ulan Tuya told the Global Times in an exclusive interview after the event. “The title of “Goodwill Ambassador” is not a mere honor but a heavy responsibility. It makes me a “megaphone” for the friendship among Asian and African women. “In the future, I will use my songs to connect more stories of sisters and sing ‘love and hope’ into everyone’s heart.” In her eyes, this mission is like the lyrics say, “We see the hope in the starlight.” a mutual pursuit.
When talking about the theme song “Love in Asia and Africa”, Ulan Tuya compared it to a “puzzle of unity” – from the hope that “The light will surely break through the dark night” to the determination that “The journey of love is in our sight”.
The lyrics that touched her the most were “With our joint hands, we raise the sun bright”, “The sun symbolizes the future, and ‘hands’ represent the mutual assistance and responsibility of Asian and African women. When singing, it’s as if I see countless strong hands holding up dreams and hopes together. This ‘shared responsibility’ turns small individuals into a light that illuminates the world, which is the most touching trait of Asian and African women.”
Looking to the future, Ulan Tuya hopes that Asian and African sisters can break free from the “walls” mentioned in the lyrics – whether they stem from cultural differences or development gaps. “I wish every woman has the courage to ‘pursue dreams for a thousand miles’ and shine in all fields; I also hope we can ‘fly over the harsh time with inheritance’, passing on wisdom and stories from generation to generation.” As a Chinese artist, she will continue to use music as a bridge to convey the tenacity and beauty of Asian and African women to the world, allowing this “journey of love” to always extend towards a more equal and brilliant tomorrow.
