Foreign faces to expect at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala

APD NEWS

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As the longest-running, most-watched and biggest variety show in television history, the Spring Festival Gala produced by China Central Television (CCTV) will once again be a focal point of Chinese New Year celebrations. This year's program will include some new faces, including many foreign artists.

The 2018 gala highlights the integration of the international community. Here’s what we can expect from this year's show.

Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen

Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen will join two Chinese singers for an eclectic song. He told CGTN, "For this year's gala, I'm so glad to work with Tina Ray and Jam Hsiao. They are both very talented. Actually we already know each other from singing, and it feels great to perform with them again… We've all gone through a long preparation and we're all anxious to see the audience's reaction."

Audiences will also get to see an exotic Tanoura dance from Egypt.

Egyptian dancer Waleed Elmassry

"I'm so proud that I get to represent Egypt in China,” said Egyptian dancer Waleed Elmassry.

Tara Lee Oakley, a Tanoura dancer from the UK, has been impressed with the organization of the event. "I hope that the people who are watching understand how many hours of thought and creativity go into this production,” she said.

Performers from Africa will join Chinese actor Zheng Kai for a comedy sketch.

Zita Joelle Bolabola from Gabon

Zita Joelle Bolabola, a performer from Gabon, described the sketch as “an interesting story about the friendship between the Chinese and African people. I get to play a hostess working on the train. Viewers can expect some funny scenarios between me and my Chinese tutor."

Since it started in the 1980s, watching the gala on New Year's Eve has become an important tradition for many. By introducing new faces, the producers say they hope to keep it fresh and innovative while passing on tradition.

(CGTN)