Mugisha Merveille from Burundi claims the title of the first annual Nanjing’s Got Talent on Jan 12. [Photo by Pan Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]

The finale of Nanjing’s Got Talent was held at the Jianye Cultural Arts Center on Jan 12, offering up a cultural bonanza of international proportions.

Cheers and applause defined the event, as six finalists and 10 guest performers showcased their talents in exciting dances and soul-stirring songs. The Burundian vocalist Mugisha Merveille won the 5,000 yuan ($739) prize, while Sanyamita from Nepal took home the title of most popular performer.

Merveille is an overseas student from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She said that during her four years in Nanjing, it was the people’s friendliness and kindness that kept her from feeling lonely while away from home.

The talent show started auditions on Nov 18 and quickly gained in popularity among the expat community, as a finalist was chosen each week. Over 70 expats with different cultural backgrounds registered for the event.

Zhang Pengnan, a Nanjing musician, and seven expat students performed their song “Nanjing Anthem”. Students from countries such as Ghana, Russia and Bangladesh created the song as a way to express their love for Nanjing.

Hosted by the Office on Promoting International Development in Jianye district and the Foreign Talent Association (FTA), the finale attracted more than 300 expats who offered up incredible on-stage performances.

According to official statistics, there are more than 30,000 expats living in Nanjing. The FTA is a non-government organization registered at the Civil Affairs Bureau of Jianye District in Nanjing. It aims to organize activities for foreigners living in the city and provides a number of other services as well.

A finalist imitates Michael Jackson’s moonwalk at the finale of the first annual Nanjing’s Got Talent on Jan 12. [Photo by Pan Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]