A TROUPE of performers from Shenzhen received thunderous applause following a performance Thursday at a theater in Praia, capital of the Republic of Cape Verde.

Acrobatics and traditional Chinese dances by the Shenzhen Song and Dance Troupe left the audience breathless and many screamed in delight during the performance in the western African country, a Shenzhen Special Zone Daily report said Saturday.

The country's first lady Aldecia Pires, Foreign Minister Victor Borges, Defense Minister Cristina Fontes and Finance Minister Cristina Duarte said they were impressed by the Shenzhen artists.

The 600-member troupe is on a 20-day tour of five African countries--Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, Cape Verde and Kenya--between April 28 and May 18 on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Culture to promote Sino-African cultural exchange.

Its first African show, in Uganda on April 30, was a great success. Audience members were wowed by the costumes and performances, and got a better idea of Chinese culture, the paper said.

The troupe is composed of graduates of art colleges across China.

Shenzhen Daily