Spring 2003
An array of African culture
Jessica YoramaDaily Egyptian
From pulsating drumbeats to elaborate and casual fashions, the cultural show Friday allowed SIUC students and community members to see and hear what the diverse continent of Africa has to offer.
The African Student Council compiled several aspects of the culture to display to the campus in Ballroom D of the Student Center. For the two hours during which the event took place, the organization put on a show that consisted of improvisational skits, fashion and dances from the African culture.
"I have a lot of African friends and it's always good to learn about other people's country," said Tony Byrd, a junior in administration of justice from France who was attending the event for the second year. "Instead of just going to the movies you see stuff like how people dress and learn new things."
Examples of African dress were showcased not only by performers in the improvisational skit, and members of the Southern Illinois West African Drum Ensemble who were clad in a variety of African apparel, but also a show displaying African fashions. From the more casual jeans and button-down shirt to the brightly colored robes and tall hats, the show provided the audience with a seldom seen style.
"I like my country and I want people to see more of it," said Nadiath Alabi, a sophomore in finance from Benin who performed in the fashion show. "It's good for people to come out and see what the culture has to offer and maybe they will begin to look at Africa in another way."
While the cultural event was largely a showcase of African design as well as dance performed by the Black Fire Dancers, the show also enlisted the participation of audience members. Volunteers, both children and adults were called to the stage where they strut their stuff to the fast-paced drumbeats performed by SIWADE.
In addition to the powerful visual aspects seen in the show, attendants were also treated to the vocal and poetic skills of 2002 Miss Eboness Jarisa Williams, who performed a piece that addressed the issue of AIDS on the continent.
Whether they ventured to the show to see a friend such as freshman Derik Sims, or simply to learn more about an unfamiliar culture as Larisha Thompson did, those who attended the show were given several samples of dance, fashion and music of the African culture.
African Student Council president Freddy Kadima said he hoped to receive the same support for the cultural show next year, and was very happy with the outcome of the event.
"Our main point was to show people a different view and aspect of the continent," said Kadima, a junior in informational systems and technology from the Democratic Republic of Congo. "I think we helped to show people the reality of Africa."
Reporter Jessica Yorama can be reached jyorama@dailyegyptian.com
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