A Night in Africa

“A Night in Africa” by the African Student Association

          “A Night in Africa” was a cultural event hosted by the African Students Association in March. This event was truly a night in Africa as the drummers from the Kekeli African drum and dance ensemble performed the traditional music of West Africa. The percussion instruments used in this performance were of every shape and size. Some short and wide, others tall and slim. Throughout one of the last songs, the head drummer used callback to heighten the excitement of the crowd and his own ensemble. The audience gladly participated and soon enough, became a part of the assembly making music. After this heart-pounding and exciting performance, there was a skit dramatizing and highlighting the differences between the apparent snooty city African girl, and the humble, married girl from the country. My own friend, Joy Karnuah played the uppity, high-maintenance city girl who was flirting with an unknown-married, country man. There were plenty of laughs to go around during this skit, with a lot of relatable references and the sheer talent on stage. The Pan-African dance group and the UMD Step Team also made an appearance that rocked the stage with rhythmic music both from the speakers and their feet. The Pan-African dance group is known for their eccentric style and beautiful movements which could be described as soulful and sassy. Moving across the stage in militant-like patterns, the UMD Step Team gave a heart-pounding performance that included multiple dance fads from popular hip-hop culture. This literally evoked the crowd to get up and dance with them. The UMD Step team ended their routine on a good note, leaving everyone off stage to graciously give them a standing ovation.

UMD’s own Kekeli African drum ensemble

Pan-African dancers taking charge of the stage

The thrilling UMD Step team standing in the purple limelight of their performance

Chinese New Year at UMass Dartmouth

  Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China, and in Chinese households around the country, but UMass Dartmouth’s very own Chinese Student Association put together an impressive show to celebrate this significant time of harvest and spring. The event took place on campus, in the school’s auditorium, which included an array of performers, such as traditional dragon dancers, singers, and instrumentals. Audience members were greeted with their picture taken in front of The Wall of Good Fortune, then with a traditional red envelope. Usually, for Chinese New Year’s, these red envelopes were given to the children and filled with money from their elders and parents. While the envelopes were not filled with money, they contained fortune cards, written in Mandarin and English for spectators to share with one another. After proceeding to the auditorium, the audience became entranced by the announcer’s story-telling voice, but unseen presence. He narrated the entire display of live culture with myths and songs originating from Chinese folklore. The night concluded with a Chinese menu buffet for everyone with a red string tied around their wrist to enjoy.