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African Night intrigues
By Drew Sandholm
 Media Credit: Blair Schlichte Performances and music filled the atmosphere in Atwood Ballroom Saturday night. African Night 2002, themed “Africa; the New Generation,” was hosted by the African Student Association.
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The continent of Africa is a place of beautiful lands and rich diversity.
Half way across the world, African life may at times seem very different from life here in St. Cloud.
While many local residents may never have the opportunity to visit this unique place, some got a good taste for what African culture is all about Saturday night.
African Night kicked off at 6 p.m. Saturday. Approximately 800 people packed into the Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom for the night’s events.
Decorated for the evening, the Ballroom’s walls were dressed with colorful balloons, banners and draped with flags from every African nation.
The African Students Association (ASA) hosted Saturday’s program, which was the seventh annual African Night.
This year’s theme was “African Night 2002: Africa the New Generation.”
Divided into two sections, the first half of the evening was hosted by SCSU students and ASA members Abdul Ghandi and Tanash Lawrence. They entertained in between acts with commentary and humor while introducing the different segments. The second section of the evening was hosted by SCSU students Fidelis Oketech and Yvonne Mbibi.
Many speakers took to the stage, including prominent ASA members and African Night organizers Shay Adeboye and Eamonn Thorpe. SCSU professors Tamrat Tademe and Bassey Eyo also spoke during the first half of the evening. Considered one of the highlights of the evening, Eyo addressed the massive entourage as the keynote speaker.
“The keynote speaker; he was good,” said third-year SCSU Electrical Engineering major and African Night’s first half M.C. Abdul Ghandi. “The speeches have been excellent.”
Six South African dancers performed a “TsnougTsnoug” dance, enchanting the audiences. Dancing to a rhythmic, salsa-type beat, the performers wore vivid orange and black clothing.
Another dance in the first half of the show was indigenous to Uganda. Called “Kisoga,” it was performed by three individuals, all dressed in grass skirts. Flutes, drums and a large beat filled the air as the three performers boogied in an almost Hula fashion. Each dance lasted five minutes and received much applause.
Equally entertaining was a presentation from the Organization for the Prevention of AIDS in Africa (OPAA). Performing “Windows,” a brief, touching play about an AIDS-inflicted expectant mother, OPAA caught the audience’s attention. Following the theatrical performance, the organization gave an insightful power point presentation covering what the group has accomplished and what it seeks to do. Addressing the current unfortunate AIDS epidemic in Africa, OPPA speakers stressed the severity of growing situation.
“I am just amazed at the diversity of culture within Africa. The best part I liked today was something about AIDS, which is the biggest problem in Africa today,” said Bantwal R. Baliga, SCSU professor of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. “I am so happy that the younger generation recognizes that’s it’s a problem and are trying to help in their own small way.”
Following its presentation, OPAA also sponsored and held a small auction of two African artworks. As a result, over $1,000 was raised. The money will be sent to Africa, with the intention of finding a cure for the AIDS virus.
An array of African delicacies was served at African Night. Tables on both sides of the ballroom were filled with foods from virtually every area of Africa. Some of the foods included chapatti, tibes and suya.
Massive lines caused lengthy waits for many, but the hectic situation didn’t deter the enthusiastic attitudes of the servers.
“The best part of this evening was serving all these people,” said third-year SCSU psychology major and African Night server Polly Chege.
Once everyone had finished eating, the program continued. A dozen SCSU students took to the stage as they serenaded the crowd with the song “Patapata,” a traditional song written to speak out against the injustices in Africa. Other songs that evening included “That’s Us” and a beautiful acoustic performance of “Watching In Me.”
Many dances were performed during the second half of the program. Crowds found “Ethiopia Vibration” especially entertaining. Due to Jamaica’s strong African ties, a Jamaican dance was also performed.
Enthusiastically wrapping up the show, half dozen individuals did a “Global Dance.” Seemingly taking “something from everything” and mixing every culture of the world together. The ‘Global Dance’ was an original and insightful piece.
SCSU professor Robert Johnson concluded African Night showing his appreciation for those who organized, assisted, and supported the event. His speech credited the workers, volunteers and sponsors for their efforts. Johnson movingly encouraged the African Students Association to catalyze its growth, and keep reaching positively into the community.
Although Africa is a place of varied culture and landscape, those in attendance to African Night may now have a better understanding of what Africa is about.
With one of the strongest international programs in the state, SCSU offers many other cultural nights.
“If you had fun tonight, I would say come to other cultural nights and try it,” Ghandi said, “You get to learn about other people’s culture, but not so much as about their culture, but about who the people really are.”
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