“Africa Night” brings “family” together
It’s always fulfilling when you find such a colorful, culturally rich event at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. That’s exactly what the African Student Association (ASA) brought to the Lowell Center Saturday, April 26, with with their annual show “Africa Night.”
“Africa Night” was planned, scripted, choreographed, and performed entirely by the ASA members. Only a few years ago ASA was a small group of students who had the common want of finding some relatability on this huge campus. Now it’s an organization where students, not only Africans, can come together and learn about the various cultures in Africa. “Family” is a word the members used to describe their organization. Africa Night at the Lowell Center was an entertaining and proud representation of the organizations growth and unity.
Africa Night was full of excitement. There were two fashion shows, two politically and historically charged monologues, a Nigerian wedding duet, a talk show skit, and three dance routines. The agenda never ceased to entertain, with the crowd favorites being the dance routines. There were three dance performances over the course of the show. They showed a traditional Ethiopian dance, a modern African dance and a traditional African dance. Also, UW-Milwaukee’s ASA brought some male dancers who played to the crowd. As the dancers performed the crowd cheered and brought up money to the dancers, in true African tradition.
The fashion shows were just as captivating. Brilliant, rich colors and African designs strutted their way up from the back of the crowded room onto the stage where the models (ASA members) could really work it. Many of the designs were modern takes on traditional African styles. The best part: they sold some of the designs during intermission and at the end of the night.
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