With acts ranging from spoken word to stand-up comedy, the African Student Association's annual Jambo Night filled the Student Union Theater Saturday with pride and energy aimed at educating students about African culture.
The evening started with a dinner in the Student Union, giving everyone a chance to socialize and mingle, while exposing students to cultural foods like jolel rice, kababs, meat patties and fufu.
Joel Payton, president of African SA, said events like Jambo Night are important because they help to dispel negative stereotypes placed on Africa and its citizens. This event is also a great place for people to see the true pride students have for their countries, Payton said.
Saturday marked the 26th anniversary of Jambo Night, which started in 1979. African SA was started at UB in 1968, and event organizers pointed out the connection between Jambo Night and the organization's mission statement, which offers a "comfortable shelter for those who want to come in and feel the vibe of the rich, powerful, and valuable African pride."
"Jambo Africa means 'Hello Africa,'" said Abdi Rahman Sugal, publicity coordinator for African SA. "The purpose of this event is to educate students about African culture."
As much as the night was informative, it was also meant to be entertaining. The first part of the evening consisted of contestants coming out individually and giving important facts about the country they chose to represent. Each of the contestants was dressed in African clothing from their respective countries.
"I came out to see other students from the African community and give my friend support," said Darowan Akajagbor, a junior medicinal chemistry major.
Aftab Ali, a sophomore who participated as a contestant, said Jambo Night means more to students than just education and entertainment.
"This is a great time to socialize with other students and for me to become a better student," said Ali, a business major. "I am a business major and know that I will have to speak in front of crowds, so why not start by speaking in front of 150 people?"
The night also included performances by the UB Gospel Choir, Caribbean Student Association, and students like Marquis Wool, a senior English major, who read a poem about Africa that had students throughout the theater snapping their fingers to the rhythm and rhyme.
After the talent performances, there was also a presentation of evening wear, a performance by the Chinese Student Association and crowning of the king and queen of Jambo Night.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
