Over 100 students and faculty enjoyed a night of fashion and culture at the eighth annual African Student Association (ASA) Hair and Fashion show this past Saturday in Harriman Hall.
The show provided an evening full of music, poems, food, dance and modeling of both casual and traditional wear from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. There was also a guest performance by the Latin American Student Association.
Olakunle Ola, president of the ASA said that show aimed to promote the beauty of African cultures.
According to Sandra Owusu-Domena, treasurer of ASA, African culture is full of color and music, which she feels are things that should be shared with others.
"We just want to raise awareness. Most of the time people don't know (African culture)," Owusu-Domena said. "We want to tell people (that) we are here and we have a lot to present."
The night began with the audience being treated to a buffet of traditional African food such as Ken ke, Shito, Juluf rice and Lasagna.
Following the dinner was the fashion show where ASA members modeled clothes designed by two African designers. The clothes featured several different African elements. The garments were colorful and detail oriented with patterns of leaves, flowers and the sun. While some models danced on the runway to show off their outfits, others presented hairstyles that showed the various African trends.
Edith Echebiri, a senior in accounting, enjoyed the different styles of fashion representing the different counties of Africa.
"It makes the audience connected with their countries through the fashion," she said.
ASA dancers also performed traditional and modern African dances. A group called the African Mystique did a dance that mixed hip-hop motions with African beats.
Many in the audience enjoyed the compilation of traditional and contemporary African style and dance.
"I think it allows people to see the different cultures of Africa," said Abiola Olatunde, a junior medicinal chemistry major.
A drumming segment performed by Victor Habinshuti and others was the climax of the show. The audience began clapping their hands to the beat of the drums as they showed their support to the performers.
Tricia Lee Wilkins, a senior pharmacy major, thought the show was very lively and she enjoyed both the fashion and the poetry.
ASA felt that the Hair and Fashion show was a success when there were so many people in the audience that some had to stand. Owusu-Domena was pleased do know many people at UB wanted to experience and learn about African culture.
"People like to explore African culture," Owusu-Domena said. "We want to show them what we have and what we can give."
