University of Texas at Austin’s African Students Organization held its annual showcase, Fest Africa, on Friday, Oct. 18. The event featured a variety of spoken word, dance and music from across the African continent.
Story by Imani Sebri
Photos courtesy of Afolabi Oyewuwo | @afosphotos
Fest Africa’s theme this year was centered on Afrofuturism, or the reimagining of the Black experience through a futuristic lens.
“We went through a lot of ideas but settled on ‘Afrotron’ because we wanted our show to look (toward) the future of Africa and what it can become,” said Amy Ekhaguere, biology senior and ASO president.
In addition to the new concept, Fest Africa had some exciting guests on its roster. African student dance teams from Baylor University and Texas State University rivaled UT’s dance team in charisma and energy for the first time in Fest Africa history, and with a total of 14 student performances, Fest Africa was an immersive experience.
“We really wanted the audience (to feel) like they were a part of the show and not just watching,” Ekhaguere said.
Beginning with a short skit recorded and produced by ASO members, the audience was drawn into the event, which was immediately followed by an explosive performance by Ubuntu, ASO’s dance team. The routines are choreographed by students like Senanu Buatsi, a psychology sophomore and co-chair of Ubuntu.
“I am so proud of the work my team put in,” Buatsi said. “It means a lot that our hard work showed on stage.”
Voices of Afrika, ASO’s choral group, was the next to take the stage. In front of a gradient background of red, orange and yellow they opened with an acapella of The Lion King’s “Circle of Life”, “Wetin Man Go Do” from Burna Boy’s latest album and various songs from throughout the continent.
After intermission, a fashion show commenced that highlighted the work of local, African fashion designers such as N’omose Couture, Glen Aris Designs and Gioia “JoJo” Caponera. The outfits were a fusion of traditional prints, garments and more modern elements modeled by UT students.
The show even touched on current political topics in Africa. The East African Dance team portrayed the recent brokering of peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea through dance, through a pas de deux where each person represented either country respectively. While Fest Africa is heavily focused on West African cultures and countries, the East African Dancers brought regional diversity to the stage.
One of the most captivating performances was a soliloquy from Mbayi Aben. It focused on Aben’s experiences with feminism that centers white women, otherwise known as white feminism. Aben’s spoken word was about reclaiming the narrative of Africa, as Africans and perhaps, more importantly, an ode to her homeland.
Fest Africa was more than a talent showcase, it was a celebration and declaration of the African student presence on the UT campus.
“For some far from home, it can serve as a reminder,” electrical engineering senior Kiptoo Tonui said. “To others, (it can serve as) a learning experience of unique cultures in Africa.”
