Africa Night showcases the diversity and beauty of African culture

The SEMO African Students Organization hosted Africa Night: Kisasa Ball on Nov. 24, highlighting various aspects of African culture.

Freshman business analytics major Tanatswa Zciyanee performed a song by a Zimbabwean artist, expressing the importance of sharing her home country’s culture.

“I think it’s important for everyone to understand our culture, because you don’t get that much light shared on Africa,” Zciyanee said. “From what I have seen most of the Americans just know the US and they don’t know much about anything that’s outside of that. I think that brings a platform for them to know about Africa.”

The event highlighted students from many African countries, allowing them to show elements of their culture through dancing, instrument playing, singing and a fashion show. The students also cooked traditional African food that was served to the guests in attendance.

Junior nursing major Tanya Mugota was one of the hosts for Africa Night and was excited about the various parts of the event, particularly the fashion show.

“I love fashion.” Mugota said. “I like when people dress up and when people showcase what we all like. We have a different style with America so I’m very excited.”

Many of the students that were involved were passionate about their culture and wanted to share that passion with others.

First-semester biology grad student Tanaka Nhaneuro hoped people learned something beyond what they previously thought about Africa.

“I hope people can learn of the beauty that our culture holds,” Nhaneuro said. “I know there’s this mentality of thinking that there’s a lot of poverty in Africa, but we just want to bring out the beauty that we also hold and our unity and our togetherness.”

Africa Night marks the final event of International Education Month, which took place during the month of November.