The ASA hosts ‘A Journey to Africa’
Dinner and dance held to celebrate African culture
Established Oct. 2, 1981, the African Student Association (ASA) of Minnesota State University, Mankato is a student run organisation that connects fellow African students and promotes diverse cultures of different African regions.
Since its establishment, ASA has been hosting the African Signature Night every spring semester. African Night is the annual cultural showcase, where performers across the continent celebrate their culture through drama performances, dance, music, and fashion. A Journey to Africa 2016 will be held on Saturday, March 19.
The event will be split up into two parts: a dinner and the show. The first half will start in CSU Lower Level from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
According to Marjorie Oguenda-Joseh, the event coordinator, guests will have a chance to enjoy a variety of typical African food.
“There will be Jollof Rice, Chicken, Fried Plantain (special fried bananas), and Sambosa (fried or baked pastry with vegetable and beef filling),” Oguenda-Joseh said.
The second half of the event will take place in CSU Ballroom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will feature diverse cultural performances by students from four different regions of the African continent.
According to Charles-Emmanuel Thiemel, a board member of ASA, the show will start with drama stories, featuring different characters.
“Drama show will portray a typical African family, representing African culture and traditions,“ Thiemel said. “African Student Association has been planning this event since last semester, so the show is going to be humorous and educational.”
In addition, guests will be able to enjoy numerous lively and enticing dance performances, representing West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa.
Marjorie Oguenda-Joseh explained, “East Africa will be represented by the Oromia region with dances named Shaggooyee, Shewa, and Wallaga. Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Liberia will represent West Africa, whereas Cameroon will symbolize Central Africa.”
A Journey to Africa will cost you $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and $5 for children 3-10 years of age. You can find presale tickets in CSU Mav Ave; see volunteers at the table. Also, if you only wish to see the show, you can get a ticket for $5.
For more information about the event, or to order advance tickets online, visit the event’s online registration page.
Moreover, other cultural events are coming this semester, such as Ethiopian Night on Saturday, March 26, and the International Festival on Sunday, April 10.