Africa Night to go royal

Back and ready to perform, Africa Night is making its way to the CSU Ballroom.

A yearly tradition, Africa Night allows students to highlight and showcase African culture through a variety of mediums. This year, students can expect to see poetry, performances and a plethora of food. 

Promotions coordinator and ASA treasure Zoe Gorah said the traditional night is completely student-run.

“Besides the committee members, we have volunteers who perform, model and cook at the event. We want to include a lot of people,” said Gorah. 

Gorah explained this year’s theme, Afro-Royale, was inspired by the royalty shown in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

“We wanted to show the luxurious, beautiful side of Africa. While there’s many beautiful, rural resources, we want to showcase just how fancy it can be to be African,” said Gorah. 

Vice president of the African Student Association Joel Tchouke said Africa Night creates community at Minnesota State by bringing in a variety of perspectives.

“We want people to know what African culture is by creating an environment for people that isn’t like the movies,” said Tchouke. 

Gorah added Africa Night lets international students connect with others through the culture created at the event. 

“I’m from South Africa, but I don’t know much about the rest of Africa. Being able to come together with other students and learn what’s going on in other countries helps me understand their struggles,” said Gorah. “We experience the same things even though the continent is big.”

Despite the event’s name, ASA is wanting to include as many students as possible. Tchouke mentioned how ASA carefully planned food surrounding Africa Night to ensure students could all share in the experience. 

“We thought about Muslim students because Ramadan is during the same month. We thought of providing boxes of food for students to take with them,” said Tchouke.

As long as students present African culture, they are allowed to participate in the Africa Night, whether it’s performing, cooking or volunteering. 

Gorah said she hopes students come to Africa Night to make memories and have fun.

“I want students to come together and witness the amazing talents and African spirit that sometimes gets missed in the media on this side of the world,” said Gorah. 

Africa Night takes place March 25 from 4:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $15 for MSU students and general public and $8 for children. Tickets will be available at the door for $20. 

Header photo: Africa Night, a popular yearly tradition, will be taking on the theme “Afro-Royale” inspired by the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”(File photo)

Write to Emma Johnson at emma.johnson.5@mnsu.edu