Africa is home to nearly 15 percent of the world’s population, and is one of the most culturally diverse continents in the world.
Students at the University of Idaho can experience that diversity at UI’s Africa Night that will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Student Union Building ballroom
“Africa Night is a night where different cultural entertainment from different parts of Africa are displayed,” said Toluwani Adekunle, vice president of the African Students Association.
In addition to an all-you-can-eat dinner consisting of various African foods, Africa Night will be focused on entertainment. Performances will include tribal dances from various regions of Africa, tribal drumming and a fashion show displaying the differences among traditional African dress.
“There are so many cultures that we cannot necessarily portray them all, so we divide it by region,” Adekunle said.
There will be approximately 25 countries represented throughout the evening. Members of ASA agreed that the evening is a great way for people to understand what Africa is.
“Most people think Africa is this barren land with people starving, but that is not true. Africa is beautiful and diverse,” said Olivia Balemba, a member of ASA.
This year’s theme for the evening is “Here I Rise,” meant to represent and acknowledge the fact that although there have been many struggles in all regions of Africa, people continue to keep their culture alive.
“It’s basically a way to say ‘You may hurt me, but I still get up every morning — I still rise,'” Balemba said.
Adekunle said the evening will not be a lecture series or an evening focused on problems in Africa, but a showcase of entertainment and culture. Performances will be done by students from different regions in Africa who attend UI.
“We have about 25 countries we’re representing. It’s a nice way for people to understand what Africa really is,” Balemba said.
Balemba, who is performing in several dances throughout the evening, said some students spent the summer planning and that practicing for the event.
One dance Balemba is participating in represents African unity.
“It goes along with the theme ‘Here I Rise’ and portrays bringing Africa’s cultures together,” Balemba said.
At the end of the evening, audience members will be invited to participate.
“They will learn dance moves and drum styles, and will have the opportunity to really get involved in the African culture,” Balemba said. “Everyone that is there, they gonna feel like they’re in Africa. It’s going to be vibrant and beautiful. It’s going to be a really good time.”
Africa Night is open to the public, as well as university students, faculty, and staff. Tickets are $10 at the door.
“Once you get a chance to experience another culture, you have to take advantage of that opportunity,” Adekunle said. “You don’t get to experience that stuff every day.”