Everything you missed at Harambee 2016

Last Friday, February 12, in the SLC Ballroom was the annual Harambee showcase. Every year the African Student Union puts on Harambee, the African cultural showcase here at Vanderbilt. This year was the biggest turn out, bringing in a very diverse audience. In the past few years it would be attended by people who were culturally connected to Africa and the ASU but this year many different students attended.

The theme was, “Straight Outta Africa: Africa is the Greatest Ghostwriter of All Time”. The show gave us a crash course on the many perceptions of Africa and how many of the “new” ideas that are a part of our society have actually stemmed from Africa, and credit has not been given (hence the ghostwriter). The showcase consisted of many different acts and talents that are related to Africa and its effects on the culture of our society.

This was portrayed through an AADS class entitled: “Straight Outta Africa”, and it taught us about cultural appropriation, voluntourism, the negative perceptions that Africa is a poor, war ravaged continent, and that it is one big place instead of many different countries.

This year there was spoken word, dances from different cultures, a fashion show showcasing fashion from different African countries, and live music. The show was amazing and traditional African cuisine was served, which was delicious.

They sold out the SLC, which is a HUGE accomplishment! If you missed this show make sure to go next year because it’s sure to be even better! Thank you to the ASU for hosting such an amazing event that was both entertaining and educational. I am sure that everyone left more knowledgeable than they came, and left with a new, better perception of Africa.

Spoken word being performed

Caribbean dance

Jugal Vandy

Rhythm and Roots

There were tons of beautiful outfits from the fashion show: