Memories of Africa Night!!

The first time I heard “Zouglou Dance” by Magic Systeme, I was sold. The song starts so energetically and makes you want to dance, never mind the fact that you may not understand French. They say love is the language of the world, but I say it’s music. For O.A.S.I.S’s annual Africa Night, musicplays a large role, there is the music for the fashion show, the music thatZankiliwa dances to, and the music we play during interludes and then of course, the music at the after party. Choosing music is just one part ofall the the preparation that goes into Africa Night. After months of preparation, a week of late night rehearsals, it is showtime. All the nervous energy and worry goes out of the window, this is not just a show, it is more of a celebration. A celebration of our cultures and the diversity of Africa. What makes Africa Night so special is that we not only tell the stories that we are familiar with as part of the diaspora, but we also learn things from each other that we are not so familiar with. Last year’s show was titled Unspoken Truths. A term so broad it gave us the opportunity to explore different subjects, with a play focused on asylum, political unrest, corruption, civil war and many of the themes we so often see, very heavy topics. We also had the dancing, the music, the humor from the hosts and in the play; all things that lightened the mood and showed a different side of our relationship with Africa. That is why I loved ‘Zouglou Dance”, the vibrance and energy reminded me of the optimism and happiness that is still found in Africa. Each year, the goal of Africa Night is to inform, discuss and celebrate all the aspects of our continent.
(Join us on March 20th on UNC Campus to witness the wonders and creativity in Africa NIGHT!!!)