Africa Night brings ‘Pulse of Africa’
A steady drumbeat and joyful cheers filled the CSU Ballroom Friday night as MSU celebrated its annual Africa Night.
The African Student Association’s showcase — themed “The Pulse of Africa” — brought the heart of the continent to campus with energetic dances, vibrant fashion and the aroma of traditional cuisine. More than 60 students, staff and community members gathered to experience the event’s lively celebration of African culture and unity.
Organizers chose “The Pulse of Africa” as this year’s theme to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of African cultures, emphasizing a shared heartbeat across the continent’s 54 countries.
“In times like these, when so many students are struggling with stress and uncertainty, events like Africa Night give us a moment to breathe, connect and find a sense of community,” said ASA Director Cortez Hollis.
“It’s more than a celebration; it’s a reminder that our cultures, stories, and traditions are part of our healing,” said Ashim Pandey, an exchange student who was also an attendee.
The annual event is a cherished tradition for African students and the wider campus, offering a chance to share heritage with pride. ASA leaders noted that Africa Night is not only about entertainment but also education — an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about Africa by showcasing its rich, multifaceted traditions.
Music, Dance, Fashion
The night unfolded as a colorful panorama of performances. Students took the stage performing traditional dances from East and West Africa, alongside modern Afrobeat routines that had the crowd clapping and cheering along. A live drum set a vibrant pace, truly embodying the evening’s “pulse” motif. In between dances, there were soulful songs and poetry performances of African unity, drawing loud applause.
One highlight was the fashion show, where students modeled ornate traditional attire from countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Somalia as the audience roared its approval.
“Seeing everyone proudly wear their culture was amazing,” said Isaac Helm, a junior attendee. “The confidence on stage was contagious.”
Food was another star of the evening. Attendees sampled an array of African dishes, from spicy West African jollof rice to Ethiopian injera with flavorful stew, savoring each bite.
“The food was delicious — it reminded me of home,” said Yodahe Kebede, a STEM senior from Ethiopia, smiling as she enjoyed the buffet.
The ballroom itself was decorated with African flags and artwork, creating an immersive atmosphere. Many paused at display tables featuring handmade crafts and paintings, turning the venue into a mini art exhibition celebrating the continent’s creativity.
Building Community
Africa Night not only celebrated culture but also created an environment of connection across backgrounds.
“I really enjoyed Africa Night, especially seeing everyone wearing their traditional and country-specific clothing,” said Rolande, a master’s student in Women’s Studies and Psychology. “It’s rare to find spaces where you can see all the different African cultures represented in one place. The dances, the performances, and the modeling were all beautifully executed.”
For students new to African culture, the event was an eye-opening experience. “Even though I’m not part of the culture, it was a beautiful way to experience something new,” said Joseph Zuccoloto, a sophomore psychology major. “I loved seeing how much pride and tradition were carried through every performance.”Organizers closed the evening by thanking attendees for “feeling the pulse” of Africa alongside them. As the last drumbeat faded, students lingered to snap photos with performers and new friends. The room still buzzed with excitement — a sign that The Pulse of Africa had not only celebrated the continent’s cultures but had also brought the campus community closer together.
Photo Caption: Students celebrate and share culture and pride with music at Africa Night (Logan Schlosser/MSU Reporter)
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