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A delicious and inviting display of Moroccan culture swept through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Goshen Lounge on Thursday, Feb. 9 with sights, sounds and smells reminiscent of the north African country. The University community had a chance to drink mint tea, eat potato cakes and couscous, and watch electrifying performances by Addlife! World, a theatrical African performing company based in St. Louis. 

“I’m here, because I want to learn more about my African culture, traditions and food,” said Erin Johnson, in between bites of her potato cake. Johnson is a sophomore majoring in exercise science. 

“The food is really good,” said Tyler McWharter, a junior majoring in criminal justice. “I’m intrigued about trying new food and looking into different cultures.” 

The “Taste of Culture: Africa” celebration was sponsored by the Engaging Issues and Topics Series, under the direction of the SIUE Campus Activities Board (CAB), according to Andrea Keller, CAB staff advisor. Engaging Issues and Topics hosts two to three Taste of Culture presentations a semester. The food was prepared by SIUE Dining Services. 

Malena Amusa, Addlife! World founder, choreographer and producer, led her ensemble in an exhilarating 90-minute, nonstop show of African dance, drumming and singing. Some of the performances included the Gumboot and Zulu dances of South Africa and other rhythmic movements from Guinea, Mali and more.  

“I was exciting to see the African dances,” said Taylor Young, a senior majoring in psychology. “I’m glad our campus encourages events like this.” 

It took Will Klunk, a sophomore majoring in business marketing, less than a minute to catch his breath after participating in the last portion of the presentation, where student volunteers joined in on the dancing and fun. “I like the music. It’s really cool and different,” he said, “and the dance troupe is really passionate about their performance.” 

“If we open our hearts to the rhythm, we can learn to connect with each other and make harmony with one another,” Amusa said in pants at the conclusion of the show. “Ultimately, we want people to be happy and come together, because we need each other.” 

While the Taste of Culture Series sponsored the African presentation, it was specifically chosen for Black Heritage Month. 

“The SIUE Black Heritage Month Committee has partnered with additional SIUE groups this year to bring the University community more events during Black Heritage Month,” said David Groves, graduate assistant in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. 

“We increased our Black Heritage events from eight last year to 15 this year. By continuing to work with other groups across campus, we could have an event each day in February,” Groves added. “This kind of collaboration helps to enrich all of us and is only the beginning of how inclusive the University can be when we work together in a positive way.” 

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, the Black Heritage committee sponsored “Hip Hop at the Goshen: Name that Tune.” Participants viewed several music videos and answered such questions as the name of the artists, the name of the song and the name of the dance move. Winners received an assortment of prizes. 

“It is important for SIUE to always acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the many overlooked aspects of black culture,” said Ta’Nia Jordan, chair of the Black Heritage Month Committee. “It gives black students a chance to celebrate their history, culture and black community. 

“I’m glad that SIUE cares about our culture and wants to unite the entire University community in celebration of it.” 

For more Black Heritage Month events, visit Uplift. Build. Remember.

Photos:

Several audience members joined Addlife! World in an African-inspired dance.

Erin Johnson, sophomore majoring in exercise science, samples some food at “Taste of Culture: Africa.” 

Addlife! World drummers keep the beat going.