Strength Through Music

A lobby full of UB students were transported to a land of vibrant colors, mouth-watering foods, and cultural gurus in the Student Union Wednesday - all while traveling to the beat of the Darbuka drum.

Instead of the usual hum of student voices and the occasional "cha-ching" of a cash register, the Student Union boomed with the sound of feet stomping to African music.

Africa and its rich culture were squeezed into the Student Union lobby by the efforts of Student Multicultural Affairs and the Student Planning Committee.

From noon to 2 p.m., the eighth annual African Bazaar offered students and faculty a sneak-peak of African culture with its "Sounds of Africa" theme. Posters displaying various instruments and musical artists were strewn around tables topped with African art, beads and colorful fabrics.

Lorraine Stubbs, a graduate associate for the Office of Student Multicultural Affairs and one of the bazaar's chief operators, said that the event was a stepping-stone for spreading culture and diversity throughout campus.

"There is an array of students who are looking to raise their own awareness about Africa's culture," said Stubbs. "Once they learn about it here, they can then spread their knowledge to others."

The African Bazaar included food, pillow-making, bead-stringing, "stomp" performances by African fraternity Iota Phi Theta and sorority Delta Sigma Theta, music performances by the UB Gospel Choir and other exhibits.

Philana Owusu, a junior mechanical engineering major who participated in the pillow-making workshop, said she was pleased with the event's outcome.

"I like how there are not only African cultures here, but also other races," said Owusu. "People can come here to see and experience things they may never have experienced in their own culture."

The bazaar told the tale of Africa's influence on American music and hosted lessons for those interested in cultural dance.

UB graduate Robin M. Hibbert, known to her friends by her African name, Ramatoulaye, pounded out the steps of the "Cou-Cou" dance while instructing a group of women.

According to Hibbert, every rhythm of a dance tells a story of struggle, happiness and hope.

"When I have the opportunity to provide my experience about dances from West Africa and Third World culture, I try to emphasize that it's not so much how the steps are done, but why. When you watch this dance, you need to understand that it's about why we do this," Hibbert said.

Students who participated in the free lessons took their places on a small stage at the center of the bazaar, and danced "Cou-Cou" for a gathering crowd of wide-eyed students. African drumming group Ballet Touba N'Dame Fall, from 938 Main St. in Buffalo, provided the fast-paced and powerful beat.

According to Rasjamo Akono, a member of Ballet Touba N'Dame Fall, it was music that kept African people together through the struggle of slavery. He and his fellow drummers do not perform simply for enjoyment.

"By drumming, we are reestablishing the music culture that was taken from us back in the time of slavery," said Akono. "People made it illegal for Africans to dance and drum because they knew music was what kept people together, even if they spoke different languages."

Akona and Hibbert both stressed the importance of disseminating African culture into the college community.

"Hopefully this bazaar will open people up to our culture. I just want everyone to know that Africa is not a myth. Our culture is so rich," said Hibbert. "I want everyone to embrace it. Don't tell me what you can't do, just embrace it."

Vicki T. Sapp, the Student Multicultural Affairs coordinator, also saw the bazaar as a way to increase cultural awareness.

"I would like students as a whole to learn how African culture has influenced the world," said Sapp. "I want them to understand the deep political and historical culture behind everything."

Lawrence Moore, a senior and member of Iota Phi Theta fraternity, stomped his heart out along with his fraternity brothers during their on-stage performance.

"It makes me feel a lot of pride," said Moore. "I get butterflies, but when it's over, it's very fulfilling."

Student Multicultural Affairs holds four bazaars every year: African, Asian, Native American and Latino. The Asian Bazaar will take place from noon to 2 p.m. April 14 in the Student Union lobby.