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More than 800 audience were mesmerized with the performance put up by African students Association in the evening of February 10. Audience clapped in excitement as 30 students performed extraordinary sounds of ethnic music and African traditional drama. The event that began at 7pm was staged at the Mary Yek Hall. African students were clad in traditional attires, each symbolising the different regions of Africa and the rich cultural background they came from.

The guest of honour at the event was the High Commissioner of Kenya, His Excellency Mr. David Gachoki Ndjoka. Speaking at a keynote address, His Excellency Mr. Ndjoka said he was impressed by the effort and hard work put up by the African students at INTI. He explained that culture was a way of life of the people in Africa. “By staging such an event, Sarawakians are able to understand the different races and cultures of people living in Africa,” he said. He added that the African students had also broadened their horizon by choosing to study in Malaysia, enabling them to meet new people and make new friends. His Excellency thanked INTI for organizing such an event and the President of African Students Association Osasumwen Eghaghe for his effort and hardwork in putting up such a spectacular show.

He also spoke extensively on Africa and said though African continent was divided into different countries, the people still shared the same livelihood. He invited all present to experience the beauty of the people, the wild animals and the land which had so much to offer. He added that Kenya was declared the 7th wonder of the world last year. He ended his speech by saying “Bravo Africa, Bravo Malaysia.”

Speaking earlier, the principal/Chief Executive of INTI College Sarawak, Mr. William Tan said that the objective of the event was to showcase the different talents in arts, music and drama. He said the African Nite was first organised in year 2003 when they had only 15 students. He explained that the number of students had multiplied since.

He added that in addition to the event, African food would be sold and served in the College cafeteria so that students and the public can enjoy and feel Africa.

The event started off with an African Fashion parade where various traditional dressing styles from different communities were paraded. Cameroon dance captured the audience as it was an exotic dance of Africa, that generally involves twisting of the waist in various forms. Students also sang songs entitled “Ego” that spoke of money problem, “Omogeni” that spoke of an unfaithful love affair and “Shey Your Love No Dey Die” with the meaning that love doesn’t die.

The crowd paid equal attention to the drama entitled “What Destiny Holds For a Prince and a Kampung Girl In Love,” that touched of traditional African community. The event was later followed by a Zulu Dance, which is a famous war dance in Africa. In the Hip style 1 (Western Miming), Rythmn Dance (Break dancing in superficial African style), Masquerade Dance (Dance of the Ghost), Indonesian Delight presented by guest dancers, Makossa (Male Waist Twisting), In the Hip Style 2 (Western Miming) and the Galala which was the goodbye dance. The highlight of the night was the Cultural dance, an African acrobatic dance. It is the most watched core cultural dance of Africa.

Among those attending was Mr. Edwin Imade, a Minister of Consular/Student Affairs at the High Commission of Nigeria, the senior management of INTI College Sarawak, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Christina Wendt and Training and Development Manager of Hilton Kuching, Felicia Liaw.