Africa Fest includes workshops on language, music

With an emphasis on unity despite cultural differences, the four-day Africa Fest wound down this weekend with informal workshops at W.E.B. DuBois College House. Approximately 15 students were present for an informational workshop on languages, held in the multi-purpose room of DuBois Saturday afternoon. African Languages Coordinator Alwiya Omar presented a brief overview of the different African languages, citing similarities as well as differences. Omar, who is also a Linguistics professor, then led the group in a singing of the Kenyan song of greeting "Jambo," from which "Hakuna Matata," the popular phrase from The Lion King is borrowed. She also emphasized cultural awareness through language. "It is important to the know cultural norms of different language societies in order to reduce conflicts and misunderstandings," Omar said. Mayo Ogendengbe, who teaches Yoruba at the University, talked about the importance of age and respect in African culture. Ogendengbe encouraged the learning of African languages in order to realize common bonds. "We are all interconnected," he said. "We are all an extension of each other." Questioning the present ongoing global social and political struggles, Ogendengbe said he adhered to Yoruba philosophy. "After all, there is enough for everyone," he added. After the discussion, Ogendengbe showed a short video on Yoruba society and culture, which was followed by a reception featuring Tanzanian dishes. The workshop was presented as part of the week-long Africa Fest, which was organized by the Penn African Students Association. "The purpose of Africa Fest is to give people a better perspective on Africa," Africa Fest Chairperson and College junior Nkem Nwuneli said. Despite the poor turnout at the workshop, this year's Africa Fest has been the most successful one yet, Nwuneli said. She noted that the celebration has evolved from a one-day event two years ago into this year's four-day festival. For the first time, other schools became involved in the event this year, as students from Georgetown University, Princeton University and Penn State University participated. Africa Fest began Wednesday evening with a well-attended speech by Ali Mazrui, director of the Institute of Global Cultural studies at the State University of New York at Binghamton, in the Annenberg School Theatre. Other events included a round- table discussion on business in Africa and a party at the Third World nightclub on Friday. A cultural show capped off the week on Saturday.