Models rehearse for ASA’s annual fashion show. (Sam Powers | Managing Photo Editor)

The African Students Association’s (ASA) annual fashion show aims to bring a bold and beautiful display of African culture, dancing, and fashion to Graham Chapel this Saturday. This year’s show is titled “Leral” and intends to highlight African Iridescence: The Vibrancy Of Heritage. 

The creative inspiration for the show is linked to its culturally-rooted title. “Leral” means “to make bright” in Wolof, a language spoken in West Africa. Creative Director and senior Mahdote Abebe is the visionary behind all the aesthetic elements, which she hopes will showcase luminosity and radiance. 

“The whole idea behind the show is to capture all the colors of Africa, like in clothing, vibrant dances, music, and props,” Abebe said.

Fashion connoisseurs, dance enthusiasts, and music lovers can expect an action-packed night celebrating the diverse and rich heritage across the four main regions of the continent: East Africa, West Africa, North Africa and Southern Central Africa. 

ASA’s president, senior Essete Workineh, discussed how the event is meant to showcase the unique traditions from each area and to encourage the audience to see Africa as more than just a singular entity. 

“I definitely hope that people will take away that Africa is not monolithic, especially when it comes to fashion and beauty. There is so much significance in where things come from, traditionally, as well as the diversity that lies within each country,” she said. 

Sophomore and East African Dancer Noura Idris Habona shined a light on the journey shared between the audience members and performers. 

“I want people to be more aware that Africa is a continent, not a country, and there’s so much to celebrate within. We’re all learning, us and the audience,” she said.

To zoom in even more on the individuals that live and thrive in the different regions, the East African section of the show will feature dances and music from various tribes highlighting some of their distinct traditions.

Habona mentioned that she does not only see great cultural significance in this demonstration, but is excited to show off the dances she and her group have been working hard on. 

“We started practicing right before Winter Break and the whole show should be really fun. I am excited to see everyone be able to show off their culture and what it means to them,” Habona said.

Similarly, sophomore Mira Ugwuadu, choreographer, model, and dancer for the West African sections, is most eager for the afrobeats and groovy soundscapes that will be mixed in-house by student DJ Toluwani Oseni.

“I think my favorite part is that we’re using a lot of throwback party songs. A lot of them [are] African dance parties, it’s a lot of good music,” Ugwuadu said.

As a model, Ugwuadu will also be walking the stage. She expressed her overall admiration for the energy and high spirits of the group. 

“Everything is awesome. The vibes, the people, [it’s all] cute and it’ll be really lively. Oh and the outfits are amazing,” she said.

As a whole, crafting a show of such magnitude is never an easy task. When she structured the show, Abebe was deliberate in choosing decorations that would match the vibrance and iridescence of the fashion. Abebe described the behind-the-scenes work of assembling the product the audience will see on Saturday. 

“I try to do everything on my iPad or a slideshow. I told everyone I wanted [the show] to follow a gradient color scheme. I took pictures of peoples’ clothing, organized it, and said ‘This is who will walk first going from light colors to dark,’” Abebe said. 

“Leral” is more than just a fashion show, it is a celebration of African heritage, culture and creativity. Through vibrant dances, music, clothing, and props, ASA is bringing a layered cultural experience to Graham Chapel that highlights the importance of celebrating one’s roots and paying tribute to rich traditions.

“I just want the audience to be smiling, to learn a few things about the continent of Africa, and most importantly, have fun,” Ugwuadu said.