MATC’s student union was buzzing with excitement February 16 as the Black Student Union hosted Jam Ak Jam presented by the Senegalese Dance Troupe.
The event started with a brief African drum solo to gain attention of the otherwise distracted luncheon occupants. The intro was brief but the traditional African garb worn by the hosts kept the audience intrigued.
A small group of African dancers was led by the lively sounds of African drumming. The style was intense and very physical. Both dancers and drummers utilized every limb to express themselves. From the top of their heads, out of their fingertips and out of their toes the performers radiated positive energy. The performance stopped busy passersby in their tracks. Soon the Union was full of would-be strangers sharing not only tables but cheers and smiles.
The show was roughly an hour long, ending with many audience members joining the dancing on stage. All shapes, sizes, ages, genders and races were smiling and having a blast – a joyous experience to celebrate and share a piece of African culture with the Downtown campus.