A mix of pop-culture songs and traditional African music will ring out in the University Center Tuesday evening.
Karaoke, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. in UC 304, is sponsored by the University of Memphis’ African Student Association (ASA).
ASA is a student organization that helps students understand more about African culture and helps African students’ voices be heard.
“It will be our first time doing it, so I don’t know what to expect other than an abundance of fun and lively entertainment,” Jhanna Fields, ASA’s president of finance, said. Simone Williams, 20, is the president of ASA at the U of M. “The purpose of the event is to have fun and to showcase the variety in music that can be found in Africa,” Williams said. “There will be music and fun for everyone to experience.”
Williams has experience with ASA leading back to her freshman year of college. “I joined ASA my freshman year in the fall of 2014,” Williams said. “I saw their table at the RSO fair, and it was a table where I felt truly welcome.” Williams said that ASA has provided her with a “great sense of community.” “I feel comfortable around ASA,” Williams said. “I believe that ASA provides a very family type community to our members.”
Williams said that Africa often is seen in a negative light and that ASA wants to educate students about African cultures.
“The goals of ASA are to debunk all of the negative stereotypes that are often associated with Africa as well as enlighten everyone who is interested about the many beautiful cultures that can be found in the continent,” Williams said.
While ASA is open to all members of the campus community, some current members are of African heritage. Some of the countries represented by members are Nigeria, Senegal, Burundi, Gambia, Somalia and Mauritania.
“I believe that ASA contributes to the whole campus community by allowing opportunities for a glimpse into different African cultures through both our meetings and events,” Williams said.
She said that any student can be involved and the best way to do that is by attending the meetings. The meetings are biweekly on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. The next one will be on Nov. 1, where ASA will be celebrating its “sweet 16.”
“To stay a member, all students have to do is come to our meetings,” said Williams. However, she said, those who get involved in ASA’s events will have a “richer” experience.
