By: Zainab Momany
Amidst the vibrant cultural exchange and celebration on our campus, I had the privilege of preparing the Swahili students for the various festivals that were on our calendar. With dedication and enthusiasm, I ensured that they were ready to showcase the beauty and richness of the Swahili culture. They exceeded all expectations, filling our hearts with pride and joy. Let’s have a look!
Jabulani Festival: Winter quarter
The African Students Association hosted the annual Jabulani Festival. Swahili students took center stage, delighting the audience with their performance of two songs, “Jambo Bwana” and “Wageni wako wapi?” Applause filled the air as their voices harmonized, echoing the spirit of unity and celebration. But it wasn’t just the music that stole the show; the aroma of tantalizing African delicacies wafted through the Black House, representing the rich cultures across the continent, from different Nigerian and other African stews, to the famous injera from Ethiopia.
Festival of Language and Cultures: Spring Quarter
Swahili students took the stage once more to share the beauty of the language and culture. With graceful movements and infectious energy, they danced to the melodious “Pete yangu” tunes by renowned Kenyan artists Nadia Mukami and Bahati. Choreographed by the talented Mwalimu Zainab, their performance captivated the audience, leaving them in awe of the student’s talent and passion. One thing that became clear during this festival is that the spirit of unity and joy lives in the hearts of Swahili students, enriching the campus with their warmth.
Cooking Kenyan food: Spring quarter
Swahili students showcased their culinary prowess by preparing a sumptuous Kenyan feast. This included the staple ugali and sukumawiki and the kachumbari salad, each dish a testament to the flavors of Kenya. Using Kenyan spices such as royco mchuzi mix, they crafted succulent beef and chicken stews that left taste buds tingling with delight. Amidst the sizzle of pans and the fragrant spices, the aroma of home filled the air. Behind our culinary masterpiece was the skillful hand of Professor Mwangi, who wowed the crowd with his authentic Kenyan tea brewed with “Fahari ya Kenya” leaves and aromatic masala.
Zainab Momanyi is the 2023/24 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) for Swahili.