On November 16th, the African Student Union (ASU) hosted its 52nd Annual Pageant, African Riches: Finding the Next Diamond. This celebration of Africa and the African diaspora provided a platform for students to showcase their creativity and deep connection to African traditions through cultural expressions.
The Mr. and Ms. ASU pageant had six talented contestants competing this year. Male contestants were Terell Mitchell, Nduka Mbadugha, and Junior Baffor-Bonnie; female contestants were Deborah Fawole, Joy Maramba, and Taylor Godwin. All contestants offered unique and entertaining performances.
Junior Baffor-Bonnie and Joy Maramba were crowned Mr. and Ms. ASU 2024, thanks to an enthusiastic audience response and impressive scores from the judges.
- Junior Baffor-Bonnie led an engaging session on Traditional Ghanaian Dress and humorously depicted the intercultural parental struggles faced by individuals of African descent raised in America.
- Joy Maramba took to the stage to deliver an original poem that describes her life as an African in America, and later shared beautiful and lively renditions of Zimbabwean wedding dances.
Other contestants also made honorable mentions:
- Terell Mitchell impressed with his presentation and live demonstration of Zulu Stick Fighting, a traditional martial art of South Africa.
- Taylor Godwin performed an original song on the ubo-aka, or thumb piano, a musical instrument of the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.
The judges included African Language instructors Rose Lugano, John Muchira, and Godfred Agyapong, UF faculty member Agness Leslie, and CAS staff member Brittany Clarke. We congratulate all participants for their creativity, determination, and passion that came together to make a vibrant celebration of African culture and heritage! This annual event has continued to be a keystone for the African Student Union, where students, faculty, and staff can come and celebrate Africa’s rich diversity on campus.
