Through music, dance and theatre, Abju: to Dream brings a powerful story of tradition and ambition to life.
Afrofest, an annual event and celebration hosted by MacAfricans, will return on Mar. 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at The Zoetic Company. This year’s production, Abju to Dream, showcases the vibrant and diverse culture throughout Africa and aims to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and creative performance.
Mitchel Ezan and Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, the co-president and communications associate of MacAfricans, respectively, shared how Afrofest is more than a cultural showcase; it is a deeply creative, community-driven experience.
"Afrofest has four major parts," explained Olawale-Yusuf. "We have the acting to tell stories, the modelling that showcases African culture through clothing and fashion. We have the music and we have the dance team that uses cultural references across [from] the diaspora."
One of the central elements of the show is its storyline, which tackles the theme of following one's dreams in the face of societal and familial pressure. Abju to Dream follows a character who defies traditional expectations within African culture.
"It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves," said Olawale-Yusuf.
It touches on people's stories who try to break from the norm. It goes back and forth with the characters exploring their own dreams and future for themselves.
Eniola Olawale-Yusuf, Communications Associate
MacAfricans
"I feel like Abju is just very nostalgic. I think the audience is able to explore certain things that occur within African cultures that is not spoken about enough," added Ezan.
As an extension of community spirit, the event will conclude with an after-party at 10:00 p.m. "It's just a way to continue the celebration into the night and just have fun,” said Ezan. "You're still enjoying African and Caribbean music, still listening to dancehall, all that sort of thing . . . bonding and forming connections overall.”
The event is open to everyone, regardless of background.
"If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome." shared Ezan.
If you just want to embrace the culture, if you just enjoy stories and performance—everyone is welcome.
Mitchel Ezan, Co-president
MacAfricans
Despite challenges, such as raising awareness about the event after having to cancel last year's showcase, the team is excited to see growing enthusiasm for this year's event.
"We've been trying our best to show that [Afrofest] is more than a regular talent show. There is so much more to it. And it makes me so happy knowing more people are so interested now," said Olawale-Yusuf.
For the broader community of the African diaspora at McMaster, Afrofest serves as a powerful celebration and reminder of African culture.
"We are here to represent you and teach the community about our culture," expressed Olawale-Yusuf.
Whether you are a McMaster student, a faculty member or visitor looking to immerse yourself in African art, music and storytelling, Afrofest offers something for everyone. Tickets and information on Afrofest can be found on MacAfricans' social media.
Black Student Athlete Council, MacAfricans and Blackprint collaborated to put on their first-ever McMaster Madness event, a three-on-three basketball tournament for students
In an effort to engage the student population and foster connections, McMaster University’s Black Student Athlete Council, MacAfricans and Blackprint teamed up to create a new event: the McMaster Madness tournament.
The tournament was an all-day event where students played three-on-three basketball in a tournament-style format, with a DJ playing music and spaces for students to connect.
Haben Yohannes, president of BSAC, spoke about how the idea came to life.
“We were just thinking in the early days, what can we do to have a big event or how can we do something that's just different? We thought of bringing people in with our shared love of basketball or sport and music, and we were like, ‘let’s do a three-on-three tournament,’” said Yohannes.
Before the event, Yohannes added that in addition to the tournament itself, they partnered with Drop Spot Vintage, a local thrift store in Westdale. Drop Spot set up a vintage market at the event for students who were not participating in the tournament, providing another opportunity for students to connect.
“Drop Spot Vintage will be in the mezzanine, and they'll continue their $20 sale there. . . . It's not about the actual sport, it's about the community around sport and trying to bring Black or all student-athletes, all people of all walks of life to integrate within the community of enjoying sport,” said Yohannes.
It’s not about the actual sport, it’s about the community around sport and trying to bring all people of all walks of life to integrate within the community of enjoying sport.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
Providing a space for Black student-athletes to connect with others has been a central focus for Yohannes and BSAC. He explained that by building connections outside the Black community, Black student-athletes can garner more support and visibility.
“We're students, and we need to bridge this gap because it's important for our support. It's important for other people to know that if we exist in a silo and there's an issue in the silo, we don't have support elsewhere,” said Yohannes.
We need to bridge this gap because it’s important for our support. If we exist in a silo and there’s an issue in the silo, we don’t have support elsewhere.
Haben Yohannes, President
McMaster Black Student Athlete Council
Through events like McMaster Madness, BSAC aims to strengthen relationships between Black student-athletes and students not involved in athletics. The event also sought to provide a fun space for all students while maintaining competitive balance by limiting the number of student-athletes per team.
“Those opportunities to compete and have that structure—once you're not a varsity athlete or once you abruptly stop sports—you don't get that replicated very often. So to be able to replicate that and have people who want to play enjoy that structured, competitive atmosphere, but also people who just want to observe and have an opportunity to de-stress and enjoy, that’s key. Again, that idea of bridging student-athletes and students. That's why there's a limit of student-athletes per team,” said Yohannes.
Events like McMaster Madness help BSAC connect with all students, creating spaces for community and connection through sport. The tournament represents the growth of BSAC, with more events planned for the future to continue fostering inclusivity and engagement at McMaster.
McMaster EASA and MacAfricans join forces and kick off the year with MACAFCON to celebrate community and culture through sport and food
MacAfricans and the East African Student Association at McMaster University partnered to host both clubs' first event of the year, MACAFCON. Taking place on Sept. 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., this event included a soccer tournament, mini-games, food and lively music.
This exciting event was inspired by the African Cup of Nations, AFCON and the recent World Cup. AFCON is a soccer tournament in Africa that takes place every two years and is played by the national teams of participating countries.
The first portion of MACAFCON began with the soccer tournament at 10 Acre Field at McMaster. All participants were required to register to play. The registration form was accessible via EASA’s Instagram and included the player’s name and country they represented.
Diella Barihuta is the administrative coordinator of the East African Student Association and recalled the expected competitiveness among participants representing all regions of Africa. “MacAfricans has a lot of Nigerians in their executive team and a lot of people that follow MacAfricans [on social media] are West African. So as East [African], we don't really have a lot of representation. So let's see if we can breed a little competition,” said Barihuta.
The idea for MACAFCON emerged during a brainstorming session among the EASA executive team. “I can't even pinpoint the moment, I just feel like it happened and then it was just snowballing,” said Barihuta, highlighting the enthusiasm and collaborative spirit during the event's creation.
After the soccer matches, attendees gathered at Peter George Centre for Living and Learning. The event was designed to be inclusive, featuring a range of activities for everyone. The room buzzed with excitement as students participated in a variety of mini-games and enjoyed complimentary cultural food.
“The mini-games that we did we kept simple . . . We had Uno, Pig and cards of humanities . . . it was beautiful, we wanted for people to feel relaxed enough to play against each other," said Barihuta.
Barihuta also recalled some memorable moments from the tournament. “One highlight was definitely the music. We played a mix from various regions in Africa, and it was heartwarming to see everyone vibing and dancing together,” said Barihuta.
One highlight was definitely the music. We played a mix from various regions in Africa, and it was heartwarming to see everyone vibing and dancing together.
Diella Barihuta, Administrative Coordinator
East African Student Association
The turnout for MACAFCON exceeded Barihuta's expectations. “That huge of a turn out at the first event and all the stress that was going through the last two weeks to get it done was incredible,” said Barihuta. “Even though it rained a little bit people still showed out, and that was really lovely to see.”
Food played a significant role in bringing people together at MACAFCON. Catering was provided by Swahili Fusion, featuring Kenyan dishes such as pilau, chicken, pork and chapati. “Because it was such a huge turnout, we ended up having to add pizza,” shared Barihuta, highlighting the unexpected success of the event.
At the heart of MACAFCON was the emphasis on community. “It's really the community aspect,” emphasized Barihuta. “I've lived in five different countries, four of them being African and community was something that was so normalized.”
EASA and MacAfricans aimed to foster an environment where students, regardless of their backgrounds, could come together to share joy, laughter, and food. “Even though they might not come from our country there's that shared connection and community,” said Barihuta.
Even though they might not come from our country there's that shared connection and community.
Diella Barihuta, Administrative Coordinator
East African Student Association
With MACAFCON’s success, both clubs are excited about future events and initiatives. Students can follow EASA and MacAfricans on social media for updates and opportunities to get involved.
By: Jana Getty
On March 12, MacAfricans, in association with the President’s Advisory Committee to Building an Inclusive Community and McMaster Students Union President Chukky Ibe, hosted the first inaugural Maroon in Black formal.
Maroon in Black aimed to “create a space to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of black students, faculty, alumni, and staff” according to MacAfricans Co-President Sara Mustafa. The event issued awards to black McMaster community members who have excelled.
During the year, many events have taken place aimed to celebrate minorities on McMaster campus. However, according to Mustafa, there has never been an event at McMaster aimed at celebrating black individuals. In its inaugural year, the Maroon in Black formal filled a niche that was long overdue.
“We hoped that we created a space where we can acknowledge and celebrate one another. Many of the award recipients have achieved great things and it is important for the McMaster community to know of their achievements and it is important for us to acknowledge them,” said Mustafa. “When black people go to similar events, they are always the minority. At the Maroon in Black Formal, that was not the case and that’s what made it so unique and wonderful.”
The event follows those held at other universities, which have sought to highlight black students and their successes, such as the University of Toronto’s black graduation ceremony held in June 2017.
The event was organized to create a safe space where black students, staff and McMaster alumni could acknowledge and celebrate each other. In an environment where the voices of a minority are often lost in the crowd, this event turned the spotlight on many important achievements of the black community.
Awards of the night included the graduate academic and graduate community service award, won by Akua Pepra; undergraduate community service won by Sahra Soudi; the black aspiring physicians at McMaster for the undergraduate academic year award, won by Sebat Mohamed and Sonia Igboanugo. Awards were also issued to faculty members, such as Dr. Juliet Daniels, who won the “mom” award, an award for those who actively mentored others in the community or allies that have taken the extra task of active advocacy and support for McMaster students.
On top of awards being issued, there were also talks given by prominent black McMaster community members.
Ibe gave a speech, as did other students active in the McMaster community such as Mustafa and Jordan Lentinello. The formal also heard speeches from distinguished McMaster alumni, such as Omobola Olarewaju, Leo Johnson and Tumi Adegoroye.
MacAfricans will continue to hold events throughout the year meant to acknowledge an empower the black students on campus. Their next event is Afrofest, a large theatrical event that celebrates African culture through acting, singing, dancing and modelling.
All the content is written and performed by McMaster students and the proceeds are donated to the Empowerment Squared charity, an organization created by McMaster alumni.
In a school that prides itself on its acceptance and diversity within its population, an event that celebrates the achievements of one of it’s minority populations was long overdue. Maroon in Black was a memorable night celebrating students whose acknowledgement was well deserved.
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