Sashei, Firyali share African culture

Dressed in traditional and colorful African garb, Sashei entertained a small crowd in the Magnolia Ballroom Feb. 21 in honor of Black History Month.

Sashei, which means “to dance” in Africa’s Eritrean Language, is an African-Inspired Music and Dance Ensemble from Macon. The ensemble was founded by Chequitha Davis-Albino and Terra Gallemore in 2002 as they wanted to perform traditional African dances in their truest form.

They were invited to GC&SU by Allia Carter, director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs as a way to introduce a culture that students don’t usually get to see.

“During the SEMAU (Southeast Model African Union) conference, they were the featured performers,” Carter said. “Everyone really enjoyed the performance, and I thought it would be nice for Georgia College Students.”

The dances were mainly done by the women in the group, while the men played the bongos. The dances were quick and lively accompanied with African rhythms, and the audience got into it by clapping and stomping. Junior nursing and biology major Alicia Rodgers really enjoyed the troupe.

“I liked it, it was very good,” Rodgers said. “I loved the dancing and drumming.”

During their show, Sashei had a participation portion where members of the audience stood at the front and learned some of their dance methods. Freshman Karla White took part in learning some of their moves.

“It was very fun,” White said. “It wasn’t real hard, but I would have to practice if I wanted to do it. It seems liked it would be fun.”

Another African dance troupe called Firyali performed there as well. They were created by Milledgeville residents Shaveta Walker and Synethia Brookins in 2003 and include students from Baldwin High School. Firyali has danced locally at churches and community events and had appeared on Black Entertainment Television, 13 WMAZ in Macon. They have also danced for gospel singer Shirley Caesar.

“It’s always an honor to come to Milledgeville,” said George Muhammad, member of Sashei. “We’re very honored to be asked to come here to Georgia College.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 3 2006. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry