By Nandee Mignon – Columnist
This past Monday, the newly formed Caribbean Students Association (CSA), showcased a new cultural take on things which many Hofstra students usually only have had a glimpse of, at their first event called, “Vybz.”
When the organization was formed, it was meant to represent just what their name says: Caribbean students. But this event took a spin on things, focusing on the West Indian nations of the Caribbean, which refers to the English-speaking countries located in the Caribbean. Countries like the Dominican Republic are not considered West Indian but are Caribbean by geological definition.
“Vybz” was a variety talent show on a smaller, more personal scale with a dash of dancing, a pinch of singing, two tablespoons of steelpan and a sprinkle of comedic hosting. The show was a result of carefully selected ingredients that became an exceptional final dish.
One number that went over well with the audience was the group of dancers comprised of three young women who practiced pieces stemming from Caribbean and West African roots. Seeing that many of the people who reside in the Caribbean have West African ancestors, having this group perform seemed fitting. They dazzled the crowd with their vibrant flags, flexible limbs, enthusiastic smiles and high jumps and kicks.
What made the performance even more enjoyable was the surprise appearance of a stilt walker. Dressed from head to toe in traditional Afro-Caribbean clothing, the walker engaged in dances with the audience and broke the fourth wall.
Another performer that caught everyone’s attention was Hofstra student, Jesse Tabansi – also known as Jarhead – a singer-songwriter from Nigeria. His reggae-sculpted music was just what was needed to open the show and get the crowd moving.
His rendition of his newest song, and the self-proclaimed anthem of his home country, “Still Nigerian” was a crowd favorite, causing people (including the DJ and host) to groove in their seats if they were not already on their feet swaying along to the rhythm.
Tabansi’s music was chock-full of heavy percussion sounds, a fast 4/4 beat and slang words like “Awoh.” This gave those who were not familiar with the music an authentic take on how things sound in the Caribbean, while egging on the nostalgia of those students who come from a Caribbean household.
A steelpan player by the stage name Sherwin ended the show with his renditions of many popular reggae and soca songs. A native of the twin island republic Trinidad and Tobago, Sherwin provided a fitting musical accompaniment to the West Indian food.
All in all, CSA’s first event of the year was a success, packing a full house and making sure their logo was plastered all over the multipurpose room. We are all waiting anxiously to see what CSA has in store for the Hofstra community in the coming semester.