 Justo Otongo dances as he seeks audience participation during Jabali Afrika's performance at PCC on Jan. 30. |
WINTERVILLE�Pitt Community College got its 2009 celebration of Black History Month off to a rocking start Jan. 30 with a little help from the musical group Jabali Afrika. Hailing from the East African nation of Kenya, Jabali Afrika entertained PCC students and employees with a one�hour concert in the multipurpose room of the college�s brand new Craig F. Goess Student Center. The six-member group, whose origin can be traced to the Kenyan National Theatre Dance Troupe, wore African tribal costumes as they performed original compositions and traditional African melodies, often enlisting the audience�s participation. �I think the primary word that I would use to describe what I felt as I watched (Jabali Afrika perform) is pride,� said PCC Developmental English Instructor Regina Garcia. �So much of the beauty of the African culture was brought out in the performance, and the performance itself made me feel so connected to my roots.� Garcia, who is a member of PCC�s Multicultural Activities Committee, said the Jabali Afrika concert �was a wonderful way� for Pitt to usher in its Black History Month celebration, which will feature a variety of events on campus throughout February. Jabali Afrika�s stop at PCC last month is one of many the group has scheduled at various colleges and universities across the country this year. |