Journeying to Africa through the Five Senses
Afri-Experience, a day-long immersive event organized by Yale SOM’s Africa Business & Society Club, sought to educate students about the culture and history of different African countries.
One Thursday in February, the Yale SOM community embarked on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cultures of Africa at Afri-Experience 2025. Hosted by the Africa Business & Society Club (ABSC), the event transformed Zhang Auditorium into a lively tapestry of sights, sounds, tastes, touch (connections), and aromas, offering attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of the African continent.
As co-presidents of ABSC, we wanted to spotlight African culture and reshape common perceptions of what it means to be African. From the moment we learned we’d be leading the club in our second year at SOM, we developed a nine-month plan focused on key initiatives—one of which was the Afri-Experience, a signature event designed to showcase the diversity of African culture.
For this year’s Afri-Experience, we decided to go beyond surface-level conversation; instead, we envisioned an immersive event that would truly bring African culture to life. To achieve this, we centered the experience around activating the five senses of our attendees.
The response was incredible. We were thrilled to see nearly 240 registrations from the SOM community alone, making it the largest Afri-Experience since the ABSC launched the event in 2020. This overwhelming turnout reflected a growing interest in, and appreciation for, the richness of African cultures.
A core element of the day-long event was a series of dynamic presentations spotlighting six African countries: Ghana (Eben Allotey ’26), Morocco (Lyna Ayoubi ’25), Nigeria (Akintola Buhari-Alade ’26), Namibia (Ano Shonhiwa ’25), Zimbabwe (Tereza Boynova, a student at the Jackson School of Global Affairs), and Uganda (Kemi Ruyondo, a Yale School of the Environment student). We also featured a segment on the Black Diaspora (Alexis Fuller ’25). Each presenter explored their country’s economic landscape, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ongoing challenges, offering attendees a vivid and insightful tour of the continent.
Enhancing the sensory journey was a lively African fashion show, curated by Marertu Girma ’26. Models from Yale SOM and the University of New Haven took part. Some showcased their personal style with clothes they already owned, while others wore donated pieces that added vibrant colors and authentic expression to the runway.
The auditorium resonated with the rhythms of Africa as traditional music set the tone for the evening. Dance performances from our friends at the University of New Haven showcased the continent’s rich diversity, inviting attendees to experience the dynamic beats and movements that are integral to many African cultures.
Meanwhile, guests were treated to a rich culinary experience featuring iconic African dishes, catered by local African restaurants in New Haven. The menu included Nigerian and Ghanaian versions of jollof rice, igniting spirited (but friendly!) debates among attendees over which one reigned supreme. The spread also showcased a variety of iconic dishes from across the continent, including Waakye, Braai, Malva pudding, Bissara, Zaalouk, beans, chicken, and beef—a delicious journey that covered both the southern and northern regions of the continent.
In collaboration with the Yale School of Art and Yale College Afro-American Cultural Center, we also curated an exhibition of traditional textiles and contemporary African art. Guests had the opportunity to feel the textures of various fabrics and engage with artworks that told stories of African traditions and modern expression.
Finally, the aroma of African cuisine and the subtle scents of traditional herbs and spices filled the air, transporting attendees to bustling markets and home kitchens across Africa.
The event not only celebrated African cultures but also fostered a sense of community and learning. Many attendees expressed that they gained new insights into the continent, with some discovering aspects of African countries they were previously unaware of. The presence of non-African attendees, eager to learn and engage, highlighted the inclusive spirit of the event.
The success of Afri-Experience 2025 has set a new benchmark for cultural events at Yale SOM. The ABSC looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing to showcase the richness of African cultures, and fostering deeper connections within the Yale community. As we reflect on this remarkable event, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to making Afri-Experience 2025 a resounding success. We hope the memories and lessons from this evening inspire continued exploration and appreciation of Africa’s diverse cultures.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Yale Office of Inclusion & Diversity and YSE Africa SIG, and our partners from the Africa Graduate Student Association at the University of New Haven!
