SOAS Networking Event

The only planned event for the fifth day in London was a networking event with SOAS students including African music and drumming lessons followed by Nigerian restaurant catered dinner. I did not know what to expect because it did not seem like other network sessions where you just walk around to meet people and get to know each other. 

The event started with African drumming and dance. The accessories on the ankles of the dancers created rhythmical beats that went well with the drumming beats. The drummers were very cheerful and engaging that they brought all of us to our feet and encouraged us to join the dance.



The dance was followed by an African comedian who was brought up in Brixton. It was interesting to hear from his perspective on how London has been changing in terms of discrimination in a lighter tone. African saxophonist was up next, playing various traditional African music with saxophone. The event ended with all of us dancing to the drumming, and we were invited to enjoy Nigerian dish for dinner. It was my first time trying Nigerian food, and it was delicious! Overall, I really loved how they still remember and appreciate their cultural heritage and shared with us how to enjoy their tradition. I enjoyed learning the traditional dance step by step, and I felt welcomed to their culture.