African Student Association Hosts 7th Annual Mr. and Ms. ASA Pageant

On Saturday, December 12, 2015 the African Student Association hosted their 7th annual Mr. and Ms. ASA pageant at Frostburg State University. The African warrior themed pageant was both entertaining and educational. The audience received knowledge about some African leaders, African customs, traditions, and the culture of Africa through various scenes.

The contestants ranged from freshmen to seniors who were on stage for the first time ever showcasing their talents. Ama Tibri, Deborah Ayegbusi, Elizabeth Morafa, Tiku Nguasong, Adetayo Ibijemilusi,Bentley Ukonu, and Valerie Ehimhen were the contestant this year. The show brought tears, laughter, and smiles to everyone seated in the room. Each contest put their heart on the stage. ASA Vice President Lena Titanji said this year’s group of participants’ was some of the best she has seen, very stiff competition.

In the second round, contestants showcased their spears that they had designed over the past weeks. The images on spears were a representation of how they see themselves and the qualities they poses.

During intermission there was a bake sale accompanied by commentary from last year’s Mr. ASA House and ASA President Damilola Olawye speaking in his best African Accent.

By the talent round it was clear that they had been practicing. The women serenaded us with various 90’s medleys from Lauryn Hill and India Arie mixed with today’s hip hop hits like Drake Hotline Bling and even Future Diamonds Dancing. While the men showcased their humor, charm and universal dance skills.

In the end, Bentley Ukonu and Valerie Ehimhen were crowed as the 2015-2016 Mr. and Ms. ASA. The new Mr. ASA, whose birthday fell on the day of the show, brought unified “Awwws” across the room as he performed a poem about the girl of his dreams who he referred to as his “queen of hearts”.
Senior, Tiku Nguasong and Adetayo Ibijemilusi were crowned princess and prince of ASA.

Ms. ASA 2014-2015 Zawe Magoba advice for this year’s bunch “Run your own race! Doing a pageant takes a lot of courage and the journey of preparing for that one day helps you realize so much about yourself. In the end, win or lose, you should be able to notice and feel confident about your growth.”

ASA is an organization that promotes culture and tradition and they will continue to encourage the gathering of all other culture and people on campus. One does not have to be African to be a part of ASA, just open minded and willing to learn.

“The ASA pageant is a great way for the contestants to show their peers who they are, where they come from and what they stand for” said Magoba. “ASA is all about recognizing the culture we have amongst us, spreading it, and embracing it. “

After the pageant, students lined up at the box office to buy tickets to the first after party of the semester with DJ P-Smoov , senior at FSU.