Published: Dec. 5, 2023

The African Student Association invites students, faculty, staff and the community to its first African Royalty Fashion Show, a night of culture meant to educate, enlighten and embrace African elegance and diversity. Organizers encourage everyone to dress to impress.

If you go

Who: Open to the public
What: African Royalty Fashion Show
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 7–10 p.m.
Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom


 Featured performances

  • Emmanuel Nwaneto (E.M.E)
  • Ethiopian dance choreographed by Kaleab Alemu and Menna Tarekegne
  • West African dance by Ola Folarin and Esther Amato
  • Togolese/Congolese mashup dance by Esther Amato and Joshua Kao

“In years past, the fashion show was only a small part, maybe five minutes, of our annual signature event, Tour of Africa, a night of performances and cultural celebration. But that didn’t do it justice,” said Ojuolape Folarin, vice president of the ASA.

“This year, we’ve elevated African fashion as a main event in its own right. This new event gives us the opportunity to showcase African fashion across the diaspora, including an exploration of what it means to be Black/African in the United States,” Folarin added.

When the doors of the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, attendees can savor traditional Ghanaian, Nigerian, Kenyan and Ethiopian-style dishes. Following the aromatic feast, four separate groups, including Alpha Phi Alpha, will walk down the runway as the show alternates between fashion, music and dance performances.

Emmanuel Nwaneto (E.M.E.) kicks off the fashion and performance portion of the evening at 8 p.m. with his latest single, “Drago,” accompanied by dance choreographed by Yasmine Lawson. Unique performances will follow each of four fashion walks.

The free event, sponsored by CU Boulder’s Cultural Events Board, will culminate with an invitation for everyone to celebrate along with Boulder's very own DJ Ambitious Boy.

Get involved with the ASA

The African Student Association unites CU’s African students and anyone who wants to connect with like-minded people. The ASA values cultural appreciation, gathering and sharing. The group describes itself as “very tight with African Americans, respecting that we are all brothers and sisters.”

The ASA meets every other Wednesday in Abrams Lounge (third floor of the C4C). Information about meetings and events can be found on Instagram and TikTok: @asacuboulder.