March 17, 2025
Afriky Lolo performed at the Millennium Student Center on March 11, captivating a crowd of about 30 UMSL faculty, staff, students, and community members. The local West African dance and drum company showcased dynamic performances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of West Africa. The event, supported by a community engagement grant from the College of Arts and Sciences and UMSL Global, was hosted by the French program in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies. Violaine White, the French program coordinator, emphasized the department’s goal to raise awareness of French-speaking cultures globally, particularly in regions such as Senegal, Guinea, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Afriky Lolo, founded by Diádié Bathily, celebrates West African traditions through song and dance. The company, which includes dancers ranging in age from 6 to 60, performs at community events and offers workshops and summer camps. Bathily, who came to the U.S. from Côte d’Ivoire in 1998 as a visiting scholar at UMSL, choreographs all performances and conducts research in Africa to ensure authenticity. During the performance, Bathily provided insights into the dances, including the Djansa from Mali and the Manjani from Guinea, both of which hold deep cultural significance. The event culminated with an interactive portion where audience members joined the performers, further enriching the cultural experience.
