Winter Recap: African Student Association’s Jabulani Pageant

Students Compete for the Title of Mr. and Ms. Africa

Mr. and Ms. Africa 2026. Photos by Habiba Affo

Draped in a pink and blue gown, Sandrine Douti twirled and danced her way to the stage. The crowd couldn’t help but to cheer for her. She was representing her home, Togo. 

“When you live far from your country, it’s nice to have an occasion where it’s all about your culture,” Douti said. 

The South African word “Jabulani” means to rejoice. Traditionally a name given to boys, Northwestern’s African Student Association thought it was fitting for their annual celebration of African culture. After all, the audience in McCormick Auditorium was smiling from ear to ear while they watched the contestants grace the stage.

Of the 8 contestants who showed off Kenyan, Ghanian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Togolese and Tigrayan culture, Douti was one of them. They were all vying for the titles of Mr. and Ms. Africa. But winning the crown would take more than just a stunning outfit–they also needed to captivate the audience with their talent. 

Some contestants used the talent section to comment on the state of their culture. Contestant Ezinna Egedigwe shared the poems “Path of Thunder” by Christopher Okigbo and Chinua Achebe’s “Derelection.”  

“They represent the decay of Igbo culture, of something that should have been held sacred,” Egedigwe said. 

By presenting the poem, Egedigwe said he hoped to critique past iterations of Igbo culture and look towards a better, repaired future. Not everyone’s talent had political undertones, though. Contestant Bryan Karanja, representing Kenya, strummed his way into everyone’s heart with a performance of “Cerca de Ti” by Hermanos Gutierrez. 

Bryan Karanja playing the guitar.

Once all of the talents were showcased, the contestants lined up on the stage. They were to answer a random question, and hope the judges and audiences liked what they had to say. Some of the questions included: “If you could describe yourself in one world (or an animal) what would you be?” and "what's your favorite way to bring joy to others?” Finally, the contestants exited the stage–it was time for judges to tally up scores and the audience to vote for Mr. and Ms. Africa. 

From Mintesinot Sturm’s art to Meron Asmlash’s part in Elel’s dance, each and every contestant shared something amazing with the crowd. But there were only a few sashes to go around. Mr. Africa went to Loyola student Oluwadamilare “Oscar” Omotoba. Sandrine Douti was crowned Ms. Africa, bringing the title and attention to Togo. 

“Togo is really small. People don’t really know about it. So just the fact of having my flag up there. And people learning for the first time, there’s this just country in West Africa called Togo. I think that’s a really good thing,” Douti said.

Elel Dance Group performing their set.