Soiree Culturelle

As far as entertainment and leisure activities go, there really isn’t too much around town – don’t expect to see a movie theater or park anytime soon. And without a tv or radio or even power a lot of the time, reading is about all you have left whichobviously isn’t bad but not exactly something to do with other people. However,there are a few events that come around that allow you to enjoy yourself, have some laughs and be with others. One of those is a soiree culturelle.

Some traditional dance and costume

Soiree culturelles are in the best terms like comedy variety shows. Groups of people put on different ‘acts’ – a lot of dances, some lip syncing, fake news reports, fashion shows, skits, etc. Most often it is a school that puts on a soiree and the students present different acts.

First soiree I went to a the bilingual school - these girls were dancing

In my time at post so far, there have been numerous soirees at my school, the other schools, in my neighborhood, for weddings, etc. And I must say most soirees are similar. You usually receive an invitation which tells you a time. But of course it’s African time so it’s best to have a student or someone just call when the event is about to actually start (let’s say if the invitation says 2:30pm, you come around 4:30-5). As a foreigner, I usually get a seat good seat near the center front. They usually block off an area and maybe even make a stage (like desks pushed together with words boards on top). There is always an MC who hosts and introduces each act. On the program, there may be upwards of 30 acts however because it started so late and there isn’t usually outside lighting, many of the acts willbe cut because the sun will set before it’s over. There’s lots of dancing to the latest songs like ‘pinguiss’ or some Lady Ponce even some Shakira and of course some traditional Houssa music. Then there are some skits or maybe even clown acts. And of course there’s news where students just talk about maybe what’s going on at school. During different acts, members of the audience will get up and put money on performers’ heads or intheir pockets if they really like the performance. The audience can get really riled up and excited about some of the acts and altogether it’s really a fun time and better than just sitting around the house. You get out, see lots of people and some great performances. And even though the events are always behind schedule and technical difficulties occur with speakers, etc., every event has a slightly different part to it that makes it exciting to attend and watch.

'clowns'

News Report

Two little kids lip syncing at a soiree for a wedding