The Philip Sherlock Centre for the Performing Arts at The University of the West Indies became a vibrant hub of cultural expression on February 5th as the University Dramatic Arts Society (UDAS) presented ‘NNEKA,’ a special event honoring Black History Month. The evening featured approximately 15 student performers demonstrating exceptional talent across diverse artistic mediums including dub poetry, dramatic skits, spoken word, and musical performances.
Jayson Lawrence, UDAS President and a second-year banking and finance student, identified the event as one of the society’s flagship initiatives. “We designed NNEKA to honor black artistry and showcase a different dimension of campus culture beyond parties,” Lawrence explained to the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing the event’s core mission to celebrate cultural heritage.
The program featured emotionally resonant performances with significant personal meaning. First-year biology student Vanni delivered a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Concrete Jungle,’ selecting it as a tribute to both Black History Month and reggae culture. Abigale Morris, another first-year finance student, presented an original dub poem titled ‘The Journey of a Thousand Miles,’ inspired by the real struggles of a motherless teenager facing familial challenges.
Notable performances included economics student Xaview Bryan’s well-received ‘Jamaica 61’ and a standout moment from Edna Manley College music education student Makalia Benjamin. Benjamin performed interpretations of Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill before captivating the audience with her original composition ‘Stand,’ written to encourage a friend battling lupus. “The song urges perseverance when strength falters,” Benjamin shared, noting her initial nervousness about the debut performance.
The event further showcased talents from multiple campus groups including the Rex Hall Drama Society, Rex Hall Choir, Chancellor Hall Performing Arts Society, Groovements, and the Panoridim Steel Orchestra, creating a comprehensive celebration of black artistic expression that deeply engaged the university audience.