Saturday night, Feb. 28. One show, one stage. The 21st annual show by Cornell’s Pan-African Students Association took over Barton Hall for the evening, transforming the space into something beyond a typical campus event. As I took my own seat, I carefully took in my surroundings. Laughter echoed through the hall as friends greeted each other with hugs, people quickly finding their seats while trying to secure the best view for what was to come. Afrobeats songs “Charm” by Rema and “Over” by R2Bees, along with many others, played throughout the hall, bringing the room to life as we waited for the show to begin. From the moment I walked in, it was clear the night would be one to remember.
I watched as photographers lined the edge of the stage with cameras in hand, preparing to capture the performances ahead. Around me, audience members swayed to the rhythm of the music, and I found myself doing the same. These were songs I recognized immediately, sounds familiar to me, the kind of music that often plays in my own home. Organized by the Pan-African Students Association at Cornell University, the AFRIK Fashion Show was clearly something more, something I could sense the second I walked through the doors. Each year, the showcase brings together emerging designers, both students and non-students, performers and models to celebrate cultures across the African diaspora through fashion, music and dance.
Black curtains framed the runway while rows of warm gold and cool blue lights washed the stage in color. At 8 p.m., the music faded and the show began with a brief introduction from members of the executive board, followed by a lively opening from hosts Eskyla Chesson ’28 and Nic Oke ’26. The pair guided the audience through the night with energetic commentary and humor that kept the crowd engaged. Early in the program, they also announced the reopening of the NAACP chapter at Cornell University as of Feb. 21, prompting loud applause from the audience.
The evening’s performances began with a music performance from Baraka Kwa Wimbo, an all-women gospel a cappella group. Dressed in warm brown tones, the singers stood alongside each other as their harmonies filled the hall. The crowd watched in awe as soft blue overhead lights washed over the stage while rows of pink and purple lights framed the performers, creating an atmosphere of calm and reflection. Their voices blended effortlessly, opening the show with a sense of serenity before the night’s high-energy performances began. As the final notes faded, the lights dimmed and the singers exited the stage in perfect unison.
There was an array of dance performances throughout the night, adding multiple unique levels of energy to the show. The Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, the longest-standing Latin dance group on campus, performed a vibrant routine blending Latin American dance styles that immediately energized the audience. Later Island Fusion, the first and only Afro-Caribbean dance team at Ithaca College, brought another powerful choreography that grew even more exciting as dancers joined the stage. The African Dance Repertoire, a Cornell dance group that fosters awareness of African cultures through music, dance and theatrical performance, took over the stage with high energy dance moves, adding to the already established excitement. These were just a few of the many standout performances, each one building on the last.
One of the first design highlights of the night was “Type Garments” by Adolph and Jadon Cast, which redefined streetwear with a fusion of contemporary designs, inspiring confidence and individuality. As the hosts introduced the segment, they reminded the audience that “streetwear isn’t just worn, it’s felt.” Models entered the runway in pairs, walking with confidence and adding their own poses and personality to each step, turning each walk into its own mini performance. Bold combinations of greens, reds, browns and whites stood out beneath the flashing red and white lights. Other collections included swimwear celebrating body positivity, sleek, tailored suits and dresses by House of D'Marsh and chic pieces by designers Abisola Ayoola ’28 and Eldoir Sodeck. Senami Atikpahoun’s “Je Suis” collection blended African traditions with Western influences through heritage-inspired couture.
Other designers used fashion to convey deeper messages. Gorretti M. ’26’s collection, Gorretti Crochets presented a phoenix-themed crochet collection symbolizing strength and rebirth, while Diona’s “Anoid” encouraged individuality through a range of statement pieces. Rhesa Teesdale’s “Prophet Envoy” incorporated references to influential Black leaders such as Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jr., showing how fashion can carry messages far beyond style. Designs were also featured from “Made by LLip” by Lolarose King, whose army print, baggy styled clothing and playful runway walks brought a fresh energy to the stage.
Aside from the talented students and collaborators who put the show together, I was struck by the audience, whose enthusiasm and energy worked their way into the show. Cheers erupted as models walked for the designers, growing even louder when someone in the audience recognized a person on stage. During the intermission, Chesson and Oke kept the crowd engaged with a “best dressed” contest, sing-alongs and playful conversation that made the audience feel like active participants.
The show ended with the beats of “Starboy” by the Weeknd echoing through the room as designers, models and performers returned for their final walk. The moment captured exactly what AFRIK meant to achieve. A celebration of identity, creativity and cultural expression. The care and effort put into the production of the show shone through, and it was truly beautiful to witness the Cornell community come together to celebrate culture and talent. For one night, Barton Hall became a beacon of creativity and collaboration, leaving an unforgettable impression that honored both the performers and the audience who brought AFRIK 2026 to life.
Mikayla Tetteh-Martey is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is a staff writer for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at mtetteh-martey@cornellsun.com.
