If there’s one word that perfectly encapsulates the Wellesley African Student Association’s (WASA) production of “Mamaland” this year, it’s “energy.” There was something electric in the air on the night of Nov. 11 as Wellesley’s community gathered in Alumnae Hall for a captivating showcase of African cultures.
This year’s theme, “Taste the Money,” delved “into the complex relationship between Africa’s immense natural wealth and the long history of exploitation that plagued the continent.” Mamaland engaged with these ideas throughout the night, putting together an unforgettable, and quite frankly life-changing show. As Ashley Santana ’26 reflected, “It just felt like everyone was so present not only from the people that participated and made the show possible, but also the crowd.” The show featured a wide variety of performances, from poetry to dancing to the annual fashion show to an ethereal harp performance, ensuring there was something for everyone.
This variety in performance was no accident. Organizers Angel Olubakin ’26 and Gloria Manhey ’26 were intentional about creating a program as diverse as the theme itself. Olubakin noted that “Because of our theme this year, we thought having a speech from a professor with knowledge on it would be fitting.” Professor Chipo Dendere’s speech quite literally brought everyone to their feet. She humorously and poignantly talked about the idea of money as power and the way that money allows us to take care of ourselves and those we love. She also called attention to the atrocities happening around the globe including in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — countries often overlooked in mainstream media. Throughout the night, WASA highlighted these two nations by asking the audience to raise awareness and donate to organizations like Save the Children. Dendere also encouraged students in the crowd to take advantage of all the wealth Wellesley has to offer and ended her speech with a set of affirmations she uses with her four-year-old daughter at home. Her words resonated deeply, and by the end of her speech, there was not a dry eye in the house.
The event also featured a rousing performance by the Fever Dancers, who kept the energy going all the way through the final dance by WASA seniors sporting fantastic black and white outfits, with a DJ booth completing the vibe. The emcees, Lucy Alaeto ’26 and Stephanie Akuakolam ’26, played a crucial role in keeping the energy up with their witty banter and enthusiasm. As Santana ‘26 put it, “They kept everyone in it, and never did you fall out of it. You couldn’t even tell that time was passing outside of the fact that the curtains were opening and closing, there was no way of knowing.”
Mamaland was a testament to WASA’s hard work and was an enriching experience for all. Olubakin ’26 noted that, “We hope every year Mamaland gets bigger and better.”
Contact the editors responsible for this story: Norah Catlin, Anabelle Meyers
