The African Student Organization held its annual “Culture Shock” show on Dec. 5, featuring electric dance performances, tasty food and rhythmic music. “Culture Shock: Game On!” was hosted with the goal of supporting awareness and appreciation of African culture within the campus community.

Following the video game theme, each group planned their routines with exciting choreography and references to iconic games like Subway Surfers, Call of Duty, Super Mario Bros. and more. The decorations adorning Old Union Hall also paid homage to this theme, demonstrating the immense effort that all of ASO put into preparing this event.

Four teams competed in the show and two guest hosts provided entertaining commentary that kept the energy high throughout the night. Competing groups hailed all the way from SUNY New Paltz and the University at Albany to contend with Binghamton University’s own troupes.

“Culture Shock is one of ASO’s most meaningful events because it showcases our mission and the vibrancy of African culture on campus,” Fatoumata Barry, ASO’s president and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, wrote in an email. “It brings together talent, students, and organizations from across the state and builds community in a way. As president, this event meant a lot to me because I got to see the dedication and heart our ASO E-Board and interns put into creating something so memorable.”

“It’s also rewarding to know we’re giving students a positive space to relax and have fun during one of the most stressful times of the semester,” she added. “Personally, leading this event has taught me about teamwork, responsibility, and the impact student leadership can have on campus culture.”

The University’s Black Dance Repertoire and Collision, Albany’s Under Construction and New Paltz’s N’Fusion, were the four dance troupes competing. Each featured hip-hop as a major part of their routines while also incorporating other dance styles like lyrical.

As a surprise twist this year, the order of the performances was decided by a four-way game of Simon Says, played by one representative from each team. Once the order was decided, the dancers put their skills on display, using impressive athleticism and group coordination to stun the crowd. Each group built the narrative of their performance with synchronized movements, musical cues, props and prerecorded voice segments.

The two visiting groups, Under Construction and N’Fusion, were additions that greatly added to the event. By featuring the perspectives of other campuses, an inclusive environment was created that allowed dancers to showcase their varying talents and unique ideas.

Angel Okoro, a senior advisor for ASO and a senior majoring in electrical engineering, expressed why she felt compelled to accept the opportunity to cohost this year’s event.

“As the former Community Service and Fundraising Chair, I’ve been involved in the planning process for ASO events in the past, so being asked to host this year’s show felt incredibly surreal,” Okoro wrote in an email. “I felt honored to end my college career by hosting an event that’s so close to my heart. ASO showcases so much talent, culture, and community, and being able to hype up amazing performers while engaging with the audience is something I truly valued. This event isn’t just a show, it’s a celebration of identity and unity, and that’s what makes it so special to me and to the wider community.”

After the fourth performance, the winners were announced, with the first-place team earning a $500 prize. BDR won the first-place prize, with Under Construction scoring second and Collision third. The energy was supportive for all troupes and the teams congratulated one another after placement was announced.

“I hope people leave feeling inspired, connected, and refreshed,” Barry wrote. “Culture Shock is designed to be more than a competition, it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and culture. I want attendees to walk away with a deeper appreciation for African and diaspora artistry, but also with a sense of relief and joy. Since the event happens right before finals, we hope it gives students a moment to breathe, de-stress, and enjoy themselves. Above all, I want people to feel the unity and energy that make Culture Shock special.”