Benedict College honors upcoming Harambee Festival with musical tribute

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — “Harambee” is a Kenyan word meaning the “pulling together” of community — and that’s exactly what folks at Benedict College are hoping to do as they celebrate the 35th anniversary of its Harambee Festival on April 20th.

On Tuesday, members of the school’s gospel choir and band came together for a tribute to honor the festival’s musical heritage and remind everyone of the meaning behind the upcoming event.

Singer Lauren Byrd says music is simply about joy.

“I get a joy from singing, I get a joy from making beats, I get a joy from playing instruments. I get a joy from bringing joy to people, so singing and getting that reaction and that energy from a crowd — that brings me joy,” she says.

George Dezlin, Benedict’s Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, says the Harambee Festival will have plenty of music to offer — including live stage performances, merchandise vendors, a food village, and a children’s educational village.

“One of the staples of the Harambee Festival, and one of the components that made it successful was the implementation of gospel music into the festival, and of course music has played an important role in African American history and American history. Because through music, you can express yourself. And also it’s not only an artistic form, it’s a historical form also,” he says.

Byrd believes Black history goes hand-in-hand with so many genres of music — like Pop, R&B, and the Motown era — also showcased at the tribute.

“Black history — it touches all of them, as much as some might like to erase that fact, so we pull together and we bring together, and it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone who’s impacted, ” says Byrd.

The Harambee Festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with general admission tickets costing $15. Discounts will be available for students, service members, and seniors.