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Before the Soul Cafe event had even started, music was already being made. As more than 80 people walked into Schine Underground, the performers, hosts and DJs clapped in rhythm to the warmups. Before all the poems and songs were performed to a lively crowd, souls were already in the room.

On Wednesday, the Distinguished Delta Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. hosted Soul Cafe. Alpha Phi Alpha fall 2021 Ace and SU junior Jordan Pierre hosted the event, which featured singers, poets and rappers from Syracuse University and the Syracuse community.

Soul Cafe is a traditional event held by Alpha Phi Alpha that looks to showcase the talents of students and Syracuse community members, SU senior Fawaz Okoya said.

Okoya, the fall 2021 Deuce of the Delta Zeta chapter, was happy to bring back the cafe after the fraternity went through a three-year hiatus. Okoya hopes that events like the cafe can completely reestablish the influence the fraternity had before their break.

“Alphas had a strong impact on the Syracuse University campus. We want to show our previous impact on a new generation of students,” Okoya said.

The stage was bedazzled with black and gold streamers and balloons covering the performance area as dark blue and orange lights lit the audience. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, students, family and community members all joined together in the crowd to listen to the talent on display.

Overall, there were 21 performances, including original poetry and a John Legend cover. Moving covers like “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys and a blunt poem written and performed by SU senior Fabryce Fetus titled “Sucker for Love” were all part of the diverse performances on view at the cafe.

Throughout the show, the audience was very engaged. Clapping and shouting resounded during performances when the performers really stirred the listeners.

Local Syracuse rappers TMC and L2real were able to perform thanks to the Delta Zeta chapter’s desire to display talent from more than just the SU community. The two rappers performed their song “Love Struck” to an energized audience.

“(The show was) a crazy good experience, a lot of good energy,” TMC said. “Everyone gets to discover new talent, and it’s just motivation for everyone.”

Even after the performances ended, the festivities continued, with audience members and performers alike dancing to the background music.

Audience member and SU senior Aidaruus Shirwa was excited after the show for what the Alphas brought to campus.

“It was one of the best structured events I’ve ever been to,” Shirwa said. “I really appreciated the diversity in the event.”

Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to bring events to the Syracuse community this weekend with its “All Black Affair” for Valentine’s Day weekend.

To close out the show, Pierre wanted to remind the audience of the purpose of the Soul Cafe and the importance of events like it.

“It’s about building the culture, building the community and showing off the talent,” Pierre said.

Published on February 10, 2022 at 12:17 am