A Celebration of Music, Food, and Culture with the HEC Africa Club

The HEC Paris MBA Africa Club cultural night buzzed with energy, as students feasted on African cuisine, from Chakalaka to fried plantains, and danced to African beats in vibrant attire.

“The moment I heard that the Africa Night is going to happen I was like I have to be there,” said Priyam Agarwal, MBA ‘26. Priyam grew up in Nigeria between the ages 4 to 18 and said he has a special connection with the country and the continent.” It’s like home to me so I’m very familiar with the music and the beats. I’m always up for Africa Club events.”

This Africa Club event is one of many cultural social parties that clubs have organized for all students from Diwali Festival of Lights to Salsa Night. Japan Night will be held this week.

A team of eight MBA Africa Club members from various countries including Cameroon, France, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, came together to organize the event. The dinner menu included spicy jollof rice, grilled chicken, samosas, skewers, and the highly anticipated Chakalaka (onions, baked beans, carrots, curry and tomatoes), served by Ejiglo Catering.

“We wanted people to know what it’s like to party in Africa,” said Africa Club President Omoyeni Ogunnaike, MBA ’25. “We want people to enjoy Afro beats the way we do back at home, and try the food of course.”

The shoulder-to-shoulder event got everyone on their feet and on the dance floor with popular hits from “Last Last” by Burna Boy, “Jerusalema” by Master KG, to Shakira’s “Waka Waka.”

Students across HEC Paris programs were invited to attend. Anaïs Koki, a Masters in Management student, said she loves club initiatives like this so that students can improve their knowledge of other people’s countries.”

Events like this are important because it allows the club to promote African culture to their peers so they can better understand the food, attire, and music with good vibes, said Africa Club Ambassador Sokhna Sakho, MBA ’26. 

Mariana Rachadell, MBA ’26, loves to support the MBA social club get togethers. “I definitely chose this MBA because I wanted to learn about other cultures from my peers,” she said. “I have to say I was very excited about the Africa Club event. I’ve been hearing about the chakalaka which I finally tried for the first time and it’s truly delicious. I am from the Caribbean so African music and African beats makes my soul move.”