In a night of cultural passion and diversity, where unity meets uniqueness, STUKU showed up and showed off yet again this year. So often, our talents, expressions, and the depths of our identities are hidden as we try navigating university life. However, events like this remind students that they are more than their academics – they are people with creative minds and diverse expressions. The night was filled with talented performances, high spirited programme directors, and an engaged audience. This was a reminder that even though students share the same lecture halls, degrees, and faculties, they still have diverse cultures. Thus, the event was not only fun. It was educational and, most importantly, it was a bridge of cultures.
It takes courage to confidently display your culture in public, and it is events like this that make all people feel seen and heard in their peculiarity. Culture was meant to be shared, and Nothing But Vernac was the place to be if you wanted a share of beautiful diversity. There were different performances in different languages like Xhosa poetry, emotional Zulu drama, diverse cultural dances, and amazing music that was inclusive of all people. Although it was a competition, the event focused on celebrating the diversity and multiculturalism found at the university through art, poetry, singing, dancing, and drama. The audience actively engaged with all performances, supporting all kinds of cultures while showing off their own.
PDBY spoke to Phemelo Masemola, the Nothing But Vernac Officer for STUKU. “Keeping cultures alive in a diverse university matters because culture is a big part of who STUKU is. It keeps us grounded, reminds us of where we come from, and helps others understand us better. Even though trends change, culture stays. It is something we live and express every day,” she said.
“Nothing but Vernac and Expressions (NBV) is all about celebrating that. With our theme, ‘Unfiltered Identity: Trends fade, originals remain’, we wanted students to embrace their true selves and express their identity in their own unique way. Our aim was simple: give performers the spotlight and let them be themselves – no limits, no filters. We encouraged everyone to interpret the theme in a way that felt real to them, because identity looks different for everyone. And honestly, we achieved that. The performers showed up as their authentic selves, and that is exactly what NBV is about. As STUKU, we just create the stage; they bring the life,” she further elaborated.
PDBY also spoke to Madiliseng Mabaso, a second-year Information Science student. “I was there for the storytelling. Heavenly took us to her own heaven. A full house graced us with a dance. The whole night felt like a heartfelt sentimental concert as one singer performed my favourite song, ‘Ke Tlo Fihla’, and Nkanyezi took us to church with his spirited performance. STUKU ate with this event. I enjoyed it very much,” she shared.
It was all about unfiltered identities because trends fade, but originals remain. Sometimes, you do not need to understand the language to be present. The most powerful performances are the ones that speak and include the audience.
