There are a variety of campus organizations registered at Florida A&M University. However, this school year has seen many high caliber successes from the newly registered Endustry Power Players.
“EPP is making it happen,” said Tylon Chaney, a third year computer science from Hartford, Conn. and member of EPP.
Nov. 1 the FAMU organization brought Sony/BMG recording artist Lyfe Jennings to FAMU’s campus. He performed for a packed grand ballroom of screaming fans.
His performance stems from an unexpected stop on a 30-city tour. Jennings and his crew made FAMU a stop on their way to Atlanta. Background singer, St. Louis said that FAMU was one of only three colleges they have visited.
The coordinators for this event were Amir Tonsul, a third-year business administration student from Newark, New Jersey and Mike Nelson, a third-year public relations student from New York City.
As students entered the grand ballroom they were greeted by EPP members with gift bags full of Jennings posters, Ray J posters, Bow Wow, and Lyfe albums.
Through word-of-mouth publicity by EPP members the grand ballroom filled up fast. “It’s Lyfe …that’s it and it’s free,” said Saran Beckford a 4th year business administration student from Gaithursburg, Md.
Many students felt that events of that caliber are greatly needed at FAMU. “This event is good for the University because it gives students a chance to do everything on campus and we are exposing them to another light of the music industry,” said Reggie Hall, a 3rd year business administration from Selma, Ala.
As Jennings ascended the stage he thanked FAMU for having him and congratulated FAMU on its recent successes. “I don’t know what else to say but your doing your thing down here,” Jennings said.
The background singers then took the stage and Jennings warmed his strained vocals, while the crowd rushed the stage with cameras and posters.
Jennings performed his popular single “Must be Nice” first. The crowd applauded as the background singers used one mic to harmonize on the chorus.
After garnering crowd participation in various songs on his album Lyfe 268-192, the program was opened for a meet and greet session. “Can I sign some autographs for ya’ll,” Jennings said.
Students enjoyed the intimate setting of the event and appreciated Jennings taking time out of his schedule. “It was important for him to come here and spread love to FAMU,” Nelson said.
Other students enjoyed the efficiency of the event. “I think it was a great turnout especially for spur of the moment the performance was short, sweet and to the point and I know EPP will continue to do great things,” said George Olukun a fourth year political science/pre-law student from Atlanta.
At the end of the event members of the crowd rushed to get last minute photos and autographs. Student appreciated Jennings visit and look forward to future EPP events.
” I thought it was really good…the crowd interaction was great and he was down to earth,” said Lyfe LaFontant, a senior nursing student from Miami. “FAMU needs to have more stuff like this!”
Contact LaToya Russell at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com