The Funk is back…can you fake it? The Michigan Club is hosting the 6th annual “Fake Da Funk” showcase Dec. 8.
“Fake Da Funk” is a talent showcase that enables students to dress up and perform as their favorite artists. Participants mimic dance moves from videos as well as create their own choreography. The show originated on the campus of Michigan State University, and was introduced to Florida A&M University by Arian Reed, former president of the Michigan Club, six years ago.
Attendance was low in the beginning, but over the years it has grown significantly, with the past two sold-out shows.
“Last year’s show was very entertaining. It was a good event to have on FAMU’s campus… and it is something I’ve never seen before,” said Amir Tonsul, a junior business administration student from Newark, N.J.
“This year’s show will be full of new surprises and acts,” said Brandon Johnson, president of the Michigan Club. “All sides of the country will be represented as well as several genres of music from different decades. There will be a mix of old school, R&B soul, rap and much more.”
The proceeds from the event will go directly to the Michigan Club. The members plan on using these funds to maintain club activities, buy club T-shirts and to sponsor a family for the Christmas holiday.
“We are sponsoring three kids and their grandmother with holiday food and gifts,” Johnson said.
Last year, the show was cut short because of a student fight, but the event organizers have taken precautions to make sure the show goes on to completion.
“This year we are going to make sure we are secure and don’t go over capacity, and we will start on time to make sure all acts are included in the show,” said Dominique Hackett, a junior business administration student from Detroit, and chairperson of the planning committee for “Fake Da Funk.”
Johnson said that the club has tightened up on security to avoid conflicts and ensure that people get their moneys worth.
Despite last year’s mishap, organizers are extremely optimistic about attendance. Johnson said that increased publicity and campus participation over the years has fueled attendance.
“Two years ago we sold out for the first time, and now it’s become an annual event,” Johnson said.
Organizers are confident that the quality of the performances will fill the seats.
“I think the event is going to sell out. We have diverse entertainment, and last year we had six crunk acts; this year we tried to have acts that were just as fun but more diverse,” said Kilauanji Watkins, a sophomore biology student from Detroit, and co-chair of the planning committee for “Fake Da Funk.”
“It’s definitely going to be one of those shows that you’re not going to forget,” Watkins said.
Hackett, who is also the vice-president of the Michigan Club, said the participants have been very competitive and they bring out many different attributes of the artist they are imitating.
The event will be held Thursday in Lee Hall at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale next week and can be purchased from any Michigan Club member or from Mrs. Lewis in 327 SBI.
Contact LaToya Russell at famuanlifestyles@hotmail.com