SU students came out and showcased their hidden talents, from singing to dancing at the Kickback Club’s first open mic on March 2, 2015 in the John B. Cade Library.
The first meeting consisted of multiple rap performances, a few comedy sketches, singing and some acts of spoken word.
Junior social work major, Paige Horsley, of Chicago, Illinois said she was sitting outside of the library studying, when she heard the music and went to see what was going on.
“Once I figured out what was going on and that it was an open mic I decided to give it a try,” said Horsley.
Horsley performed a piece that she had written herself. Although not many students attended, the vibes were overall electric.
Blowing students away, junior business marketing major, Leander “Og Raguu” Nelson of Los Angeles, California performed an original piece. When asked if he will return next week, Nelson responded by saying, “Yes of course I will.”
Nelson also went on to say that this open mic is something different.
“I will be coming back every week. I definitely want to show love to the Kickback Club, because they are trying to make distinct moves that I agree with.”
Continuing the showcase, sophomore mass communications major Jeremiah Cornelius, of Baton Rouge performed a rap that he had written himself and did some spoken word as well. When asked how he felt while performing on stage, Cornelius replied by saying it was quite an experience.
“It was kind of a new experience, because I really don’t do a lot of live performances, but it felt like practice for bigger and better things.”
The kickback Club was founded by Lamon “Moni” Farnell from Edgard, Louisiana. Farnell hopes to continue having open mic every Tuesday.
When asked why he decided to start the club, Farnell responded by saying it was needed.
“A lot of students have been talking about performing and getting their talents noticed, but no one is coming up with events for students to show their talents, so I said let me come up with something.” Farnell mentioned that he is all about giving students the opportunities to be a star, and hopes to see many more people participate in the festivities next time around
Hopefully with the permission of Southern University the Kickback Club will be granted the opportunity to be an ongoing event. Farnell encourages students to look out for the next event, “because it will be the place to be.”
Leander Nelson performing at the library during the first ever kickback club event on March 3rd, 2016.
