Welcome to Jabulani 2025

Over the past few years, our students—whether undergraduate or graduate, college or Conservatory—have faced situations that have challenged them to the core. From the vicious murder of George Floyd to the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, from discrimination while abroad to local micro and macro-aggressions on campus, each of our students has had to face obstacles that were unpredictable and unfathomable. Over the many generations of our presence, we have always leveraged our voices and our bodies to proclaim the ever-present refrain, “Black Lives Matter!”

Now, as we reach the end of the 2024–2025 academic year, we stand together to rejoice in the individual and collective academic and artistic achievements of our African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, Black, and African American students. Jabulani!

Jabulani was envisioned by two Black graduating seniors, Alanna Underwood (vocal performance, College, 2019) and Crislin Williams-Womack (dance, Conservatory, 2019). Together, Underwood and Williams-Womack endeavored

to create a culminating “rite of passage” experience grounded in an African aesthetic that equally represented the creative excellence of their Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee education. This year, we continue the tradition as a beloved community of elders, mentors, and siblings. It is our privilege as the Africana Studies Division to produce and host Jabulani 2025. Rejoice!

With great excitement, admiration, and respect,

Emmett G. Price III, Ph.D.
Dean, Africana Studies

Enjoy these photos from Jabulani 2023 and 2024(Opens in a new window)

Jabulani 2025
Friday, May 9, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Boston Conservatory Main Stage
31 Hemenway, Boston, MA 02215

Graduating students of African descent: check this page for registration information(Opens in a new window)

For more information email africanastudies@berklee.edu(Opens in a new window) 

Enjoy photos from Jabulani 2019, 2022(Opens in a new window)