On Oct. 14, the Smith radio station WOZQ welcomed the greater Five College community to dance along to the musical stylings of Emma Blue Jeans and Oompa for the fall concert.
Oompa, a rapper from Roxbury, Mass., chose to perform at Smith because of her perception of the campus as an accepting and vibrant community. She said, “It seemed like everybody kind of clusters on campus, so people seem to really enjoy each other and know how to navigate each other’s space.”
The crowd seemed to emulate this concept at the show as they danced, sang, swayed and screamed along with Oompa throughout her set. Emily Drennan ’23, one of WOZQ’s station managers, said, “I think the way Oompa wants to have fun is by being inclusive and energetic. She brought the energy, and Smith recognized that and gave energy back,”
This enthusiasm was especially strong during the more dynamic numbers at the conclusion of the show, such as “IT AIN’T SAFE” and “LEBRON.” Oompa said, “I feel like I get to kind of just go all out, and it’s towards the end of the set, so if I go out of breath, it’s all good.”
The audience remained engaged and energized, allowing Oompa to interact with them throughout the show.
“I like those crowds that are receptive and are down to just buy in,” Oompa said, noting that this makes the show more enjoyable for both the audience and herself.
Crowd members seemed to agree with this notion. Station Manager Suzanna Strauss ’23 said, “Feeling really united with a crowd is really awesome, and I feel like when you’re all doing the same motion, it’s really easy to find that kind of unity.”
WOZQ planned this event to connect the Smith and Five College communities to music, but also to provide students with a chance to let loose. Drennan said, “I think we wanted to provide an occasion where people can just be with their friends and listen to music and not be engrossed by technology or requirements.”
Oompa is planning to release new music at the end of October. On campus, WOZQ is continuing to host events throughout the semester, including two more shows as part of their coffeehouse series and a music trivia night.
