Honored by Trust: Sofonie Dala and the Legacy of Africa Day in Ufa

A tribute to the unforgettable years of African student performances at Ufa State Petroleum University (2011–2015), celebrating culture, friendship, and the memories that continue to live on.

We are deeply thankful and honored that Ufa State Petroleum University trusted Sofonie Dala among thousands of students to become the presenter of Africa Day for four consecutive years during her studies from 2010 to 2015.

Throughout those years, many partners and co-hosts changed, but Sofonie Dala remained the face and voice of the celebration. The respect and confidence that the university placed in her never changed until after her graduation and departure from Russia in August 2015.

Africa Day in Ufa City became more than a university event — it became a symbol of unity, culture, talent, and friendship among African students studying far from home. Every performance, every dance, every song, and every traditional costume proudly represented the richness and diversity of Africa.

Today, we also remember with sadness one of Sofonie Dala’s former partners, Bojay David, a talented singer from Nigeria who studied medicine in Russia. After graduation, he did not return home. Few years later, he was found unconscious in his Ufa apartment and was later declared dead at the hospital due to complications related to diabetes.

As we look back at these unforgettable years, we honor not only the performances and achievements of African students in Ufa City, but also the memories of those who shared the stage, the dreams, and the journey together.

Let us remember all these beautiful moments through creative pictures, newspaper features, and the lasting legacy of African students who brought life, music, and culture to Ufa.

Conclusion for this cultural exchange story:

If you think the story ended there, then you do not yet know that the greatest moments were still to come.

Sofonie Dala also became the first Black woman to present the International Navruz celebration in Ufa — and many believe possibly in all of Russia. Navruz (also spelled Nowruz, Novruz, or Nauryz) is the ancient Persian and Central Asian New Year, celebrated during the spring equinox on March 21. Honored by more than 300 million people across over 12 countries, it represents rebirth, peace, unity, and the victory of light over darkness.

The day her name was announced as presenter, the entire international student community was shocked and amazed. For many people, it was something never seen before: a Black African student chosen to lead such a major multicultural celebration traditionally associated with Central Asian cultures.

But success often brings both admiration and jealousy.

Sofonie became the target of criticism and jealousy from some students, especially among a few Asian girls from Kazakhstan. She could hear people whispering behind her back. One of the dancers, who was also her classmate, even confronted her directly with a cold expression and asked:
“Who chose you to present it?”

Yet Sofonie never responded with anger. She remained calm, professional, and focused on her work. She presented the program with elegance, respect, and love for all cultures involved. Her partner on stage was also one of the university’s well-known Asian students, making the event a true symbol of cultural unity and friendship.

What made her story even more remarkable was that she was never paid for these roles, nor did she ask for them. She was simply chosen — trusted and appreciated by the university community among thousands of international students of every background: Black, white, Asian, African, and many others.

Her presence on stage was not only about representation; it was about talent, dedication, charisma, and the ability to unite people through culture and communication.

Beyond Africa Day and International Navruz, Sofonie Dala also proudly served for many years as presenter of Angola’s Independence Day celebrations, continuing her mission of promoting African culture, international friendship, and cultural exchange in Russia.