Eastern Illinois University’s Strong M.A.N. is a group meant to empower those on campus, and on Saturday they were trying to do just that with their talent show held at Seventh Street Underground.  

President of Strong M.A.N. sophomore digital media major KJ Wright said that he wanted to showcase all the talent at Eastern. 

“Give people the opportunity to really step up and show all the talents, really to show who they really are,” Wright said. “Because this talent show not only reveals talents but people’s personalities as well.” 

Wright said that the talent show was to get people to see what Strong M.A.N. is all about.  

“We’re here to really show that we’re official and that we got something to bring to EIU,” Wright said. 

Members of Stong M.A.N. spoke about what it meant to be a part of their group during the show, and said their goal is to help men of color graduate and empower them during their time at Eastern. 

The talent show had six talents as well as some special events that included the audience, starting with some audience members dancing to get the crowd into the show. 

The first act of the show was junior business management major Christopher Redman who also goes by Prodigy. He said that he wanted to showcase his talent for people and get people hyped. 

“I’ve been making music for a long time,” Redman said. “So, I’m trying to go out there and get the crowd hyped as much as I can.” 

Redman said he started rapping after his brother and father took him to a recording studio. He said he fell in love with music and rapping right away.  

Another rapper that performed was freshman computer information technology major Malik Washington who was excited to express himself and show what he can do to people watching. 

“I’m just really happy to be here and just give everyone a good show and just show people who I am as a person,” Washington said. “I know I can do this, and I know I’m capable of singing and I know my craft.” 

Washington also has a group he performs with and wanted this talent show to be a way for people to listen to his music. 

Gallery • 3 Photos

Patrick Schmitz

Eastern Illinois junior psychology major Jada Israel performs a song she wrote. She got first place in the Strong M.A.N. talent show on Saturday.

The Pantherettes were also present and a game of musical chairs between members of Strong M.A.N. and the audience was played for a halftime show performance. 

At the end of the show, they gave away a trophy for first place as they had judges scoring each act. 

One of the judges, Luis Paniagua, a graduate assistant in the office of belonging, access and engagement and one of the advisors for Strong M.A.N, said he was proud of the group for putting this on as well as the talent for being brave enough to showcase their talent in front of so many. 

“I think for sure the creativity and then overall the openness to like being vulnerable for sure,” Paniagua said. “It takes guts for sure to be able to showcase your talent in front of so many people.” 

Junior psychology major Jada Israel ended up winning first place and the trophy for her singing. Washington ended up getting third place and Redman did not get to the top three, but he was still grateful that an event like this happened. 

“Dope event. I feel like we need more like this. People to showcase their talent, no matter what it is,” Redman said. “More than just artists, rappers. More talent that’s unique, you know what I’m saying? So, I love things like this. Give people a chance to show who they are.” 

Patrick Schmitz can be reached at 581-2812 or at pfschmitz@eiu.edu.