The Black Sheep
Fre rooe...lik mm e M at ono e, y fr ea om h b yo aby ur !
• a college newspaper that’s actually about college •
Volume 2, Issue 5 4/26/12 - 5/16/12
theblacksheeponline.com @TheBlackSheepUD
Getting to Know the Techno Bus Driver Brittany Barkes wrote this
When I sat down at Central Perk waiting for Nadar Azawah to arrive, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. To all of you who don’t know, Nadar has been a bus driver at the University of Delaware for about 5 years, and he is best known for his legendary “techno bus.” The techno bus was always a fun drunken experience, with bumping beats, flashing strobe lights, and inevitable vomit. Even without his well-known bus, Nadar still makes his presence on campus known by dressing in a unique fashion, sometimes even sporting armor. Today was no different. Nadar walked in wearing his signature headband and greeted me with a big smile. While he went to order his mango smoothie, I realized just how many people were intrigued by his presence. He sat down and I had the opportunity to ask those burning questions we have all wanted to ask. The Black Sheep: First off, how did you end up at Delaware as a bus driver? Nadar: I moved to Delaware after graduating from a fine arts school in Egypt. I got a degree in visual communication and computer graphics and I refreshed my knowledge by taking courses at UD. When I arrived in the United States, I came here with high ambitions. My wife owned a print shop business and I ran the dark room. And then I began working at UD. TBS: So then how did the techno bus come about? N: Whenever I’m driving, I’m constantly thinking about design. So I started driving the bus in different kinds of outfits, and a student who has since graduated created a Facebook group about the techno bus. I started mixing my own music, mostly choosing short tracks. I signed up for evening work. That was the bomb. I made the bus reflect nightlife with lights and lasers. TBS: Then the techno bus was born. Since underclassmen never experienced it, do you think they understand what it was all about? N:If they heard about the techno bus, they really don’t understand the experience that was involved. In the techno bus everyone was a participant in the atmosphere. It was a lot more than just music and lights. It was like an art gallery or a stage, and I was on center stage. Freshmen will never see the gravity of the whole thing. But maybe when the time comes, it will return. TBS: Can you tell me a little bit more about what inspires you? N: I used to go to Philly on the weekends. All the clubs gave me VIP treatment, and I never had to wait in line. Bouncers always recognized me. When the techno bus put me in the spotlight, I wanted to use this power responsibly. If I’m blessed with the spotlight, I want to show depth of issues so I wrote about confronting negative things, while also injecting humor to get the interests of the people.
Other stuff
Inside
TBS: Who are some of your favorite musical artists? N: I create most of my own music, but my favorites are Armin van Buuren and Tiesto. TBS: Do you break out any dance moves when you listen to their music? N: I dance like a stripper. I like dancing with the lights because the lights show the edges of the silhouettes of the body. TBS: It’s been said that the end of the world might be near, but do you agree with this? N: If it is true, then I’m ready to be rewarded for all the good deeds I have done. If it’s not true then I have more time to build up good deeds. I am not afraid. TBS: But what if it’s some sort of zombie apocalypse. Then what would you do? N: I would peel off my human body and reveal my zombie, blend in, and breed with the best looking ones and make techno zombies. TBS: That’s slightly terrifying. Well, do you have any celebrity crushes currently? N: I could have a crush on any actress with expressive eyes, but an inviting mouth is a must. Jennifer Connelly has a gorgeous mouth and eyes.
Aww come on, like we would lie to you. see page 9
Carpe Diem, No Regrets, Yolo, Etc., Blah blah blah.
see page 4
Your Senior Bucket List
TBS: If you could have one super power to impress Jennifer Connelly with, which would you choose? N: I would love to have the ability to penetrate obstacles without actually damaging them. I want my body to be able to go through walls so I can reach my destination. And you could call me “Nader the Magnificent.” TBS: What if you were trapped on a deserted island, who would you want with you? N: Someone who can speak English well so we can spell “SOS” correctly in the sand. And I would bring an inflatable palm tree. TBS: One last question, where do you get your armor? N: Years ago, I tried to make my own pants using a fabric tape since I didn’t have a sewing machine. I took them on the dance floor and everyone was admiring them. But then the heat caused the pants to come apart. I went home and got a sewing machine, so now I hang out with the old ladies at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I design hats, belts, and bags. Designing feeds my cycle of wanting to be more unique. I design moods and ambience. TBS: Any last things you want to add? N: The techno bus became a movement to symbolize the free spirit. Thank you all who took part in making something very vast and very beautiful.
Our Honest Cover Letter
We show you what UDel girls are always up to. see page 12
A Day in the Life