We at Street have had a hankering for the international lately, but silly obligations like attending class have stood in the way of our yearnings to burst the Penn bubble. Luckily, our incredible whereabouts lend some brotherly love to any travel fiend by bringing every part of the world to Philadelphia in some way, shape or form. Every other week we’ll investigate a taste of international culture right here in our own backyard.
Stepping into Pearl of Africa’s red, green and yellow jungle of African and Caribbean-inspired merchandise is much like stepping into any head shop in any metropolitan city. Bob Marley’s melodies hum in the background and Che Guevara’s face peers out at passersby under the neon sign. After taking a closer look at the unique jewelry and African-made knickknacks, shoppers can see a deeper meaning in this literal pearl. Pro-Obama paraphernalia, pipes, hookahs, DVDs, beat up paperbacks, hand made drums and detailed wooden statues adorn the walls and showcases. While the proximity of burning incense and wooden figurines may be too close for comfort (and definitely a breach of the fire code), the sweet smell will only draw you further into Rasta culture.
To convince you of the store’s true originality, you must talk to its owner, Ahmed. This laid back Rastafarian explains that as the oldest cultural store on South Street (founded 1994), Pearl of Africa began as a “symbol of love and appreciation for one another.” Ahmed wanted to offer the Philadelphia community a sense of reality, and his three-floor Rastafarian den accomplishes his goal. Above the actual store are two floors dedicated to lectures, open mic nights, seminars, history and language classes, concerts and live performances of all kinds. Ahmed even boasts about a hair care salon somewhere up there. Pearl of Africa is described as a “community center” that brings Caribbean and African culture into the hip neighborhood in which Ahmed hopes to “lift up humanity” and to offer South Street a “pure look at life.”
Perhaps Ahmed has been spending too much time burning "incense," but nevertheless, a visit to this hair salon/head shop/jewelry store/music venue/classroom is guaranteed to lift your spirits and give you that natural high Rastafarians like to preach about.
Pearl of Africa 642 South St. (215) 431-8995
