‘Bonnamu’ An OM Rite of Spring

Junior Phi Mus / Photo By Miller Hollingsworth

For the past two years, fraternities and sororities alike have looked forward to local Greek philanthropy “Phi Mu Bonnamu” –– an event that has quickly become a virtual rite of springtime on the Ole Miss campus.

What exactly is a “Bonnamu”?

The name is a spinoff of the popular music festival “Bonnaru” held in Tennessee, but here at Ole Miss the event is all about raising money for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

“There is so much love within Phi Mu for LeBonheur, and when we get to share that with others, we change lives while strengthening our sisterhood at the same time,” says Phi Mu Philanthropy Chairman Madi Christina.

Members of Sigma Chi Fraternity/ Photo By Miller Hollingsworth

The event held at the Powerhouse this past Thursday was a “Battle of the Bands” among fraternities on campus. Bonnamu always has a hippie theme, and students showed up that night with their $10 tickets and flower headbands to watch the guys perform covers and original numbers on the Powerhouse stage. Each fraternity brought something different and interesting to the table ––everything from a cover of “Stacy’s Mom” to an A capella singing group.

“The guys were so good and really made it fun because of all the variety in the music they played and all the energy they brought,” says Maddy Peoples, a Freshman Phi Mu.

Three judges scored the performances, with 50 percent going to the performance itself and the other 50 percent for the crowd’s reaction. Kappa Sig was announced the winner for their cover of “Wagon Wheel,” with Delta Psi coming in second with “Stacy’s Mom,” and BYX coming in third with their cover of “Chariot”.

While only in it’s second year, Bonnamu was extremely successful, especially with the money raised for LeBonheur. The event is expected to raise approximately $20,000, and Christina, couldn’t have been happier with the way the night turned out.

“To everyone who donated, the bands participating, and the ladies of Phi Mu, I cannot thank you enough for supporting LeBonheur,” says Christina. “I was overjoyed with the success of the event, and am already looking forward to next year!” ––Miller Hollingsworth, sophomore IMC major, Meek School of Journalism and New Media

mmhollin@go.olemiss.edu