There are three constants in Waynesburg University coffeehouses: Coffee, cookies, and Nelly’s Echo playing at least once a year.

The Nigerian-born artist from Baltimore performed Wednesday night in the BeeHive on the second floor of Stover for a coffeehouse hosted by the Student Activities Board. 

“I’ve performed here almost every year for the past six or seven years,” Nelson Emokpae, who goes by Nelly’s Echo, said. “I’ve seen different students come through and graduate. Everyone stays the same age, but I’m getting older.”

Emokpae performed his own version of songs for students in the BeeHive as they enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cookies provided by the SAB. The song list included original songs and covers, but with a unique twist: conversations in the song.

“My music is very conversational,” Emokpae said. “You could have a song, and it’s almost like having a conversation.” 

Emokpae mentioned people attending the coffeehouse as he covered songs like Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”

Emokpae also played original songs of his, including “Mr. Leroy” and a yet-to-be-released song called “Get Away From Me.” 

Students who attended the coffeehouse not only got free coffee but also a clear plastic tumbler with a straw. 

Whether it was for the coffee or the music, students enjoyed the night in the BeeHive. 

“This is my first time [at a coffeehouse],” GraceMarie Hazelton, an attending student, said. “[Emokpae] is really good.”