On October 24th, a truly special moment unfolded at the AfriKIKK program during the KIKK Festival. The panel discussion "How African Creatives Are Merging Technology with Culture to Shape New Realities" was more than just a conversation; it was a powerful declaration of reclaiming our narratives, reshaping how the world sees us, and redefining the way our stories are told.
Despite some visa issues that affected a few panelists, the session went on in a hybrid format, blending both in-person and virtual participation. This allowed us to make sure that every voice was heard, proving that no hurdle is too high when it comes to amplifying African voices and ideas.
An Amazing Group of Changemakers
The panel brought together a remarkable mix of creatives:
In Person: Malik Afegbua, Joy Mawela, and Josephine Bangala Ilambo
Virtually: Mars Maasai and me, Mercy Nyaga
Together, we dove into how African creatives are using technology to take back control of our stories, stories that have long been shaped by outside forces. We discussed how emerging technologies like AI, augmented reality (AR), and blockchain are not just tools but powerful means to create authentic, bold art that represents the diversity of our culture.
What We Talked About: Key Moments of the Panel
1. The Space Between Reality and Imagination
We started by talking about how African artists are using technology to challenge the lines between reality and fiction. AI and AR have the potential to spark important conversations about identity and self-representation. They help us push boundaries and explore new ways of seeing the world and ourselves.
2. Telling Our Own Stories
Digital storytelling is opening up new possibilities for how we tell African myths, histories, and experiences. It’s not just about using technology for the sake of it; these platforms are breaking down barriers and giving us the freedom to share our stories on our own terms. We can tell the stories that matter to us and reach audiences far beyond our borders.
3. Staying True to Our Roots in a Digital World
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was about cultural authenticity. How can we use AI and other technologies to stay true to our traditions while embracing the future? It’s about making sure that modern tools reflect our heritage, rather than replacing it. AI should be a way to amplify our languages, customs, and art, not to dilute them.
4. Shifting the Global Narrative About Africa
This panel wasn’t just about African creatives expressing themselves, it was about how the world views us. The perception of African creativity is changing. We’re no longer seen as just contributors to the global conversation; we’re leading it. We are innovators, artists, and tech pioneers, and the world is starting to take notice.
Creatives Garage: Using Technology to Empower African Voices
We also had the chance to share some exciting work from Creatives Garage, especially our Ongea AI research project, which we developed in partnership with Mozilla. This project is all about exploring how AI can be used to preserve and promote African languages, making sure that our voices are heard and respected in the digital world. It’s part of our larger mission to bridge the gap between culture and technology, and empower artists and communities to shape their own futures.
The Conversation Doesn’t End Here
As we wrapped up, it was clear that this conversation was just the beginning. The energy in the room was contagious. The need for ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology and culture is more urgent than ever.
African creatives are not just telling stories anymore; we are reclaiming them. Through the power of technology, we’re creating a future that respects our past, celebrates who we are today, and challenges the world to see us in a whole new way.
We’re shaping our own narrative and we invite everyone to join us.
By Mercy Nyaga, Head of Growth at Creatives Garage