As Africa prepares to commemorate Africa Day, an occasion that honors the establishment of the African Union and celebrates the continent’s journey towards unity, Google is taking part in the festivities by launching an array of programs and activities.
These initiatives aim to celebrate Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and provide people from around the world with opportunities to experience and engage with the creativity and richness of the continent.
One of the notable programs introduced by Google is the addition of six new pocket galleries on Google Arts & Culture.
These galleries have been curated by esteemed partners from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, and offer users an immersive experience of virtual exhibitions. By providing a 360-degree view of artworks and artifacts, these galleries enable individuals to step into the heart of Africa’s cultural scene from anywhere in the world.
The partners involved in this project are the Yemisi Shyllon Museum and Terra Kulture from Nigeria, the Mohamed Amin Foundation and National Museums of Kenya, and the University of Pretoria from South Africa. Each partner will present unique exhibitions that celebrate their respective regions, showcasing a diverse exploration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
In previous years, YouTube Music has hosted the Africa Day Concert, featuring both established and up-and-coming African musical talents. This year, YouTube Music will unveil an Africa Day playlist that will include popular and trending songs from various African artists. This initiative also involves the public, as they will have the opportunity to submit their favorite African songs via YouTube Shorts. The selected songs may potentially be featured on the playlist, creating a platform for aspiring African musicians to gain recognition.
The celebrations will also shine a spotlight on African storytelling traditions through the “Stories and Storytellers of Africa” initiative on YouTube. This initiative will showcase an extensive collection of African movies and series, celebrating the creators who bring these captivating narratives to life. Additionally, YouTube’s “Showcase Your Africa” initiative will partner with content creators to share their unique perspectives on Africa, offering viewers a glimpse into the continent’s remarkable diversity.
Commenting on these initiatives, Olumide Balogun, the Interim Lead of Google Nigeria, expressed his excitement, stating, “Africa Day is a celebration of progress, unity, and the vibrant cultures that define the continent. We are thrilled that we can amplify these stories and experiences on our platforms. From exploring our rich artistic heritage through Google Arts & Culture, to dancing along to the #CelebrateAfrica playlist on YouTube Music, and engaging with compelling narratives on YouTube, we are delighted to share and celebrate Africa’s culture with the world.”
