By Ibiyemi Mathew
Global technology giant, Meta has unveiled the the six finalists from the ‘Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds’ programme, focused on supporting the next generation of Extended Reality (XR) creators in Africa.
The ‘Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds’ programme was developed in partnership with Africa No Filter, Electric South and Imisi 3D to form part of Meta’s XR Programs and Research investment into XR talents across Africa.
It has a focus on owning and shifting the African narrative, whilst telling compelling African stories that are contemporary and immersive.
The six finalists were unveiled at an exclusive XR exhibition in Lagos. The experience showcased a range of immersive digital experiences developed by the finalists rooted in African culture across various media formats including 360 video, AR/VR and Mixed Reality.
The finalists are Malik Afegbua, Xabiso Vili, Malik Afegbua,Dylan Valley,Nirma Madhoo, Michelle Angawa and Pierre-Christophe Gam.
Sherry Dzinoreva, Meta’s Public Policy Programs Director, Africa, Middle East, and Turkey, said, “As the next phase of this programme, we’re delighted to be unveiling this specially curated exhibition featuring the work of six talented creators from across the continent, all of whom have created beautiful, thought-provoking African stories and experiences using immersive technology. We know that Africa holds immense talent, which we see reflected in the experiences curated, and as we set our sights on the metaverse, we believe creators, especially those on the continent, will play a key role in unlocking its potential.”
Commenting on the ‘Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds’ programme, Moky Makura, Executive Director, Africa No Filter added, “We know the power stories have when it comes to influencing and shaping perceptions about Africa. That power is amplified when those stories are immersive and that is what today’s technologies offer storytellers. It’s exciting to be part of an initiative that has allowed us to tap into the future of storytelling in Africa.”