Celebrating Africa Day: Google's Cultural Showcase and YouTube's African Stories

Google is marking Africa Day, commemorating the establishment of the African Union and the continent's progress towards unity.

As part of its celebration, Google has introduced six new pocket galleries on Google Arts & Culture. These galleries were chosen by respected partners from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Google plans to unveil a range of programs and events to celebrate Africa's vibrant cultural heritage and provide global opportunities for observing Africa Day in 2023.

NEED TO KNOW 

Olumide Balogun, Interim Lead of Google Nigeria, explained in a statement on Wednesday that Africa Day commemorates the founding of the African Union (AU) and celebrates the continent's journey towards unity.

Balogun highlighted that the program includes six new pocket galleries accessible on Google Arts and Culture. These galleries offer an immersive experience of virtual exhibitions, curated by esteemed partners from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Among the partners mentioned by Balogun were the Yemisi Shyllon Museum, Terra Kulture, the Mohammed Amin Foundation, the National Museums of Kenya, and the University of Pretoria from South Africa.

Balogun further disclosed that each partner will showcase special exhibitions that pay tribute to their respective regions, providing a diverse exploration of Africa's abundant cultural heritage.

“It will also provide a 360-degree view of artworks and artefacts, effectively allowing people to step into the heart of Africa’s cultural scene from wherever they were.”

“In previous years, YouTube Music has held the Africa Day Concert, showcasing present and next-generation African music talents.”

“This year, YouTube Music will unveil an Africa Day playlist, featuring popular and trending songs from various African artists.”

“This initiative will also involve the public, who will have the opportunity to submit their favourite African songs via YouTube Shorts for a chance for it to potentially feature on the playlist,” Balogun said.

AFRICA’S STORIES

YouTube's "Stories and Storytellers of Africa" initiative will feature a wide range of African films and TV series, while also recognizing the talented creators behind these narratives. Balogun also mentioned that YouTube plans to collaborate with content producers through the "Showcase Your Africa" initiative, allowing them to share their unique perspectives on the continent and showcase its diversity.

According to him, “Africa Day is a celebration of progress, unity, and the vibrant cultures that define the continent and we are excited that we can amplify these stories and experiences on our platforms,” he said.

Overall , Google is actively celebrating Africa Day by introducing six new pocket galleries on Google Arts & Culture, curated by esteemed partners from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. These virtual exhibitions provide an immersive experience and a diverse exploration of Africa's cultural heritage. Additionally, YouTube's "Stories and Storytellers of Africa" initiative will highlight African films and TV series while honoring the creators behind them, and the "Showcase Your Africa" initiative will allow content producers to share their unique perspectives. Overall, Google aims to amplify the progress, unity, and vibrant cultures of Africa through its platforms.