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As Africa gears up for Africa Day, an event that marks the founding of the African
Union and celebrates the continent’s quest for unity, Google is unveiling a range of programs and activities to
celebrate Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and provide opportunities for people all over the world to
experience and engage with the creativity and richness of Africa.
Among the programs is the addition of six new pocket galleries on Google Arts & Culture, curated by
esteemed partners from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, these pocket galleries offer an immersive
experience of virtual exhibitions, providing a 360-degree view of artworks and artefacts, effectively allowing
people to step into the heart of Africa’s cultural scene from wherever they are.
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Partners include 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, providing a diverse exploration of Africa’s rich
cultural heritage.
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 favorite African songs via YouTube Shorts for a chance for it to potentially
feature on the playlist.”
The celebrations will also highlight African storytelling traditions through the “Stories and Storytellers of
Africa” initiative on YouTube which will spotlight an extensive collection of African movies and series,
celebrating the creators who bring these narratives to life. Alongside this, the “Showcase Your Africa”
initiative will see YouTube partnering with content creators to share their perspectives on Africa, providing a
glimpse into the continent’s diversity.
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Speaking on these initiatives, Country Director for Eastern Africa, Agnes Gathaiya said,
“Africa Day is a celebration of progress, unity, and the vibrant cultures that define the continent. We are excited 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 happy to share and celebrate Africa’s culture with the world.”