Google to celebrate Africa Day with art, music and storytelling

A Google logo is reflected on the screen of a Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone in this photo illustration taken in Prague January 31, 2014. Google Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which are frequently involved in patent infringement lawsuits but not against each other, announced on January 26, 2014 that they have reached a global patent cross-licensing agreement. Picture taken January 31. REUTERS/David W Cerny (CZECH REPUBLIC - Tags: BUSINESS TELECOMS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY LOGO) - RTX183LV

A Google logo is reflected on the screen of a Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone in this photo illustration taken in Prague January 31, 2014. Google Inc and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which are frequently involved in patent infringement lawsuits but not against each other, announced on January 26, 2014 that they have reached a global patent cross-licensing agreement. Picture taken January 31. REUTERS/David W Cerny (CZECH REPUBLIC - Tags: BUSINESS TELECOMS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY LOGO) - RTX183LV

Published May 19, 2023

Share

Johannesburg - As Africa draws closer to celebrating Africa Day on May 25, Google has unveiled a range of interesting activities that will be showcased.

This is 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.

In an event that marks the founding of the AU and celebrates the continent’s quest for unity, Google is unveiling a range of programmes 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.

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 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 partner with content creators to share their perspectives on Africa, providing a glimpse into the continent’s diversity.

Country director for South Africa, Alistair Mokoena, spoke about the importance of the day.

“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.”

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 exhibitions that celebrate their respective regions, providing a diverse exploration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

The Star