Google, African Union Collaborate To Launch #DiscoverMyAfrica
The Office of the African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy and Google have collaborated to announce the launch of the #DiscoverMyAfrica Shorts Challenge, a month-long initiative celebrating the diverse culture, heritage, and vitality of the African continent.
In a statement, Chido Mpemba, African Union Chairperson’s Youth Envoy, emphasized that #DiscoverMyAfrica empowers African youths to share their stories and rich cultural heritage globally.
Mpemba highlighted that ‘‘collaborating with Google promotes creative expression and fosters dialogue on topics such as content responsibility, digital preservation, and the impact of AI on Africa’s creative industries.
This aligns with our vision for a digitally enabled Africa harnessing cultural wealth for economic growth and social progress.”
According to him, throughout May, YouTube creators from across Africa are encouraged to share short videos showcasing their unique perspectives using the hashtag #DiscoverMyAfrica.
Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, stated, “Google is committed to supporting the diverse voices and talents that constitute Africa’s creative landscape.”
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Awofisayo mentioned that these initiatives offer valuable resources and platforms for African filmmakers, musicians, and content creators to share their stories and engage with global audiences.
‘‘The YouTube Shorts Challenge encourages creators to showcase various facets of African life, from music and art to food, fashion, and local landmarks.
‘‘To further celebrate Africa’s vibrant music scene, YouTube is turning up the energy with YouTube Music Nights in Nigeria and South Africa, showcasing the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats and Amapiano.
‘‘Two dedicated playlists, “Africa’s Next Wave” and “Africa Superstars,” will highlight both emerging talent and iconic voices that have made the continent a global music powerhouse,’’ he said.
Awofisayo mentioned that aspiring filmmakers and content creators could benefit from specialized workshops aimed at refining their skills and broadening their audience reach.
He noted that a dedicated Nollywood workshop in Nigeria, along with broader #DiscoverMyAfrica workshops for content creators, would provide valuable insights and resources to creators at various levels.
