The world has been hankering for luxury items made in the continent and our design geniuses have responded with gusto.
We have steadily seen an increasing number of the continent’s designers and artists, attract a global audience, who wear clothes and jewellery produced in the continent and artwork produced by African artists.
Our music and film is setting trends and attracting a new audience and collaborations with artists from around the world.
As part of its celebration around Africa Month, Facebook announced the launch of its global campaign titled: ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ – a series of short films unveiling the stories of eight phenomenal creatives and small business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world.
Available to view on a dedicated ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ micro-site and the official Facebook Africa page from 21st May 2021, the films provide a glimpse into the global successes of African creatives and businesses hailing from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon.
This includes fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo from South Africa, whose clothing brand ‘Maxhosa’ has been worn by global names such as Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, and most recently had his designs featured in the film Coming to America 2.
Also featured is Sauti Sol, a collective Afro-pop music group hailing from Kenya who has gained international recognition with nominations and shows in Europe and the US.
And then there’s Mark Angel, a Nigerian comedian who has amassed over 15 million global followers on Facebook. The series is aimed at showcasing, hero’ing and honouring the people that are impacting Africa, as well as the world, through their music, arts and crafts.
Also included in the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign are:
- Mai Atafo (Nigeria) – Fashion designer and bespoke tailor
- Lafalaise Dion (Côte d’Ivoire) – Fashion designer and visual artist
- Jessica Allogo (Gabon) – Founder of Les Petits Pots de l'Ogooué Garmout Food brand
- Blinky Bill (Kenya) – Musician, DJ, Rapper and Producer
- Lola Pedro (Nigeria) – Founder of Pedro's Premium Ogogoro drinks brand.
Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa, said: “At Facebook, we’re deeply invested in the creative industry in Africa, and nowhere is it more exciting to witness this vibrant creative scene than here on the continent. These people and businesses are changing the way Africa is seen, not just in Africa, but around the world, and are cementing our position as leaders in innovation and the creative industries.
“We know that Africa is the future, and in honour of ‘Africa Day’ and the Africa Union’s 2021 celebration of African ‘Arts Culture And Heritage’, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is our way of recognising just some of these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire the world.”
As part of the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign, Facebook created a dedicated ‘Africa Day’ Facebook profile frames available to Facebook users and holding free virtual training for SMBs and Creators across Africa through its local training partners.
This is to help provide other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global, these will focus on creativity and Instagram including: how to creatively engage with your audience through Instagram; Reels school, Interactivity in stories and how to get creative with ads