Fak’ugesi Festival 2024: Showcasing Africa’s digital future

Fak'ugesi festival returns to Jozi. Picture: Supplied

Fak'ugesi festival returns to Jozi. Picture: Supplied

Published Oct 2, 2024

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It is all systems go for the 2024 edition of South Africa’s premier digital innovation event, the Fak’ugesi Festival.

Set to run from today until Saturday, the event is poised to bring together Africa’s brightest minds across diverse digital disciplines, offering a platform for cutting-edge creativity and technological advancement.

Established through a strategic partnership between the Tshimologong Precinct and the Wits School of Arts’ Digital Arts Department, Fak’ugesi stands at the intersection of technology, art, and culture in Africa.

The festival has gained acclaim for its commitment to fostering innovation that is deeply rooted in African cultural practices and creative expressions.

Mark Harris, CEO of Tshimologong Precinct, emphasised the importance of this unique approach, saying: “We take our role as a digital incubator space incredibly seriously, and this festival allows us the opportunity to aggregate and showcase the best of the best in this digital space.”

Building on the success of last year’s 10th edition themed “Until Locked”, Harris is confident that this year’s festival will exceed all expectations.

“Whether you are a digital content creator, gamer, animator, or a brand seeking to align with the forefront of digital innovation, Fak’ugesi is the place to be,” he added.

Festival Director Eduardo Cachucho echoed these sentiments, highlighting the festival’s role as a convergence point for African storytelling and innovation.

“Fak’ugesi is this meeting point for African storytelling, content, and innovation. We have continued to push the boundaries of what true African innovation looks like, but more importantly, we need to have a shared space to experience this work,” Cachucho said.

Fak’ugesi’s impact is set to be amplified even further through a new partnership with Y, Gauteng’s leading youth radio station. The station, known for its commitment to real-time innovation, will help drive the digital youth agenda across Johannesburg and beyond through its extensive digital footprint.

Haseena Cassim, the station’s managing director, elaborated on the synergy between the two entities. “Partnering with Tshimologong in amplifying the Fak’ugesi Festival was a no-brainer for us. As a station that prides itself on real-time innovation, Fak’ugesi was speaking our language as well as aligning the listener with the fact that we are smack bang in the middle of the 4th Industrial Revolution that is driven by digital.”

As Fak’ugesi 2024 kicks off, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The festival not only highlights the innovative spirit driving technological advancements in Africa but also underscores the importance of cultural authenticity in digital innovation. The next few days promise to be a compelling showcase of what the future holds for African creativity and technology.

The Star

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