In a first, this year’s Instagram campaign celebrates women of impact, spotlighting four trailblazing women from the continent and diaspora – all of whom have built a global presence through their exceptional talents and passions across sports, entertainment and music.

Now in its fourth year, the women featured in this year’s 2024 campaign hail from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and for the first time Egypt.

Eniola Aluko, Bontle Modiselle, Victoria Kimani and Tasneem Elaidy tell their inspiring stories in four beautiful short films highlighting their successes, challenges and passions.

Shot in collaboration with five rising filmmakers, Haya Khairat from Egypt, Michael Rodriques from South Africa, Nyasha Kadandara from Kenya and London based Nigerian Aaliyah Mckay alongside co-director Shehroze Khan, these films amplify the unique voices and stories of women who are changing the way Africa is viewed on the international stage.

As part of the campaign, Instagram is also partnering with local African content creators to  host the third edition of its community challenge, ‘#ShareYourAfrica,’ bringing together emerging and established content creators to create a movement and celebrate what it means to be African.

Speaking about the campaign, Kezia Anim-Addo, communications director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET) at Meta, said, “For the fourth year running, we’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing women from across the continent and beyond, who are having a remarkable impact globally. These are women who are contributing to positively shaping the female African narrative and inspiring change across football, music, entertainment and culture. At Instagram, we’re deeply rooted in culture and connection, and we know our platform provides the perfect space to showcase passions and creativity, whilst inspiring a worldwide audience.”

Meet the stars of ‘Made by Africa and Loved by the World’ 2024:

• Bontle Modiselle(South Africa): An award-winning dancer and influential figure in the South African entertainment industry, Bontle has won numerous awards, including a ‘Africa Movie Academy Award’ and has travelled the world showcasing her impressive dance skills 
• Eniola Aluko(Nigeria): A trailblazer in women’s football whose contributions to the women’s game has made her a significant figure in the world of sports. Eniola has played for some of the world’s leading football clubs, and recently made history by becoming the first African female to make the board of Italy’s female top-flight football club FC Como Women.
• Victoria Kimani(Kenya): A singer, songwriter and entertainer known for her distinctive blend of R&B, Afropop and Hip-Hop. Victoria has carved a successful path in the African music scene and beyond, collaborating with well-known local and global artists, and was once referred to by the Grammy Awards as ‘Kenya’s Best Kept Secret’.
• Tasneem Elaidy(Egypt): A singer and songwriter with strong vocals whose songs have earned her international recognition, Tasneem started out on social media, releasing cover songs and original music. She went viral after releasing her version of a popular song and today, she has a growing audience of nearly 2 million followers on Instagram, 3 million on TikTok and over 100 million combined views for her music!

To view each short film, follow the four women featured on Instagram or via the Meta Africa Facebook Page.

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Recognized globally, this day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable progress Africa has made, while reflecting on the challenges it continues to face.

Africa, a continent of vibrant colors, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a true testament to the human spirit’s resilience and creativity.

It is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, pulsating rhythms of contemporary Afrobeats, and a trove of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered.

In commemoration of Africa Day, we invite you to embark on an enchanting journey to the heart of Africa.

In this listicle, we present to you 13 spectacular ways to celebrate and pay tribute to the myriad of cultures, traditions, and stories that make this continent so unique and beautiful.

Embrace the spirit of Africa and let it spark a newfound love and appreciation for its astounding heritage.

1. Step inside and explore the collections

There are thousands of iconic museums, galleries, and cultural sites in Africa, including Nigeria’s Yemisi Shyllon Museum. Virtually visit 45 cultural institutions across the continent and read over 300 expert-curated stories on art, identity, music, fashion, food and more. 

2. Discover the colours of Africa with Design Indaba

By celebrating the beauty of colour, learn about arts and culture through 60 artists from across the countries in Africa, curated by Design Indaba.
Spin the kaleidoscope to explore how the artists capture the character of their home country through colour.

3. Learn about the sacred Osun Osogbo groves

Find out more about Nigeria’s sacred Yoruba site, and meet the people keeping its spiritual, natural, and artistic legacy alive. You can also pay a virtual visit to the annual Osun Osogbo Festival where the renewal of the town’s pact with the Goddess Osun is celebrated.

4.  Meet the Maasai community of Tanzania and Kenya

Learn about the Maasai people who are a Nilotic ethnic group in East Africa. Through Maasai: Wisdom of a Community, find out more about Maasai beadwork, sustainable architecture, traditional Adamu dance, and even learn how to speak Maa, the Maasai language.

5. Discover the magic of Mali

Step into the rich history and heritage of Mali to learn about its manuscripts, music, monuments and modern art. The Malian people’s unbelievable resilience to human and environmental threats, and their unwavering commitment to preserve their heritage will move you.

6. Take inspiration from a legendary photographer

Discover the works by the  Kenyan hero Mo Amin and learn why he is known as the Eye of Africa. In a bespoke experiment, immerse yourself in works spanning his entire career and step behind-the-scenes to uncover his passion, favourite cameras, music taste and unique work ethic.

7. Find out why Africa is the birthplace of creativity

Journey back in time to discover why Africa is known as the Cradle of Creativity. From the first artist’s studio, to ancient rock art all the way to some of today’s best artistic voices — taking this journey is sure to get your creative juices flowing.

8. Which Kenyan superhero are you?

Step back in time with 61 Kenyan heroes and discover how they fought for their communities’ land, freedom and spiritual well-being. Take the quiz to find out who your super alter-ego would be. Drawing on Afrofuturism, be inspired by artists from the diaspora and Osborne Macharia to create your own Afrofuturist world. Release your inner superpowers and let your imagination be your guide. 

9. Be inspired by Africa’s trailblazing women

Let the voices of women past and present inspire you. Meet a courageous freedom fighter, let Mama Nike ignite your creativity, learn about Mama Rachel Ruto’s initiative, take in the remarkable story of Queen Tiye and score a goal with a strong women’s football team. 

10. Feel the buzz of Africa’s most populous city

Step inside Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, with Èkó for Show, and let over 100 creatives inspire you. Start singing Afrobeat tunes with Teni, paint the lagoon with Victor Ehikamenor, meet the stars of Nollywood with Iké Udé and let Davido inspire your taste buds. Continue your journey to South Africa and feel the urban vibe with musicians Busiswa and Muzi. Let them take you on a personal city tour and learn how Durban and Johannesburg have impacted their lives. 

11. Join the movement to preserve Africa’s wonders

Climate change is impacting nature, historical sites and communities across the continent. Be inspired by the people of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania, and learn how planting mangrove trees and using technology can help save historical ruins and communities.

12. Turn your lens on Africa

Join Africa’s photographers in capturing and sharing culture in new ways. Be inspired by legendary photojournalist James Barnor, take a look back at 10 years of LagosPhoto Festival and learn how to turn the street into a runway with Stephen Tayo. 

13. Explore Black history beyond the continent

African culture has had a transformative impact on the world and keeps fuelling creativity in the diaspora. Join rapper Nas in paying homage to the long tradition of Black musicians and storytellers who inspire us to this day.

Learn more about black history and culture in the United States, the United Kingdom or explore 50 years of black creativity through the exhibition ‘Get Up, Stand Up Now.’ 

The post It’s Africa Day! 13 Ways to Celebrate the Day appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

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.

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 AfricaDay 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 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.

Speaking on these initiatives, Olumide Balogun, Google Nigeria, Interim Lead, 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.”

Let’s tell you more of these in pictures, courtesy Google:

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