The Star E-dition

Digital Festival returns

THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za

IN CELEBRATION of innovation in digital technology, arts and culture in Africa, the Fak’ugesi Festival returns to Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

The Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival started yesterday and will run until October 28 under the theme, #BuildCozYouHaveTo.

Fak’ugesi, which means “switch on” or “add power” in urban Zulu, was named by the late Shonisani Lethole, an entrepreneur and contributor to the creative industry.

This year’s festival will feature project showcases, exhibitions, and discussions with Africa’s top digital artists in gaming, immersive art, animation, music and maker culture.

“Technology and creativity are at the epicentre of society right now, and for a while to come. Africa needs to embrace and celebrate how far we’ve come and how these two innovative spaces are shaping our daily lives.

“The Fak’ugesi Festival is about showcasing some of the best work created where these fields intersect on the continent. We have a variety of content and a high calibre of talent in Africa and are excited about the future that tech and creativity make possible,” says Fak’ugesi festival curator Dillion Phiri.

The festival was founded in 2014 by Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and the Wits School of Arts, Digital Arts Department.

“Fak’ugesi agitates the status quo by showcasing the new realities that become possible when technology and creativity fuse.

“It provokes new perspectives on both problems and opportunities in society – one can’t help but respond energetically.

“It’s a gathering place to channel youthful action, for corporates with a focus on research and development and for public sector agents who are championing the design of future cities,” says Lesley Donna Williams, chief executive of Tshimologong.

Since its inception, the festival, which focuses on digital creative industry work, ideas and critique, has featured some of Africa’s globally renowned digital artists.

These include animator and development artist Bokang Koatja, multidisciplinary artist Natalie Peneng, and visual artist and AR designer Xopher Wallace.

Fak’ugesi is an online festival with in-person workshops and activations taking place in and around Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Visit fakugesi.com to book your online ticket.

LIFESTYLE

en-za

2021-10-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/281994675677392

African News Agency