The Merger of Pop Culture and African Cultures

It's not news that Africa has a rich history, as does anime, gaming, and pop culture in general. While these are all detailed niches that can each hold their own, variety adds to the spice and excitement. This warrants the excitement that's bound to ensue when two or all of them merge. I'm so happy to be alive at a point in time when more people are welcoming of all the possibilities of a whole new world of entertainment.

Whether you're looking to escape from real life or simply get into a new mental space, you can find what you need in this world. So far, we have several upcoming creators and enthusiasts who are looking forward to growth in the industry. For instance, cosplay enthusiasts head to NAICCON and Otamatsuri to showcase their art and enjoy that of others. These events serve gamers, dancers, K-pop enthusiasts, and a host of other performers, with gifts to be won for the best work.

Film

The world of film in Africa, and Kenya, to be specific, is evolving in leaps and bounds. For example, Nairobi Half Life from a while back introduced a technique of storytelling in local films that wasn't the norm, and the fact that it was actually amazing made it quite memorable. We also have a number of new Kenyan film releases; some of them on Netflix.

It would be an injustice to leave out Brian Munene's Subterranea; the first-ever sci-fi release straight outta Kenya (I loved that meme-age hehe). The producer is Likarion Wainaina, while the writing contributors are Arnold Mwanjilas and Martin Kigondu, and the series delves into how science can affect human behavior. Stream it on Showmax if you enjoy sci-fi and see whether you'll love it, which I'm willing to bet you might. That's because everything, from costume design to lighting and camera work, is professional and honestly impressive.

Don't forget that we had Terastorm by Andrew Kaggia in 2022. The setting is a fictional Nairobi City in which a group of African superheroes comes together to try and defeat an ancient wizard who wants to destroy the earth. It's actually a world first because it was the first ever feature film to be produced entirely in a game engine. Yay for Kenya! At least we're doing one thing right...

Make Your Pick!

The best thing about all of this is that everyone can find a space in which they're happy and fulfilled. Individually, with friends, or with family, this is one of the most inclusive industries that exists. People who are just getting into the industry might especially love this age. As a kind of newbie myself, I was glad to discover that this community is welcoming and ready to share tips and information on the same. Comic conventions, cosplay parties, trivia nights, and more are constantly in planning and production, and you can catch real-time updates right here, so keep it locked!