Axel W. Caballero

African cinema powerfully redefines global perceptions, capturing Africa’s resilient spirit against colonial oppression and its socio-political revolutions. African cinema bridges tradition and modernity, reshaping global narratives and showcasing Africa’s diverse and dynamic Culturescapes.

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African entrepreneurs often face significant challenges in getting the media, specially international outlets, to recognize the value of their work or businesses. However, a greater challenge lies in convincing these same entrepreneurs to value their own local media. The issue isn't that international media fails to see the worth in your business; rather, it's that these outlets often charge African entrepreneurs inflated prices for services that would cost significantly less in the US or Europe. As someone who has collaborated extensively with major international media houses and even facilitated some of their entry and operations in Africa, I don't make this statement lightly; Africa does not need these so-called global media brands to fulfill its communication needs. Collaboration on an equal basis should always be welcomed but we have the talent on the ground; it just needs to be develop, sustained and scaled. https://lnkd.in/eMd-xRQH

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The African film industry has made significant strides in recent years, but there's still a long way to go. The lack of experimentation and risk-taking is stifling creativity and holding us back from producing films that truly resonate with global audiences. We need to challenge ourselves to tell more nuanced, complex, and visually stunning stories that showcase the depth and diversity of African experiences. The comfort zone is a seductive trap, and it's easy to get stuck in it. But complacency is the enemy of progress. By embracing new ideas, techniques, and collaborations, we can elevate the standard of African filmmaking and make a lasting impact on the global cinematic landscape. So, let's take a step back and assess our approach. Are we merely replicating the same formulas and styles, or are we pushing the envelope and exploring new frontiers? Are we prioritizing artistic expression over commercial success, or are we sacrificing creativity for the sake of box office returns? It's time to break free from the comfort zone and challenge the norm. Let's collaborate with international filmmakers, experiment with new genres and styles, and invest in innovative storytelling techniques. Let's create films that not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and challenge our audiences. The future of African cinema depends on our willingness to take risks and push the boundaries. So, let's do it. Let's challenge the status quo and create a new wave of African films that will be remembered for generations. #filmmaking #Africanfilms #Africanstories #Africancinema #Africanfilmindustry

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Who revives the Kenyan sports eco-system? Eons ago, I encountered the teachings of Nicolo Machiavelli. Machiavelli’s writings, particularly in "The Prince," emphasize the importance of adaptability, foresight, and the strategic use of resources to maintain power and extend influence with/without coercion. What does Machiavelli have to do with sports in Kenya? Well let’s start-off by taking a page from Rwanda’s Machiavellian position. Rwanda’s leadership recognized the potent impact of perception. While this is a simplistic view on the effects of sports diplomacy, Rwanda has managed to hack broadcast satellites and turn millions of fans into walking billboards. Ramsøy and Plassman in their article “Branding the Brain”, pose that the first process in brand decision-making is representation. Suggesting that where we place our brands, the number of impressions we deliver, excetra, affect how people perceive your brand. So, while this is not news, the lack of trust from potential sponsors, has led to missed opportunities for brands. The unique opportunity accorded to brands is the emotive connection, witnessing 'our' gladiators conquer invading enemies, creating memories that stick with us, sometimes forever. A non-ending, and ever-giving soap opera. Football, the most popular sport in Kenya, has seen a shift in sponsorship, with significant backing now coming from a Tanzanian broadcaster. This change points to a broader trend of regional/global players recognizing the value of investing in Kenyan sports. How then should once-bitten local potential sponsors navigate the minefield around partnerships in Kenya?  While ROI, E&O justifications have to be provided to the C-suite, it will take a Machiavellian mindset to take the first step. So, what does this look like? A Machiavellian mindset, characterised by strategic thinking, pragmatism, and a focus on results, will help corporates navigate the complex landscape of sports sponsorship, especially if they have previously lost money and reputation. An approach based on structuring deals to include performance-based incentives, with expandable short-term commitments and strong oversight mechanisms, involving a third-party can not only help in regaining lost ground but also in building a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships within the sports ecosystem. While navigating this landscape can be challenging due potential reputational risks, a robust PR strategy can effectively manage the sponsorship narrative. By transparently addressing issues and showcasing positive impacts, potential sponsors can maintain public trust. Additionally, exploring new models of sponsorship, such as digital campaigns, and social media collaborations, present low-risk opportunities to engage audiences and maximize returns. In the end, the lost opportunity cost for not investing in sports is too much. Those with a Machiavellian mindset might just revive the sports eco-system and reap from it.

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🚀 Preserving Africa's Cultural Heritage with Digital Innovation At the heart of our mission with the Digital Heritage Preservationists (DHP) platform is the digitization, conservation, and promotion of Africa's diverse cultural heritage. Leveraging advanced AI and digital technologies, DHP creates comprehensive digital archives encompassing cultural artifacts, historical records, and indigenous knowledge. Our goal is to safeguard these invaluable resources for future generations, ensuring their accessibility and appreciation. TheDHPplatform IRAGE is dedicated to fostering cultural awareness and pride, contributing significantly to Africa's sustainable development in alignment with the fifth aspiration of Agenda 2063: "An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values, and ethics." By preserving Africa's rich heritage, we contribute to building a cohesive, resilient, and prosperous society. Our platform provides educational resources, promotes cultural understanding, and collaborates closely with communities to document and celebrate their unique histories. Through strategic partnerships and innovative projects, DHP strives to lead in digital heritage preservation, ensuring that Africa's cultural legacy thrives in the digital age and beyond. Join us in our journey to safeguard Africa's cultural heritage and shape a future where our shared history enriches and inspires generations to come. #DigitalHeritage #CulturalPreservation #Agenda2063 #SustainableDevelopment #AfricanHeritage #InnovationInCulture #CommunityEngagement

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African Filmmakers Speak: Navigating the Realities of International Streaming Platforms As streaming increasingly becomes the dominant form of content consumption across Africa, a September 11, 2024, virtual pan-African roundtable, hosted by Lagos, Nigeria-based Creative Economy Practice at Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), offered listeners (including myself) a valuable perspective on the "Africa streaming story." Unlike typical media coverage that often focuses on the viewpoints of executives at streaming platforms like Netflix or MultiChoice's Showmax, this discussion brought together two African filmmakers who have firsthand experience maneuvering relationships with these streamers. Kenyan director Tosh Gitonga and Ugandan cinematographer and director Loukman Ali shared their understandings and experiences, providing a ground-level view of the opportunities and challenges facing African filmmakers in the age of global streaming platforms. I listened to the 90-minute discussion titled "Getting Your Movies On International Streaming Platforms." Their points of view are particularly useful as authentic, practitioner-based insights into an industry often discussed from a more removed, corporate angle. Akoroko Premium subscribers received a comprehensive breakdown of the informative roundtable, along with my own insights and takeaways. To receive, subscribe at the link in the bio, or https://lnkd.in/gevT2uY7 Co-creation HUB (CcHUB)

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Last I was invited me to speak to a group of talented finalists in the "PodQuest 2024" podcast competition in Kenya, hosted by Youth+ Radio, where I shared what I have learned from running one of Zimbabwe’s biggest podcasts for over 10 years. Here are some of the highlights that would apply to anyone in content creation > Build a funnel that allows you to turn listeners and followers into Names, Emails and Numbers >Start with Passion, Not Profit: Don't start a podcast because you read about what Call Her Daddy or Joe Rogan is making! Focus on creating a podcast that you love and that offers real value to your listeners. Passion should be your North Star > Community is King: Convert your listeners into email subscribers and WhatsApp group members as soon as possible > Collaborate and Share the Workload: Team up with other creators! Collaboration is key for building a strong network and getting your content in front of a wider audience. > Go Organic, Then Get Fancy: Word of mouth is your best marketing tool. Focus on creating high-quality content that people will love to share. Then, when the time is right, explore short-form videos and paid promotions to boost your reach. > Tech isn’t Everything: Don't get caught up in the gear race. You can start with a simple setup (even your iPhone) and focus on mastering the basics of audio editing. > Master the Work Behind The Content: Learn how to edit and produce your podcasts yourself first before hiring to do it for you. Full Masterclass on YouTube here: https://lnkd.in/dAC9EBVG

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African Cinema Summit 2024: 12 Critical Questions for the Second Edition As the second Africa Cinema Summit approaches (October 7-10, 2024, in Accra, Ghana), the African film community watches with interest to see how this nascent initiative will develop. Spearheaded by Ghana's National Film Authority (NFA), the summit positions itself as the continent-wide platform for dialogue and action across film sectors. Given this ambitious framing, despite being only in year two, the Summit invites closer scrutiny. So, while it may be premature to call it a "critical juncture," saying that the second edition represents an important step in efforts to address the complex challenges facing African filmmaking, should not be all that provocative. This year's theme, "The Relevance of Cinema in African Communities," follows the inaugural 2023 event, which saw representatives from 20 African countries and yielded few tangible results. For its second edition, Summit organizers plan to focus on improving the quality of local content production and "reimagining" cinema for Africa's mass market, particularly engaging the continent's youth. A key question is whether the Summit can move beyond discussion to build meaningfully on its first year and begin to address the varied realities of filmmaking across the continent in concrete ways. Its success will be measured not just by the quality of its talks or the prominence of its attendees. It ultimately will be assessed on its ability to catalyze real-world improvements that span a fragmented landscape. Akoroko Premium subscribers received an in-depth newsletter on the second edition, asking 12 critical questions that probed the summit's potential impact and areas of focus, while examining realistic expectations. To receive it, and much more, subscribe at the link: https://lnkd.in/gevT2uY7

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Review of "Nikiwe" (2024) Release Date: August 10, 2024 Platform: YouTube Director: Timothy Onyeka Kambita Cast: Mary Manara Mwewa as Nikiwe, Eric Ruberwa as Patrick, and more --- ABOUT THE STORY "Nikiwe" is a short film that follows the tragic journey of a teenage girl named Nikiwe, who finds herself in prison on murder charges. Through flashbacks, the story gradually unveils the events that led to her incarceration. ______________ THE GOOD The story itself is strong, providing a compelling narrative that draws viewers in. The cinematography effectively captures what needs to be seen, even in moments where the execution falters. Despite the limitations, there's clear evidence of effort and intention behind the camera work. Mary Manara Mwewa’s portrayal of Nikiwe is commendable, particularly in the more subdued moments. Her performance, along with that of the actress playing her mother, stands out—though, like many Zambian actors, the ability to convey deep emotion on screen remains a challenge, especially in scenes that demand tears. The dialogue between Nikiwe and Patrick when they first enter the house is a standout moment, demonstrating well-crafted and audible conversation. Additionally, the makeup—especially in the scene where Patrick forces his friend to drink—was a notable success, deserving special praise. _______________ COMPLETE IN THE COMMENTS

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Why This Artist Turned Down a Cash Money Records Deal In this video, we explore the surprising decision of a talented artist who chose to forgo signing with Cash Money Records. Discover the risks he assessed and why he prioritized his artistic integrity over lucrative opportunities. #MusicIndustryInsights #CashMoneyRecords #ArtistIntegrity #RiskAssessment #SmartDecisions #HipHopCulture #PersonalGrowth #MusicCareers #IndependentArtists #InformedChoices

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let the count down begin

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Is Africa the hottest market for Creative industries right now? 🤔 🌍 I call this the opportunity of the century 🤯 Look closely at these numbers: 🔸️The African gaming industry is emerging as the fastest-growing for mobile gaming and expected to surpass $1B in 2024 with 92% players using their smartphones (source: World Economic Forum). Just watch the recent rise of Carry1st. 🔸️The African film industry had the potential to generate $20B and bring 20M jobs, with +2500 movies produced per year just in Nigeria, with a tremendous potential globally ('The Black Book', released on Netflix in January got top 10 in 69 countries for 3 weeks). Canalplus group just acquired Multichoive for $3B 🔸️ The animation market is rising with new shows being released by Disney like Kizazi Moto, and Iwájú , Netflix's Zambian original 'Supa Team 4', or HBO's 'Iyanu: Child of Wonder' to be released this year. 🔸️The music industry breaks records with Afrobeats artists generating billions of streams worldwide and selling out concert halls (6 billions streams, only for Burna Boy!!) 🎶 Universal Music Group just bought Nigerian record label company Mavin Records at a $125M valuation in February 2024. And the Grammy Awards just announced they will host a new ceremony in Africa with a local office. 🔸️ I am not even talking about the creators economy who's already generating millions thanks to YouTube Tiktok, and Instagram. At the core of this, lies the IP ownership of thousands of works and future content which will find their new audiences and will be worth millions (if not billions?) in a near future. I truly believe that companies that invest now will be owning the market in the next years 🚀 I don't know about you, but you don't need a rocket engineer degree to understand the opportunity... Anyone interested in investing in a Multimedia company in Africa? 👀 Let me know in the comments

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Documentaries are some of those projects that reach out and speak to you as you're working on them. It's an honor to be a part of this impactful, gospel-centered mini-doc series for one of our clients. Here are some screenshots from one of the episodes entitled "The Miner" #videoproduction #Editing #Bolivia #Missions #Documentary

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