Exploring African creativity and technology in the first-ever Afro Geek Playroom
rAge Expo is set to immerse attendees in the world of Afro-futurism and innovative creativity with the launch of the Afro Geek Playroom, the first-ever designated Afro Geek area at the expo. Curated by Afro Geek, the Playroom will bring together a diverse lineup of creators, influencers, and vendors from across South Africa and beyond, showcasing African innovation in gaming, art, and digital experiences.
“The collaboration with Afro Geek brings a fresh, futuristic energy to rAge Expo 2024, creating a unique space where African creativity, culture, and technology meet,” says Michael James, Senior Project Manager at rAge. “From the immersive experiences in the Afro Geek Playroom to the artist-driven Afro Geek FanFest, we’re excited to showcase authentic innovation that will resonate with our audience and bring a new dimension to the expo.”
The Afro Geek Playroom will be a vibrant hub of Afro-futuristic storytelling and tech, featuring a mix of vendors who capture the spirit of the continent’s digital creativity. Highlights include:
- Virtual reality and indie games: Experience unique, immersive worlds created by independent African studios.
- Laser-cut chess and storytelling: Neosentle, an artist renowned for her intricate laser-cut chess pieces will bring her one-of-a-kind chessboard, blending African-inspired designs and rich history with an interactive 3D gaming experience.
- Card game tournament with sponsored prizes: Designed by award-winning Zimbabwean comic artist, Bill Masuku, Mzansi Mayhem is a unique and exciting trading came game featuring entirely original African superheroes, with its first ever live tournament promising excitement and prizes for top players.
“Afro Geek’s Playroom will also feature a dedicated lineup of creators and influencers who will engage audiences with our unique brand of entertainment, enhancing the visitor experience and driving engagement through social media,” says Tapelo Zama, Director at Afro Geek.
“Adding to the thrill, the Afro Geek FanFest will offer an interactive competition inviting artists to create fan art inspired by their favourite video game characters. Open to online participants, the competition will generate buzz around the rAge Expo, with followers voting on their favourite artworks. Winning pieces will be displayed at the Afro Geek Playroom and available for purchase, creating a platform for our artists to shine.
“Our theme of Afro-futurism is a driving force, shaping every corner of the Afro Geek Playroom. We are thrilled to bring these uniquely African experiences to rAge Expo attendees, providing a showcase of talent, storytelling, and innovation,” concludes Zama.
Visit the Afro Geek Playroom at rAge Expo 2024 for a journey into the heart of Afro-futurism, where creativity meets cutting-edge technology.
