The danger of an afterthought
#175:"When we realize that there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise." - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Hello Venturer,
Recently, I revisited an enlightening TED Talk by renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "The Danger of a Single Story."
In her talk, Adichie defines the single story as "showing a people as one thing and only one thing." She also emphasizes that viewing people or places through a narrow lens can lead to misunderstandings, perpetuate stereotypes, and contribute to a distorted perception of reality. She states the importance of multiple perspectives and diverse narratives to truly understand the rich complexities of human experiences.
Adichie's compelling words had me thinking about Africa's dynamic startup ecosystem. I realized that when pondering startups in Africa, my thoughts instinctively gravitate toward fintech and e-commerce ventures, while the world of entertainment never crossed my mind and I have only seen startups a certain way.
Despite the immense potential of Africa's entertainment industry in terms of job creation, revenue generation, and cultural enrichment, it appears that the focus of many African innovators tends to bypass this sector.
This week we embark on an exploration into the question: Are entertainment startups an afterthought in Africa?
Boluwatife Areola
Content developer, Ventures Africa
What’s new?
Are entertainment startups an afterthought in Africa?
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In this week’s podcast, Chioma Ude shares insights on the business of the Nigerian movie industry and the advancements that led to its increased global appeal.
Press play👇to listen to a snippet of our latest podcast.
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The New Wave of Nigeria’s Soft Power
Soft power - To attract, persuade, influence and shape preferences through culture. Nigeria has effectively done this through entertainment. Our music, films, and content transcend borders, commanding global attention. As master storytellers, we are leveraging new technologies to amplify our cultural influence.
Read our latest magazine issue to learn more.
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