Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people, and each country, community and person has an incredible story to tell. Through the power of technology, artists and cultural institutions are using online platforms to share their stories and engage with new audiences.
This year, we’re hosting theAfrica Day Concert hosted by Idris Elba
Step inside Africa’s cultural institutions
There are thousands of iconic museums, galleries and cultural sites in Africa, including Kenya’s African Heritage House. Virtually visit 32 cultural institutions across the continent and read over300 expert-curated stories on art, identity, music, fashion, food and more.
Search for your favorite African artist and click on the Art Projector feature to display their artwork in front of you. Start with paintings byAli Omar Ermes, Ben Enwonwu, Mohammed Khadda, Nja Mahdaoui, Wangechi Mutu, William Kentridge and Wosene Worke Kosrof.
Discover more about contemporary African art and its artists by visiting Jean Pigozzi’s Pocket Galleryin augmented reality. Can you spot the paintings by artistChéri Samba and Esther Mahlangu?
Exterior of the African Heritage House, Deidi von Schaewen, African Heritage House
Be inspired by Africa’s trailblazing women
Let the voices of women from the past and present inspire you. Meet a courageous freedom fighter, let Mama Nike ignite your creativity, learn about activist Winnie Mandela’s bravery, take in the remarkable story ofQueen Tiye and score a goal with a strong women’s football team.
Learn about Kenyan heroes and explore the future
Step back in time with 61 Kenyan heroes and discover how they fought for their communities’ land, freedom and spiritual well-being. Take the quiz to find out who your super alter-ego would be.
Drawing on Afrofuturism, be inspired by artists from the diasporaand Osborne Macharia to create your own Afrofuturist world. Release your inner superpowers and let your imagination be your guide.
Superheroes of Kenya, Shujaa Stories and National Museums of Kenya, 2020
Feel the buzz of Lagos and explore South Africa
Step inside Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, with Èkó for Show, and let over 100 creatives inspire you. Start singing Afrobeat tunes with Reekado Banks, paint the lagoon withVictor Ehikamenor, meet the stars of Nollywood with Iké Udé and letDavido inspire your taste buds.
Continue your journey to South Africa and feel the urban vibe with musicians Busiswa andMuzi. Let them take you on a personal city tour and learn how Durban and Johannesburg have impacted their lives.
Èkó for Show: Explore Lagos, Google Arts & Culture
Celebrate the power of African literature
Let poet Siphokazi Jonas’love letter to her home country inspire you, and learn more about what identity means to author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.Share Africa’s greatest stories by joining the #AfricaReads challenge with YouTube. Share a video of yourself reading a book by your favorite African author, or watch how people across the continent came together to read Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn’s novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.
Crack the hieroglyphic code
Still curious about words and languages? We challenge you to crack the hieroglyphic code from Ancient Egypt with the AI-powered toolFabricius.You can also use emojis to create secret codes with friends.
Fabricius: Learn, Play, and Work, Google Arts & Culture
Explore and protect Africa’s wildlife and natural wonders
Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife and nature. Learn more about the importance of conservation with thelast male northern white rhino or join a virtual game to meet Africa’s big five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
If you’re one for appreciating nature, we invite you to check out the people of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania, and learn how planting mangrove trees and using technology can help save historical ruins and communities.
Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa, South African Tourism
Turn your lens on Africa
Join Africa’s photographers in capturing and sharing culture in new ways. Be inspired by legendary photojournalist James Barnor, take a look back at 10 years of LagosPhoto Festival and learn how to turn the street into a runway with Stephen Tayo.
Ibeji (brothers), Stephen Tayo, Homecoming, 2019
Explore Black history beyond the continent
African culture has had a transformative impact on the world and keeps fuelling creativity in the diaspora. Join rapper Nas in paying homage to the long tradition of black musicians and storytellers who inspire us to this day. Learn more about Black history and culture in theUnited States, theUnited Kingdom or explore 50 years of black creativity through the exhibitionGet Up, Stand Up Now.
Find out more on YouTube Music and with the Google Arts & Culture app on Android or iOS.
