Showbiz

Design Indaba, Google Unveil Colours of Africa to Showcase African Creatives

Published

3 years ago

04/11/2022

An online initiative known as Colours of Africa has been launched by Design Indaba in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

The project brings online and showcases 60 specially-curated artworks produced by over 60 unique African creatives chosen by Design Indaba – each invited to contribute a work that captures the ‘colour’ and character of their home country.

Selected by Design Indaba’s founder Ravi Naidoo, the creatives will showcase the best of African craft, product, industrial design, fashion, film, animation, graphic, food, music, jewellery and architecture.

“Africa is known for its bold, unapologetic use of colour. Each country, city and community is identifiable by its unique palette. As Africans, we can tell powerful stories through colour. This project tells a story of a continent through the universally accessible lens,” says Naidoo.

The first artistic undertaking of this scale, the project will allow viewers to discover stories of Africa as told by the African creative community. The artworks will be showcased online where users are invited to spin the kaleidoscope to explore the works in an effort to take users on a journey through Africa, inviting them to view each country through the eyes of a local artist.

“Google has always been acutely aware and in full support of the immense creative melting pot that exists on the continent. Collaborating with Design Indaba on this project allows us to bring this support to fruition. By empowering and amplifying African voices to tell the unique stories of their cultures through their work and creativity, we hope to provide much-needed exposure, cultivate a newfound curiosity, and provide a window into the vast beauty that exists on the continent,” says Nitin Gajria, Managing Director at Google.

The project involves creatives from almost every discipline imaginable, from architecture, illustration, painting and ceramics through to writing, engineering, the performing arts and visual communications. Their creations have been converted into images, videos, texts and illustrations. The multidisciplinary mix of 60 artists includes Algerian photographer Ramzy Bensaadi, fashion designer Bisrat Negassi from Eritrea, filmmaker Archange Kiyindou “Yamakasi” from the Republic of Congo and visual artist Ngadi Smart from Sierra Leone.

To bring the project to life, Design Indaba collaborated with former Design Indaba conference speaker Noel Pretorius and his creative partner, Elin Sjöberg, who collaborated with Google Arts & Culture Lab to create the design concept and interface for the digital exhibition. The exhibition features a kaleidoscopic navigation tool that can be used to explore the art in a randomised way, giving the visitor a unique experience while allowing the art itself to shine.

“Nothing like this exists to date, so we’re very excited to break new ground. This is an important artistic catalogue, the first of its kind to plot the expanse of African artistry on Google Arts & Culture. We salute Google for taking this important step to provide the world with a resource like this – not everyone can afford to travel here or access physical art fairs and museums to view this kind of work,” continues Naidoo.

In addition to the Colours of Africa platform, the initiative will also see the launch of over 4 000 images, videos and 20 carefully curated exhibits from Design Indaba’s extensive archive. Award-winning initiatives like Sheltersuit, Arch for Arch and Emerging Creatives will be profiled extensively for the first time online.

New works by some of the most important creatives working on the continent and abroad will also be displayed. These include Fozia Ismail (featured creative on Serpentine Gallery’s Creative Exchange programme), Mayada Adil El Sayed (represented Sudanese women at the Generation Equality Forum) and Lady Skollie (winner of the 10th FNB art prize).

Design Indaba, which celebrated its 25th year in 2020, draws top thinkers and guests from across the globe. Acknowledged as the world’s best design conference, it continues to be a leader in foregrounding African creativity, making it the logical ‘home’ for this project.

“We look forward to giving viewers a ticket to experiencing a whole new world, one that is outside of their everyday surroundings and creative knowledge. This project answers the vital call for all to notice and embraces African art in all its wonder,” concludes Nitin Gajria at Google.

As part of the project launch, Design Indaba commissioned Nigerian multi-talented creative and accomplished professional artist, Chief Nike Monica Okundaye, to capture the unique spirit of her country in a colour which represents home to her. She created an original painting titled ‘The Female Drummer/Àyánbìnrin’.

Colour: Royal Blue

Country: Nigeria

Artwork Rationale:

The colour blue in Nigerian indigenous cultures is the colour of love. Before a king ascends the throne, he often has to wear royal indigo blue. In Yorùbá, this is called ẹtù. In northern Nigeria, the colour is also used for the chief or the king. Same in eastern Nigeria. In the north, they sometimes even pound the blue into the turban when they marry a new wife. The whole face is sometimes blue to show love to the new bride. During their Durba, they sometimes wear the shining blue colour in the turbans to show love to the people at the festival.

“I used blue for this painting titled ‘The Female Drummer/Àyánbìnrin’ to illustrate both the love you see here between the drummer and her lover and the love desperately needed in the time of the coronavirus lockdown. In Yorùbá societies, the talking drummer is usually at the front of the palace, sending messages to the king through the medium of the drum — messages that the visitor themselves might not understand. The unique thing about this painting, done during the lockdown, is the use of a female drummer instead of the typical male ones seen in traditional Yorùbá art. My work involves female empowerment — I have trained disadvantaged women, widows, and young women for many years on fabric art — so I am always happy to put women at the forefront of my artistic philosophy”, says Nike Okundaye, Founder and Managing Director of Nike Center for Art and Culture.

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Popular Telenovela Wura Returns for Season 4 on Africa Magic March 30

Published

21 hours ago

18/03/2026

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The popular Nigerian telenovela, Wura, is making a return to the screens on Monday, March 31, 2026, for the fourth season.

The programme will be aired exclusively on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7), Business Post gathered.

It will air every weeknight at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) and at 8:30 pm on Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154, GOtv Channel 7).

Directed by Mr Rogers Ofime, Season 4 raises the stakes as Wura’s carefully built empire begins to crack under the weight of secrets, betrayal, and relentless pressure from every side. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, the Adeleke dynasty stands on the brink of collapse.

A statement disclosed that the new season continues to follow the story of Wura Amoo Adeleke, the ruthless matriarch played by Scarlet Gomez, as she fights to survive the fallout from Season 3’s explosive ending.

Haunted by guilt and surrounded by enemies, Wura must protect her empire while her own family turns against her.

Wura Season 4 features an ensemble cast, including Ray Adeka, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Ego Iheanacho, Modesinuola Ogundiwin and many more.

“Season 4 is about consequences. Everything Wura has done, every choice she’s made, is coming home to roost. This season, we’re not holding back,” Mr Ofime said.

Also commenting, the Executive Head of Content and Channels at MultiChoice, Ms Atinuke Babatunde, said, “Wura represents the calibre of bold, compelling storytelling that Africa Magic was built to showcase.

“Bringing this powerhouse series to our platform is a statement about our commitment to premium African content. We’re proud to bring Wura to millions of viewers across the continent.”

Showbiz

Oscars 2026: The Complete Winners List

Published

3 days ago

16/03/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The 98th edition of the celebrated Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, known as the Oscars, was held on Sunday, March 15.

The ceremony was hosted by actor and comedian, Conan O’Brien.

Here is the compiled list of winners at the showpiece.

Best Picture

Bugonia

F1: The Movie

Frankenstein

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

One Battle After Another – WINNER

The Secret Agent

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Train Dreams

Best Actor

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another

Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners – WINNER

Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent

Best Actress

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet – WINNER

Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue

Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value

Emma Stone, Bugonia

Best Supporting Actor

Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another

Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein

Delroy Lindo, Sinners

Sean Penn, One Battle After Another – WINNER

Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value

Amy Madigan, Weapons – WINNER

Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another

Best Director

Chloé Zhao, Hamnet

Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme

Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER

Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value

Ryan Coogler, Sinners

Original Screenplay

Robert Kaplow, Blue Moon

Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident

Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme

Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value

Ryan Coogler, Sinners – WINNER

Adapted Screenplay

Will Tracy, Bugonia

Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein

Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell, Hamnet

Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another – WINNER

Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, Train Dreams

Animated Feature

Arco

Elio

Kpop Demon Hunters – WINNER

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Zootopia 2

Documentary Feature

The Alabama Solution

Come See Me in the Good Light

Cutting Through Rocks

Mr Nobody Against Putin – WINNER

The Perfect Neighbor

International Feature

The Secret Agent, Brazil

It Was Just an Accident, France

Sentimental Value, Norway – WINNER

Sirāt, Spain

The Voice of Hind Rajab, Tunisia

Best Editing

Stephen Mirrione, F1: The Movie

Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme

Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another – WINNER

Olivier Bugge Coutté, Sentimental Value

Michael P. Shawver, Sinners

Cinematography

Dan Laustsen, Frankenstein

Darius Khondji, Marty Supreme

Michael Bauman, One Battle After Another

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners – WINNER

Adolpho Veloso, Train Dreams

Original Score

Jerskin Fendrix, Bugonia

Alexandre Desplat, Frankenstein

Max Richter, Hamnet

Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another

Ludwig Göransson, Sinners – WINNER

Best Casting

Nina Gold, Hamnet

Jennifer Venditti, Marty Supreme

Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another – WINNER

Gabriel Domingues, The Secret Agent

Francine Maisler, Sinners

Best Production Design

Frankenstein – WINNER

Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

Hamnet

Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton

Marty Supreme

Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis

One Battle After Another

Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino

Sinners

Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne

Best Costume Design

Deborah L. Scott, Avatar: Fire and Ash

Kate Hawley, Frankenstein – WINNER

Malgosia Turzanska, Hamnet

Miyako Bellizzi, Marty Supreme

Ruth E. Carter, Sinners

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: Fire and Ash – WINNER

F1: The Movie

Jurassic World Rebirth

The Lost Bus

Sinners

Best Sound

F1: The Movie – WINNER

Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, & Juan Peralta

Frankenstein

Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke, & Brad Zoern.

One Battle After Another

José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio, & Tony Villaflor.

Sinners

Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor, & Steve Boeddeker.

Sirât

Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas, & Yasmina Praderas.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Frankenstein – WINNER

Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, & Cliona Furey

Kokuho

Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino, & Tadashi Nishimatsu

Sinners

Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine, & Shunika Terry

The Smashing Machine

Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin, & Bjoern Rehbein

The Ugly Stepsister

Thomas Foldberg & Anne Cathrine Sauerberg

Best Original Song

Dear Me

from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

Golden – WINNER

from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park

I Lied to You

from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson

Sweet Dreams of Joy

from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike

Train Dreams

from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave

Best Live-Action Short

Butcher’s Stain

A Friend of Dorothy

Jane Austen’s Period Drama

The Singers – WINNER (TIE)

Two People Exchanging Saliva – WINNER (TIE)

Best Documentary Short

All the Empty Rooms – WINNER

Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

Children No More: “Were and Are Gone”

The Devil Is Busy

Perfectly A Strangeness

Best Animated Short

Butterfly

Forevergreen

The Girl Who Cried Pearls – WINNER

Retirement Plan

The Three Sisters.

Showbiz

Drama Surrounds Igwe on Latest Episode of Heartbeat

Published

6 days ago

13/03/2026

Business Post Contributor

The latest episode of Africa Magic Heartbeat saw the house adjusting to recent exits and shifting relationships. Sharon’s earlier departure and Henri’s elimination in episode eight left the remaining singles settling into their pairings while trying to understand where everyone truly stands.

Hilda Reflects on Henri’s Exit

Henri’s departure is still fresh in the house, and Hilda admitted she felt bad that her decision ultimately led to him leaving the Love Pad. However, she maintained that she did not regret choosing Bosah. In her view, even if she had chosen Henri, he likely would have remained in the house pursuing other connections.

Queen Latifah Calls Out Igwe

The episode’s biggest moment began when Queen Latifah expressed concerns about Igwe’s intentions toward Shekinah. While speaking with Hilda, she suggested that Shekinah might be allowing herself to be manipulated by Igwe and questioned whether he was truly serious about her.

Queen Latifah later took the conversation directly to Shekinah, recounting how Igwe had previously shown interest in pursuing her and even suggested he was ready to compete with Ken for her attention. According to Queen Latifah, Igwe later dismissed his connection with Shekinah by saying she was “too serious” for him.

The conversation quickly escalated when Igwe walked in mid-discussion. Words were exchanged as tensions rose, and what began as a private conversation eventually turned into one of the episode’s most heated moments.

Igwe Seeks Clarity From Alvin

Following the confrontation, Igwe later pulled Alvin aside to discuss Shekinah. With the house already questioning his intentions, he wanted to know if there was still anything between Alvin and Shekinah.

Alvin made it clear that things had changed since Ceeoni arrived and that he had no intention of pursuing Shekinah if Igwe was serious about her. The conversation appeared to reassure Igwe that there was no competition from Alvin, and he seemed increasingly focused on resolving things with Shekinah.

In a surprising turn, Igwe also acknowledged that the situation had gotten out of hand and attempted to make peace with Shekinah, even reaching out to Hilda, who is close to her, in hopes of smoothing things over.

A Brief Moment of Jealousy Between Kena and Chidera

Even the strongest couples can experience moments of friction. A brief moment of jealousy surfaced when Kena noticed Chidera wearing Alvin’s jacket, something that made him visibly uncomfortable, given that the two are now committed to each other.

The tension was short-lived when Chidera quickly apologised and reassured him, bringing the moment to a calm resolution.

The episode closed on a lighter note with a couples’ game that lifted everyone’s mood and brought energy back into the Love Pad after a day full of tension. One question lingered across the Love Pad as the episode wrapped up: has Heartbeat’s resident playboy finally fallen in love?

Catch new episodes of Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, DStv Channel 151, and GOtv Channel 8. You can also catch up via the DStv Stream app or through Catch Up on your decoder.