Fak’ugesi gets Jozi geeks all fired up

27 August 2015

 

If you want to keep abreast of technological innovations, then you better make your way to the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival.

 

The festival, which started on August 21 and runs until September 13, offers innovation and technology buffs, gamers and all creatives an adrenaline-filled three-week fusion of creative and technical arts and development right in the heart of Jozi.

 

Held in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and the University of the Witwatersrand, the festival gives participants the opportunity to brush shoulders with the 10 finalists of the #HackJozi Challenge, learning who the Wits University Student App Challenge winner is, taking part in the AMAZE Games and Playful Soweto and Alexandra Day on 5 September, which bring international games and gamers to eKasi.

 

“Fak’ugesi”, a street slang term meaning “turn on the electricity”, is now in its second year.

 

It aims to recognise the role that technology plays in the development of Africa. Professor Christo Doherty, co-founder and director of the Fak’ugesi Festival and head of Digital Arts at Wits University, says this year’s festival focuses on digital innovation in Africa.

 

“Africa needs innovation and the tremendous possibilities of digital will be the basis for an explosion of technological and artistic innovation. The festival offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn, network and play again,” says Prof Doherty. Prof Doherty says although the festival is primarily aimed at the youth, programmers, artists, digital entrepreneurs, gamers, musicians, 3D makers, dancers, choreographers and hackers, “it’s the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting access to inspiring digital innovation”.

 

The festival’s line-up brings together top local, African and international talent with partnerships and talent exchanges with the Goethe-Institut, the British Council, French Institute, and Pro Helvetia. The Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival is at the Tshimologong Innovation Hub in Braamfontein. For the full festival calendar, log on to www.fakugesi.co.za