Movies, animation, gaming and tech. Want to know what’s happening in Africa and beyond? Here’s the Run Down for this week.
NEWS BEYOND AFRICA –Movies/Entertainment
After Lion King, Black is King!
The 2019 remake of The Lion King caused quite a stir. For loyal fans of the original 1994 animated movie, the remake failed to meet the same standards. But for those more open to the modern remake, the live action film was better. However, both movies still told a similar story of betrayal, loss and love, and of trying to find one’s way back home. It was this aspect of the film that singer/actress Beyonce decided to take away and which has inspired her to create her own film.
Introducing Black is King
‘Black is King’ is the name of the film that Beyonce has written, executive produced and directed. It is inspired by Jon Favreau’s 2019 version of The Lion King and is a reimagining of the lessons learned in The Lion King. The film intends to showcase the diversity and unity found within Africa and will tell the story of a young (human) king who is guided by his ancestors, his father and his love as he sets outs on a journey to reclaim his throne.
Check out the trailer
The movie will premiere worldwide on July 31 but will screen in Africa on 1 August on M-Net. It will feature an award-winning cast including Lupita Nyong’o, model Naomi Campbell and Pharrell Williams, just to name a few.
Follow the link below to find out more https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1523275/african-actors-stories-dominate-beyonce-black-king-film
NEWS OUT OF AFRICA – Tech
A Mobile Company Team Up – Mobile Companies Airtel Africa and Mukuru Are Partnering Up
Airtel Africa has been well known for their efficiency and reliability in providing telecommunication and mobile money services and Mukuru, for providing money transfers in Africa and Asia. Although both companies have been successful in providing their respective services, they have recently seen a need to partner –up and enable more money transfers within Africa. Thus, cross-border money transfers are born!
Money Money Money! – Mukuru and Airtel Africa Bringing Cross-Border Money Transfers to Africa
Mukuru and Airtel Africa are partnering to enable Mukuru customers to send cross-border transfers directly to Airtel Money customer wallets. Now customers won’t have to worry about having to go to an agent to receive their money and once they have it, they can use it to make use of various products and services on the Airtel Money platform. The partnership will launch initially in Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo before branching out to the rest of Africa.
To find out more follow the link below
Facebook to the Rescue! – Facebook Investing in Sub-Saharan Africa Internet Connectivity
According to the Economic Intelligence Unit – Inclusive Internet Index 2020, 800 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are not connected to the internet. But thanks to Facebook that is all set to change. Over the years Facebook have been investing in several Connectivity Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa that aim to remove barriers hindering Internet connectivity, such as lack of infrastructure, affordability and readiness of people to go online. These initiatives will not only mean more Internet accessibility in Africa but will also impact the African economy!
What This Means for Sub-Saharan Africa
A study conducted by Analysis Mason shows that Facebook’s investments in infrastructure and connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa are set to deliver $57 billion in Economic benefits by 2024! Some of these benefits include an enhancement of operator’s ability to extend coverage of broad networks meaning more people being able to interact and trade online as well as perform online transactions. And of course, it’s going to have a positive effect on internet services pricing allowing digital consumers to access content more affordably as well as spend more time on the socials. Things are looking up for Africa.
To find out more check out the link below-