In October 2021, we launched the Digital Media Incubator in partnership with Jenga CCI of the GIZ and the Goethe Institute. It was a 6-month, part-time program, set to run until May 2022. We sought to equip creatives with the skills to create content they can publish on digital distribution platforms for income generation. The goal was also to support them in their recovery from the pandemic effects. We had 60 participants join the incubator, who were further divided into 4 cohorts. The groups were 2D animation, Podcasting, Music & Sound Production and Music Artist development. Each cohort had 15 participants, with our faculty members as facilitators. We mentored each group through all elements of the end-to-end production process in their fields. They had online and in-person interactive sessions, practicals and one-on-ones with their facilitators. We also had masterclasses with external experts like Kelvin Shani and Melissa Mbugua, among others. For practicals, we worked with external studios including Snowball Industries, AMP and Hiventy Studios. The participants used these facilities for their projects’ development and project showcase.
The animation team created 5 animation pilots, all targeted at a young audience. The podcasters developed 15 video podcast episodes for their individual podcasts. The music artists produced 15 tracks, featuring African-inspired themes and sounds. The music & sound production group did the sound design elements for all the projects. The group presented all their projects in a live-streamed virtual showcase on 18th May 2022. The showcase and all the projects are available online for your viewing. They have been published on various platforms, including VumiCentral. The incubator program was the first of its kind, and as an institution dedicated to supporting creative youth, it demonstrated the resilience they possess. The program was an initiative to support them in their recovery from the effects of the pandemic. It was a confirmation to us that when you provide the youth with the environment and access to the tools and resources they need, they will push forward.
“I have been able to get more clients through the business skills I have acquired at the program. My skills as a producer have also immensely improved as a result”
–Music & Sound Production cohort participant