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Farmfluencers: Social media boost for farmers

Farmfluencers: Social media boost for farmers

BIRD STORY AGENCY FRANCIS Muiruri, a 31-year-old Kenyan farmer, has found a new income stream on social media; selling information. As a digital consultant, he advises other farmers on successful service delivery on the farm. "I have been practising pig farming for 10 years and poultry farming for close to three years. I engage with current and potential farmers on Facebook and YouTube, and about three months ago, I joined Tik Tok. I have got a lot of exposure there," he explained. Despite living with a disability, the Thika-based, mixed-crop farmer appreciates the platform's role in commercializing his farming business.…
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African music craze sweeps YouTube as artists rack up millions of views

African music craze sweeps YouTube as artists rack up millions of views

SETH ONYANGO, BIRD STORY AGENCY MORE African hits are reverberating far beyond the continent's borders, amplified by the African resounding global music reach on YouTube and other streaming services. Growing smartphone adoption and the penetration of affordable and fast internet in Africa also drive the local consumption of music on YouTube. From the catchy Afrobeats and the soulful sounds of Afro-soul to the energetic rhythms of Afropop and the traditional melodies of African folk music, the diversity of African music is captivating listeners worldwide, thanks in part to YouTube. To most African musicians, YouTube has revolutionised how music is consumed,…
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We want more Young, Famous and African

We want more Young, Famous and African

LERATO MOGOATLHE A reality show formula has turned Young, Famous and African into a viral hit, trending on Twitter and covered widely by media outlets, as much for the bad wigs and lovers’ tiffs as for the competitive relationship dynamics or the cast’s net worth. While the general sentiment is that the show is a breath of fresh air, despite being another over-hyped celebrity show, some poor dialogue and seemingly staged friendships have resulted in criticism of the show. There's also been plenty of discussion over the colourful back-stories of the talent. The Refinery had this to say: “These new…
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The #JerusalemaDanceChallenge showed how Pan African styles can be forged

The #JerusalemaDanceChallenge showed how Pan African styles can be forged

A year has passed since an Angolan dance troupe called Fenómenos do Semba released a video of themselves dancing in a courtyard in Luanda to the South African hit song Jerusalema by Master KG. FRANCESCA NEGRO, Associate research scientist, Universidade de Lisboa With over 16 million YouTube clicks, the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge swept the planet as social media users posted their own versions of the dance. Its success has inspired me to offer some further reflections on the importance of the cultural meaning of this dance and its contribution to the creation of a Pan African aesthetic. How Angolans celebrate The dance…
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