It was an exciting experience, last November, as the sophomore edition of the inaugural workshop series held by spirited art-based collective, Afara Synthesis, at the Alliance de Française, in Lagos, last week.
Held to a crowd of a multiple dozen people, Ridm in the Library, the series’ second edition, helped to encourage people to sharpen their skills in music theory. The exciting edition, sequeled the debut Introduction to Storyboarding’ workshop, which harped on creating storyboard animatics for films and animation.
“We conducted these workshops as a form of community engagement,” the organisers said.. They exist as Afara Synthesis, a boutique collective of creative minds to build propellants for young African creatives towards growth and legacy. They catch up with Guardian Arts, to discuss their mission and why they’re a force majeure within the African creative scene, among others.
What inspired the collective?
The collective was inspired by the perceived essential needs within the creative ecosystem of our immediate community. We felt a deep commitment to empowering creatives through skill expansion and providing a platform for them to share their own stories. Our inspiration is also driven by the goal of building a bridge and educating the younger generation of Africans about both the past and the future, with a particular emphasis on leveraging new and emerging media.
Who were the founding members and what pulled you guys together?
The founders are Peace Toba Olatunji (Dopay) and Noah Misan Okwudini, as long-time collaborators and creative technologists we have always wanted to impact the younger generation through our diverse knowledge and bringing information that are deemed privileged in our own community to an accessible standpoint. Through our collective efforts, we seek to create a positive influence in the creative ecosystem and contribute to the broader cultural and educational landscape.
What are some of your notable projects so far?
We have hosted a series of creative workshops in music and animation at the Alliance de Francaise Lagos and also partnered with the British council at a Creative showcase in 2023. Right now our works include the Dreaming New Worlds exhibition which integrates new technologies at the Goethe institute and a few more projects in place covering workshops, experience and futures design.
Why art as a medium?
We view art as the ultimate form of expression, granting us boundless power to convey and share our narratives authentically. It provides a unique platform for storytelling, allowing us to present our stories in their truest form. Art offers the added advantage of serving as a tool for activism and empowering local talent. For us, art transcends mere beauty or aesthetics; it is about the actions and messages conveyed through it. It is a powerful medium through which we can influence and shape perceptions, contributing to a broader cultural dialogue that goes beyond the surface.
What’s the vision of the collective?
Afara Synthesis envisions a dynamic and inclusive creative community where art serves as a powerful means of expression and empowerment. We aspire to create a space where individuals, especially the younger generation, are equipped with the skills and knowledge to tell their own stories authentically. Through a commitment to skill expansion and utilising new and emerging media, we seek to bridge generational gaps and contribute to a vibrant and progressive cultural landscape. Ultimately, our collective aims to be a driving force in shaping the narrative of our immediate community and beyond, utilising art as a catalyst for positive change, social impact, and the continuous evolution of the creative ecosystem that extends beyond geographic and cultural confines.
