The KESSA program has selected 30 laureates from nearly 1,900 applications to participate in its inaugural edition, highlighting a new generation of storytellers across Africa.
The Young Panafrican Storytellers Program, known as KESSA, has announced its first cohort of 30 laureates, chosen from a remarkable pool of nearly 1,900 applicants from across Africa and its diasporas. This initiative, led by the UM6P Story School in association with the French-African Foundation, aims to encourage and elevate African narratives through storytelling. The eager response to the call for applications showcases the commitment of a vibrant new generation of creators seeking to reshape and transform the continent's stories.
The selection was made by an international jury which included notable figures from the media, cultural industries, and creative leadership. The chosen storytellers reflect the rich diversity of African creative scenes, coming from various fields such as cultural institutions, entrepreneurship, technology, film, journalism, and more. This breadth of representation emphasizes the multifaceted nature of storytelling and underscores the potential of these 30 individuals to amplify essential narratives about Africa and its diverse cultures.
KESSA's inaugural cohort is set to undergo a transformative experience, gaining skills and mentorship that could enhance their creative projects. The initiative is not only a testament to the talent present on the continent but also serves as a strategic push towards fostering innovation within the realms of media and culture, thereby positioning these storytellers as influential voices in defining the continent’s narrative in the global arena.
