Raknida, an innovative Nigerian art-tech startup, is making headlines with plans to launch Africa’s first art streaming platform, giving art lovers digital access to artworks from African creators. Founded in 2022, Raknida is looking to expand beyond its art marketplace to help artists reach audiences worldwide while providing art lovers with immersive digital experiences.
Spotify, But For Artworks
With this app, users will be able to view different artworks with an algorithm customized to recognize their pattern of preferences, similar to how music streaming platforms suggest songs. “There’s Spotify for music, Kindle for books, and Netflix for movies. Art will now have Raknida,” said CEO Anthony “Anth” Ezeokoye in a recent interview. According to Ezeokoye, the inspiration for this platform arose when users at an exhibition wanted to experience Raknida’s augmented reality artwork from home.
However, Raknida faces challenges, especially in Nigeria, where high inflation has impacted consumers’ spending on non-essentials like entertainment. This reality is driving Raknida to expand into North America, with a tentative annual subscription fee of $100. “While economic challenges exist, many people have a natural love for art that’s often overlooked,” COO Afoma “Oma” Ezeokoye explained. Raknida’s platform aims to nurture this appreciation by making art accessible digitally.
Expanding its mission, Raknida has begun collaborating with the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), giving African artists further visibility. To compete with Samsung’s established “The Frame TV,” Raknida is offering a unique advantage by prioritizing underrepresented artists, which would help create a more diverse collection. In 2025, Raknida expects to showcase over 10,000 artworks in its library.
What The Future Holds For Rakinda
Although Raknida has plans for a hardware component, such as a smart frame for homes, its current focus is on building the software and user base first. By bridging traditional art with technology, Raknida hopes the bold steps it is taking will reshape the art world, open up new income streams and doors for global exposure for artists.
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