DONLU Africa recently invited all creatives to start submitting their work through their platform to further push the envelope of getting Namibian artistic creation to a broader audience.
They launched an open call across Africa, inviting creatives to submit their work which does not only speak to musicians, but also films, documentaries, animations and music videos, founder Llewellyn Adams shared.
“It’s a bold step forward that reflects our long-standing slogan: ‘More Than Music’ The goal is to give African creatives – especially those in under-represented regions – a homegrown platform where their stories can be seen, heard and monetised.”
Since Donlu’s inception in 2015, the platform has experienced substantial growth, becoming Namibia’s biggest online streaming website service. “Over time, we realised how much incredible talent goes unseen simply because there aren’t enough African platforms offering visibility and income opportunities. This initiative is about levelling the playing field. We want to make sure that creators from every corner of the continent – from villages to metros – can access a platform built with their needs in mind,” he noted.
When DONLU was launched, they mainly focused on music, but plans were already in the pipeline to build something bigger. “The idea was to start with a strong niche, and grow organically into a full creative ecosystem. Expanding into video and film is a natural evolution of our mission – to be a pan-African content platform which champions local narratives.”
“This initiative opens up new income streams for filmmakers, animators, editors and visual creatives who often struggle to monetise their work. By centralising everything – music, video, short films – on one African platform, we’re creating an ecosystem where creators can grow their audiences, earn and be celebrated without having to leave the continent to find validation.”
Later on in the year, DONLU Africa will be launching the DONLU Creator Accelerator – a programme which will offer mentorship, exposure and production support to selected creatives.
“We’re also working on establishing DONLU Hubs in key African cities: physical spaces where creatives can collaborate, access resources, host workshops and bring their ideas to life. It’s all about building a creative infrastructure that’s truly African,” he continued.
Over the past years, Adams has been inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame as an Emerging Entrepreneur, winning Start-up of the Year, and receiving multiple international Entrepreneur of the Year nominations. “My message is simple, we already have what we need. We just need to believe in it. Africa is filled with talent, ambition and untold stories waiting to be seen and heard. What we must do now is invest in our own platforms, celebrate our own people, and shift from seeking validation to creating it.
To my fellow entrepreneurs and creatives: keep pushing. Keep showing up. Keep building even when the world tells you it’s not possible. Because it is. I’ve lived it, and I’m committed to helping others do the same.
The future of Africa’s creative and business industries won’t be imported. It’ll be built – by us, for us and with us at the forefront,” he enthused.
-slunyangwe@nepc.com.na