Hello Everybody,
Creatives contribute to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of societies, making them indispensable in shaping the world we live in. Creatives in Zambia have emerged in recent years, demonstrating that they are capable of more than merely sharing content. They are influencing consumer decisions, promoting products and services, growing businesses and communities, as well as collaborating with one another.
Taking the initiative, Discover Zambia set up The Content Creators Masterclass. This thoughtful masterclass included keynote speakers and contributors such as Canon South Africa, TUI Care Foundation and yours truly Yellow Ray Digital.
The masterclass’s inaugural day in Lusaka was marked by the attendance of The Permanent Secretary of Youth, Sport and Arts – Mr. Fumba Chama, The German Ambassador, Amb. Anne Wagner-Mitchell and the CEO of Zambia Tourism Agency – Mr Matongo Matamwandi. Dorothy Walker, well known as @thezedtravelfoodie and Chilalo Mumba of Discovered Zambia warmed up the room before the masterclass was taken and MC’d by Mukuka Bwalya.
The first speakers at the masterclass gave a keynote address that encouraged participants to think creatively and use their work to promote Zambia as a travel destination. This indicates that creatives play a significant role in Zambia’s economy, and they have the ability to boost the nation’s GDP as a whole. That being said, this generated a great deal of discussion, with many asking;
- How do Creatives Shape the Narrative of Travel Destinations, and What Impact Does Storytelling Have on Traveler Decision-Making?
- In What Ways Does Visual Creativity, Including Photography and Videography, Influence the Popularity of Travel Destinations? Can Aesthetics Drive Tourism?
- How can I find my niche and grow a community on Instagram?
- How can influencers collaborate with hospitality venues?
- In What Ways Can Involving Local Creatives in Destination Promotion Provide More Authentic and Enriching Travel Experiences, and What Initiatives Empower Local Artists?
- What kind of gear and equipment should I use when taking pictures and videos?
- How do you go about the influencer market?
- What is the appropriate fee to charge for my services as an influencer?
These set the tone for the masterclass, and a series of interactive sessions led by Yellow Ray Digital and Canon South Africa inspired innovative thinking.
Rogar Machin and Gerald Langton of Canon South Africa reiterated the significance of equipment/gear in the content creation process and the ways in which you, as a creative, can enhance your photo and videography techniques.
In the era of information overload, authenticity stands as a beacon in the digital fog. Content creators who infuse their work with authenticity and sincerity resonate more deeply with their audiences. Adele Makayi and Beliya Ndhlovu Bukuru of Yellow Ray Digital highlighted the value of understanding your worth as a creative, analysing social media platforms, and the influencer-brand industry. They also discussed the value of having a social media brand kit/strategy and how brand pillars help you stay on course.
The masterclass was relatable because it was thoughtfully customised for the city it was held. Clara Kapelembe Bwali, the founder of Black Garlic Zambia, spoke as a guest speaker in Kitwe, encouraging the creatives to use whatever resources they have to produce content and to be persistent in reaching global audiences. She gave a talk about navigating the Copperbelt as a food content creator and expanding.
In Livingstone, The Masterclass students mostly represented the tourism sector, conservation, and wildlife initiatives; this specialized the Masterclass and created a platform for assured collaborations. Creatives won free consultation from Yellow Ray Digital based on creative captions and professionally outlined campaign plans. Thobi Rose shared her journey on how to stay relevant as a creator and the lessons she learned along the way. A panel discussion was also held during the masterclass about “Unlocking the Creative Industry’s Potential and Overcoming Hurdles: Exploring Synergies between content creators and Corporations to Illuminate the Zambian Story.”
A series of panel talks about branding and influence, together with unique features from @black_tonystark and @motherofpassports, were part of the Lusaka Masterclass.
The masterclass’s keynote industry contributors included:
Lusaka
Winnie Rioba @motherofpassports – Travelling the world solo and navigating the influencer travelling industry.
Neo Mokuene @black_tonystark – Creative video creation/direction and elevating minds and innovation.
Ruth Mooto – Founder of My Perfect Stitch
Mulenga Kapwepwe – Co-founder of Women’s History Museum Zambia
Panel Discussion:
Komba Malukutila – MTN Zambia FinTech MD
Mutale Makungu – Marketing & PR Manager at Radisson Blu
Keith Banda – Chief Commercial Officer at Zamtel
Kitwe
Clara Kapelembe Bwali @blackgarliczambia
Grace Phiri – Navigating being a content creator in Copperbelt and some of the
constraints creatives face.
Mirriam Lwando. Sales and Marketing Manager, Garden Court Kitwe – Experiences from a brand the perspective of how Garden Court has collaborated with creatives. Challenges and opportunities faced when collaborating with creatives
Livingstone
Jost Neumann – TUI Care Foundation Representative
Anne Wagner Mitchell – Germany Ambassador
Clement Mulungushi – Ministry of Tourism Representative
Thobi Rose @thobi_rose
Yande Yombwe – How can individuals with a creative passion contribute to the growth and visibility of the arts community in Zambia?
Mana Meadows – The art of story-telling. How creatives can harness the skill of creating content to tell the Zambian story.
Panel Discussion: Unlocking the creative industry’s potential and overcoming hurdles: Exploring synergies between content creators and corporations to illuminate the Zambian Story.
Tawanda Hojane
Christine Melu
Dr. Victoria Chitungu
Kim Barnett
Nampito Nachula
Participant Feedback
Remember: Creative content plays a crucial role in influencing consumer decisions. Whether it’s through storytelling, compelling visuals, or innovative approaches, Zambian creatives are enhancing the overall communication and decision-making process.
In essence, creativity adds a powerful dimension to how information is presented and received, making it a potent force in shaping perceptions and influencing decisions.
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See you in the next blog!
