The world of digital art and animation is a realm where creativity knows no bounds. It’s a platform where artists can weave stories, evoke emotions, and transport audiences to different eras and dimensions. The CGAfrica Competition 2022, centered around the theme ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor,’ proved to be a captivating canvas for talented artists to showcase their skills, imagination, and deep-rooted historical knowledge. In this article, we delve into the awe-inspiring works of the winners and explore the fascinating world of Sango and the Oyo Empire.
Winners of the CGAfrica Competition 2022
The CGAfrica Competition 2022, themed “The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor,” has come to a close, and the winners have been announced! The competition was sponsored by Triggerfish Animation, DNABlocks, Foundry, Blur Studio and Framestore
The competition received over 100 submissions from artists across Africa. The submissions were judged by Hamid Ibrahim, co-founder and creative director of Kugali Media
The submissions were judged by Hamid Ibrahim, co-founder and creative director of Kugali Media
First Place: Ibrahim Idris
The coveted first-place position was claimed by Ibrahim Idris. With an artistic prowess that captured the essence of Sango’s power and enigma, Ibrahim’s work stood out among the entries. His portrayal of Sango as a ruler exuding strength and wisdom resonated deeply with the theme, earning him the top spot and admiration from the judges and audience alike.
Second Place: Folashade Adeshida
Folashade Adeshida secured the second-place position with her stunning depiction of Sango. Her attention to detail and skillful use of color and composition transported viewers to an era where Sango’s dominance and prowess were felt across the land. Folashade’s artwork stood as a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to merge historical significance with artistic excellence.
Third Place: Quadri Ayinde
Quadri Ayinde‘s entry clinched the third-place victory. His portrayal of Sango as a charismatic and commanding figure resonated with the historical narrative of the Third Emperor. Quadri’s ability to capture the essence of the theme while infusing his personal artistic style showcased his creative versatility and earned him a well-deserved spot among the winners.
Reflecting on the CGAfrica Competition Theme: The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor
Sango, a prominent figure in Yoruba history, ruled over the Oyo Empire with a blend of power, mystique, and eccentricity. Known for his thunderous voice, fiery temper, and unique abilities, Sango’s legacy is one that has endured through the ages. The CGAfrica Competition 2022 invited artists to explore the intricacies of this legendary ruler’s persona and present their interpretations through their artistic endeavors.
The Oyo Empire: A Historical Canvas
The Oyo Empire, encompassing parts of present-day Eastern Benin and western Nigeria, was a bastion of Yoruba culture and civilization. Its first king, Ọ̀rànmíyàn, laid the foundation for the dynasty, with subsequent rulers like Sango leaving an indelible mark on history. Sango, the third king of the Oyo kingdom, was a dynamic figure whose reign was characterized by valor, cunning, and a flair for theatrics.
Sango’s Dynamic Reign
Sango’s rise to power was marked by audacious feats and an indomitable spirit. Facing opposition from influential statesmen, he showcased his mettle by displaying mastery over his chosen weapon – a double-headed axe. His battlefield prowess, combined with his ability to emit smoke and fire, struck terror into the hearts of his enemies. Sango’s reign was a blend of triumphs and turbulence, with his fiery temper and unpredictable nature adding to his mystique.
Sango and Oya: A Powerful Alliance
Sango’s legacy is intricately linked with his wife, Oya, a woman possessing the power to summon rain and wind. Their combined abilities created a force of nature that devastated their foes and secured their dominance in battles. The story of their alliance reflects the Yoruba belief in the harmony of opposing elements, a concept that underpinned the empire’s strength.
A Fiery Demise: A Tragic End to a Mythical Reign
Sango’s restless nature ultimately led to his downfall. His attempt to control lightning resulted in a catastrophic fire that razed his palace, claiming the lives of his children and subjects. Consumed by guilt, Sango abdicated his throne and ended his life, leaving behind a legacy that blended heroism with tragedy.
Honoring History Through Art
The CGAfrica Competition 2022, centered around ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor,’ exemplified the power of art to illuminate historical narratives. Ibrahim Idris, Folashade Adeshida, and Quadri Ayinde, the triumphant winners, demonstrated their ability to bridge the gap between the past and the present through their exquisite interpretations. As the competition concluded, it left a lasting impression of Sango’s legacy as an emperor who wielded both lightning and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history.
As the curtains fall on this edition of the CGAfrica challenge, the echoes of Sango’s thunderous reign continue to resonate, inspiring artists and audiences alike. The competition’s success serves as a testament to the importance of celebrating history through art and encouraging a new generation of creators to explore the realms of imagination while staying rooted in the past. The stage is set for future competitions to build upon this legacy, welcoming even more captivating entries that breathe life into historical tales and immerse us in the world of visual storytelling.
Meet the Competition Judges
Hamid Ibrahim
Hamid Ibrahim is a creative leader and innovator who is changing the face of African storytelling. He is the co-founder and creative director of Kugali Media, a visual entertainment company that creates stories inspired by African culture. Kugali is the first African company to partner with Disney Animation, and their work has been featured on platforms like Snapchat and BBC News.
Hamid was born in Uganda and raised in the United Kingdom. He studied digital animation at the University of Hertfordshire, where he developed his passion for storytelling. After graduating, he worked as a visual effects artist on Hollywood blockbusters like “The Lion King” and “Dumbo.” However, he always wanted to create his own stories that would reflect his African heritage.
In 2017, Hamid co-founded Kugali Media with Tolu Olowofoyeku. Kugali’s mission is to “tell African stories for a global audience.” Their work is characterized by its vibrant visuals, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Kugali’s first comic book, “Onyx Equinox,” was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its unique blend of African mythology and science fiction.
In 2020, Kugali announced a partnership with Disney Animation to create an original African sci-fi series for Disney+. The series, titled “Iwájú,” is set in a futuristic Lagos and follows the story of two teenagers who must save their city from a dark force. “Iwájú” is the first Disney animated series to be created by an African team.
Hamid is a powerful force for change in the African creative industry. He is using his platform to amplify African voices and stories. He is also inspiring a new generation of African creatives to pursue their dreams. Hamid is a true pioneer, and he is changing the world for the better.
Here are some additional updates about Hamid Ibrahim:
- In 2022, Kugali Media launched its first animated series, “Onyx Equinox,” on the streaming service Crunchyroll. The series has been praised for its representation of African mythology and culture.
- Hamid was named one of the “100 Most Influential Africans” by the Africa Report in 2022.
- He was also awarded the “Outstanding Creative Leadership” award at the 2022 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Hamid Ibrahim is a trailblazing artist who is making a significant impact on the world. He is using his creativity and innovation to tell African stories that have never been told before. He is an inspiration to us all.
Sponsors of CGAfrica Competition 2022
Behind every successful endeavor lies a network of support and collaboration that propels creativity to new heights. The CGAfrica Competition 2022, themed ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor,’ wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions and commitment of its sponsors. Triggerfish Animation, DNABlocks, Foundry, Blur Studio and Framestore stepped forward to champion the realm of digital art, empowering artists to explore history through their creativity. Let’s delve into the impactful roles played by these sponsors in making this competition a resounding success.
Triggerfish Animation
Triggerfish Animation‘s dedication to fostering creative excellence is exemplified by their involvement in the CGAfrica Competition 2022. As a leading animation studio in Africa, Triggerfish Animation has been instrumental in nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling through animation.
By supporting the competition, they demonstrated their commitment to providing a platform where artists could showcase their skills and bring historical narratives to life. Triggerfish Animation’s contribution reflects their belief in the power of art to transcend boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.
Foundry
Foundry, a trailblazer in developing innovative software solutions for creative professionals, lent its support to the CGAfrica Competition 2022 as a beacon of creative excellence. Foundry’s software tools have been instrumental in shaping the digital art landscape, enabling artists to push the boundaries of their craft.
By collaborating with the competition, Foundry reinforced its commitment to advancing the field of digital art and animation, and to nurturing talents that dare to dream big.
Blur Studio
Blur Studio, with its expertise in visual storytelling, brought a unique perspective to the CGAfrica Competition 2022. Renowned for its exceptional work in animation, visual effects, and design, Blur Studio added an extra layer of depth to the competition’s theme ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor.’
By supporting the competition, Blur Studio demonstrated its dedication to fostering creativity and enabling artists to weave intricate narratives through their visual creations.
Framestore
Framestore, a powerhouse in visual effects and creative content, is no stranger to the world of imagination and creativity. By sponsoring the CGAfrica Competition 2022, Framestore reinforces its commitment to supporting emerging talents and celebrating the intersection of technology and art.
Framestore’s involvement speaks to their belief in the competition’s ability to showcase artists’ ability to envision worlds beyond the ordinary and bring them to life through their craft.
DNABlocks
In a world where the digital landscape is ever-evolving, DNABlocks emerges as a significant player in providing cutting-edge solutions for the creative community.
As a sponsor of the CGAfrica Competition 2022, DNABlocks showcases its dedication to enabling artists to push the boundaries of their craft. DNABlocks‘ support not only amplifies the competition’s impact but also highlights the vital role technology plays in shaping the future of digital art and animation.
A Collective Vision for Artistic Progress
The CGAfrica Competition 2022 would not have reached its pinnacle without the unwavering support of Triggerfish Animation, DNABlocks, Foundry, Blur Studio and Framestore. Their sponsorship goes beyond the financial realm; it symbolizes a shared belief in the power of art to transcend boundaries, tell stories, and shape cultural narratives. These sponsors recognize the potential of every artist who participated, and by backing the competition, they’ve provided a platform that propels these artists onto the world stage.
As we celebrate the winners of the CGAfrica Competition 2022 and their extraordinary interpretations of ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor,’ let us also acknowledge and applaud the sponsors who have played a pivotal role in bringing this artistic journey to life. Their support not only enriches the competition but also contributes to the broader mission of fostering creativity, promoting innovation, and cultivating a thriving artistic community that continues to push the envelope of possibility.
