Raknida, an African art-tech startup, has announced plans to launch an art streaming app. The app will enable users to stream artwork from various artists in a similar way to how they stream music or movies.
Raknida’s founders, CEO Anthony “Anth” Ezeokoye and Communications and Operations Director Afoma Chiegboka, spoke to Techpoint Africa about their vision.
“There’s Spotify for music, there’s Amazon Kindle for books, there’s Netflix for movies, art will have Raknida art streaming,” Ezeokoye said.
The streaming app aims to make art accessible for everyone, allowing people to enjoy artworks anytime and anywhere.
According to Ezeokoye, this innovation will enable art lovers to appreciate art beyond traditional galleries, just as music lovers can now enjoy music without needing to attend a concert.
A Mission Rooted in Accessibility and Innovation
Raknida was inspired to create an art streaming app after experimenting with augmented reality (AR) in their exhibitions.
At a 2022 event, Raknida showcased artworks that transformed when viewed through AR applications, and visitors expressed a strong desire for a way to view art beyond physical galleries.
The Raknida app will feature works by African artists, curated to fit each user’s tastes and interests. Though they have yet to finalize the pricing, Chiegboka and Ezeokoye are considering a $100 annual subscription.
Chiegboka also noted that Raknida has not yet decided on revenue-sharing arrangements with artists. Currently, the company gives artists 65% of the profits from art sales on its marketplace, where buyers can purchase original artworks.
Reaching the World with African Art
While Nigeria’s economy has led some to reduce entertainment spending, Raknida remains optimistic. The startup is expanding its streaming platform beyond Africa, aiming to take African art global, especially to European and Asian markets.
According to Ezeokoye, this mission reflects Raknida’s commitment to help artists reach wider audiences and earn more from their work.
Though some may think art appeals mostly to the elite, Ezeokoye pointed out the broad interest people showed in generative AI’s rise. “A lot of people have an innate appreciation of art,” he said.
Raknida’s platform also partners with local businesses, particularly interior designers, to sell art pieces for commercial spaces. Currently, it has listed works by 70 artists from four African countries.
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Competition and Future Plans
Raknida is venturing into a competitive space. Samsung, a major player, launched The Frame TV in 2017, an art streaming service paired with high-quality screens. However, Raknida believes its unique focus on African and disadvantaged artists sets it apart.
Prioritizing diverse and lesser-known artists, Raknida aims to build a library of over 10,000 artworks by 2025. Raknida is also open to potentially supplying Samsung with African artworks, which could increase its visibility.
In addition, Raknida plans to introduce a smart frame to display streaming artworks, though for now, the focus is on developing the app. Through its innovative approach, Raknida hopes to make art a part of everyday life while supporting artists financially.