By Sitha Maliwa:
A new kind of revolution is brewing in Soweto, and it comes wrapped in cosplay, controllers, and comic book lore. The Afro Geek Festival 2025 is set to take place on 24 May at the Jabulani Safe-Hub, promising a vibrant celebration of African innovation, imagination, and fandom – bigger and bolder than ever before.
The event, powered by headline sponsors Vuma, South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), and Legends Barber, marks the return of a movement that began just one year ago. Originally launched in May 2024, Afro Geek emerged from the desire to bring more representation to geek culture by highlighting creatives and fans of colour across the African continent. What started as a small idea has rapidly grown into a cultural hub for gamers, artists, writers, developers, and tech enthusiasts.
“I grew up in the township and have identified as a geek for most of my life,” says Tapelo Zama, Co-Founder of Afro Geek. “In the 90s, people of colour were almost invisible in these spaces. Even when geek culture became more mainstream, we were still on the margins, despite the demand and the talent. So, my business partner and I decided to build the kind of event we never saw growing up.”
That vision has sparked a movement. Within a year, Afro Geek captured the attention of mainstream platforms like Comic Con. Now, it sets its sights on an even grander mission: becoming a Pan-African celebration of geek culture. The 2025 edition will feature a homegrown lineup of animators, writers, developers, and designers who are actively reshaping the future of storytelling and technology across Africa.
“There’s amazing work happening across the continent. Shows like Iwaju on Disney+ and comic book series like Shakar are just the tip of the iceberg. This festival is about giving that creativity a stage, here, where it belongs,” explains Zama.
For sponsors like Vuma, the partnership is more than just branding – it’s about empowering communities and supporting bold ideas.
“We’re invested in platforms that push boundaries and unlock new opportunities,” says Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma. “Afro Geek is doing just that. They’re building a creative, tech-savvy future from the ground up and we’re proud to help power it. It’s also amazing to see the youth at the Jabulani Safe Hub – a beneficiary of free fibre internet from Vuma – getting the chance to access resources and opportunities that help them grow and shine. Because the internet is free, it’s even more accessible to the community, breaking down barriers and opening doors for the next generation.”
Legends Barber, another proud partner, shares in the mission to support emerging talent and creativity.
“This collaboration allows us to support the vibrant Afro Geek Festival in Soweto, a significant event that fosters the community and introduces the youth to inspiring new realms of technology and creativity. We believe this initiative opens doors to previously unimagined opportunities, and we are proud to contribute to the growth and aspirations of the next generation,” says Sheldon Tatchell, CEO and Founder of Legends Barber.
With growing momentum, strong community ties, and high-profile support, Afro Geek is quickly cementing its place as one of the most important cultural festivals in the region.
“Being able to work with sponsors like Vuma has helped us establish ourselves as one of the premier geek culture festivals in the country, and in time, the continent,” says Zama.
For fans of gaming, tech, cosplay, comics, and all things geek, the message is clear: “Pull through, the future is already here, and it’s proudly African.”
Tickets for Afro Geek Festival 2025 are available now. Discover all the details and secure your spot by visiting https://www.quicket.co.za/events/307793-afro-geek-fest/#/. – @NewsSA_Online
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