Digital Dynamics: Eduardo Cachucho and the Evolution of Fak'ugesi Festival

In the still-beating heart of Johannesburg, the Fak’ugesi Festival, now a decade old, emerges more strongly as a vibrant celebration of digital creativity in this year’s iteration, drawing a diverse tapestry of talent from across Africa.

This annual event, known as Africa’s Digital Innovation Festival, is more than just a gathering; it’s a dynamic platform where digital technology meets tradition, and artists transform digital canvases into cultural statements.

As Fak’ugesi continues to champion the fusion of creativity and technology, it not only showcases groundbreaking digital art and experiences across areas such as virtual reality, animation and gaming, but also fosters an ecosystem where emerging African talents can flourish. The need to build, maintain, and expand the ecosystem is foremost on the organisers’ minds as well as the umbrella institution under which it sits, Tshimologong Precinct.

The Angle sat down with the festival creative director, Eduardo Cachucho, who has been at the helm of the festival for the last 2 years.

Since assuming leadership in 2022, Cachucho has been instrumental in expanding the festival’s scope. Under his guidance, Fak’ugesi has not only grown in size but has also enhanced its global stature, attracting creatives and audiences from around the world, while also launching an awards ceremony across a number of areas which has been pivotal in the festival’s growth and credibility.

Fak’ugesi’s location in Johannesburg, described by Eduardo as a “hyper dimensional cultural space,” plays a crucial role in its identity. The city’s cosmopolitan and vibrant nature mirrors the festival’s ethos—celebrating diversity and innovation in a setting that’s accessible to everyone. This accessibility is crucial for building an audience that is not just passive spectators but active participants in the digital narrative.

“Joburg adds an energy. Because Joburg is so cosmopolitan, we do see that as a good representation of an African perspective.”

Fak’ugesi has been a nurturing ground for African digital artists, helping them gain recognition both locally and internationally. Cachucho proudly notes, “Africa has some of the most interesting artists working in digital around the world.”

Not to mention that the funding perspective of the festival is about accelerating young African creatives. Cachucho says, “That does then bring a kind of aesthetic of new studios that are starting up.”

Through initiatives like Digital Lab Africa, Fak’ugesi maintains prolonged engagement with creators, providing them with a platform to develop and showcase their work over several years. This long-term developmental approach is vital for sustaining the ecosystem of digital creativity in Africa.

Looking forward, Eduardo is committed to further integrating cutting-edge technologies like VR and AI into the festival’s fabric and internationally. “It’s about engagement. Like really thinking about the context,” he states. This approach not only enhances the artistic experience but also stimulates conversations about the future of digital arts on a global scale.

The introduction of new elements like Dala Khona, an African arcade, reflects a strategic push towards enhancing audience engagement and broadening the festival’s reach. “We’re trying to scale a bigger audience that starts to engage with that content,” he explained, underscoring the festival’s future-focused vision.

The festival’s initiatives have ensured that these artists can showcase their work on their home continent and beyond, challenging the traditional narratives of art dissemination.

The festival invites everyone to engage with its digital offerings and support the vibrant community of African digital creatives, ensuring a thriving future for the continent’s artistic expressions.

Have a look at everything going on and in the future, here: https://fakugesi.co.za/