Just mint it!🤑💸
Dear Venturer,
Do you remember how popular the video of the dancing pallbearers, aka coffin dance, was during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown? I know the title sounds crazy, but the addictive tune was something everyone unconsciously jived to.
The video was just another regular promotional post by Benjamin Aidoo, a Ghanaian pallbearer, on social media. Aidoo simply wanted to showcase his business to gain more customers, but the 2015 video eventually went viral. Well, the video was a recent subject on social media once again. This time, as an NFT that sold for $1.046 million.
In this issue of VA Weekly, one of our stories explore what makes videos like the coffin dance high-value NFTs.
Ishioma Emi
Staff Writer, Ventures Africa
What's new?
The coffin dance meme and the aged drummer’s portrait: What made these NFTs valuable?
The dancing pallbearers became an internet sensation in 2020 after their video became a meme in the aftermath of the pandemic. Last week, Benjamin Aidoo, the group’s leader, announced they sold the viral video as an NFT for 372eth ($1.046 million). Cool right? But that’s not all. Read more.
Is Africa due for a gaming industry boom? Teddy Kossoko answers.
Africa’s gaming industry generated $590 million in revenue last year, according to a Newzoo report. The same report also shows that Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest-growing region globally for mobile gamers. However, one can barely find games centred around Africa. Read more.
What can enable the growth of super-apps in the MEA?
Super-apps are challenging existing players that have to face competition from players outside their sector and are complicating the picture for regulators. In this new digital world, a company that offers ride-hailing services can also offer loans and one that offers groceries can also enable money transfers. Read more.
The Lagos State government must consider reviving the Lagos cable car project.
The Lagos cable car project (12.85 km) was billed to connect Lagos Island with the mainland and Victoria Island. It is also said to have an estimated capacity of 240,000 trips daily, reducing average journey times by as much as 70 minutes. This is a benefit neither road nor water transport offers. Read more.
My Pivot Journal: This environmental manager took a long break to focus on his transition into tech.
Jonah went from being a novice who earned less than his worth to mentoring tech newbies. Currently, he is a full-stack developer that occasionally wishes he had continued on his environmental management path. Read more.
VA Twitter Space: How blockchain can revolutionise Africa's agriculture.
Globally, agriculture is undergoing tremendous technological advancements, and Africa is riding the wave of these innovations with agritech startups at the centre of it. However, the continent’s agric-tech synergy is not yet at its peak. Improved tech adoption is needed to transform agriculture on the continent, one of which is blockchain adoption.
Blockchain in agriculture helps simplify transactions, provides end-to-end visibility on supply chains, and creates a common ground for small-scale farmers. The innovation is such that it ensures the accuracy and security of a dataset that one can trust without the need for a third party. This transformative technology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in a lot of ways.
Join our upcoming Twitter Space on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how blockchain can help transform Africa's agriculture. Speakers include Jehiel Oliver, CEO, Hello Tractor; Bolaji Akinboro, Co-Founder, TòròNet Chain & Chairman, Voriancorelli, and Reginald Alango, Operations Manager, Vibra.
Mastercard and Pesalink sign an MoU to drive digital transformation of payments in Kenya.
Under the terms of the MoU, PesaLink will leverage Mastercard’s technology, expertise, partnerships, and cyber intelligence solutions to diversify its payment capability beyond person-to-person payments. Specifically, Mastercard will collaborate with PesaLink to expand its services. Read more.
Africa must address fuel smuggling as prices rise and subsidies are implemented across the continent.
With oil prices currently at a 14-year high, countries all over the globe have introduced measures aimed at stabilizing fuel costs within their borders and cushioning their citizens from the most deleterious effects of the crisis. Read more.
Our Weekly Collectables
After a horrible incident betide’s James Sulzer’s family in the spring of 2020, he relies on science to help fix his family. Find out how an engineer tries to build his way out of tragedy.
Many people believe Nelson Mandela died in prison in the 1980s, when in fact, he died in his home in 2013. Find out how the brain falsifies memories in the Mandela effect: A critical analysis.
Judicial corruption is common. But what is even more ridiculous are the places where corrupt judges keep their ill-gotten wealth? My lord, tell me where to keep your bribe is a satire that addresses this.
Not everyone has the gift to influence others. But who needs a gift when you have a skill? Here are 5 simple psychological ways to influence others.
#VANUGGET
Remember to stay safe!
