This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, Creatives Garage, a Kenyan company, launched Kalabars, an online media streaming and video on demand platform focused on African stories.
With Kalabars, the company aims to provide a platform for African content creators to share their stories with global audiences, increasing revenue and promoting intercultural expression.
The platform offers films, series, documentaries, music videos, and audio content, available on smart devices, competing with Viusasa, operated by Royal Media Services, and foreign-based video-streaming companies like Netflix and Showmax.
Independent comedians, such as Jemo Ule Msee, Mulamwa, and Teacher Wanjiku, are also pitching for the online market, drawing audiences with their content.
According to Liz Kilili, CEO of Creatives Garage, Kalabars will share quality content with an audience craving authentic African stories.
"Film in Africa is very critical especially in developing an informed populace as well as reframing how Africa is viewed throughout the world," Kilili noted.
Ms. Kilili added that the platform seeks to get Africa to tell its story, increase revenue for African content creators, and strengthen social fabric through impactful art.
