There’s a new kind of revolution brewing in Soweto, and it comes with cosplay, controllers and comic book lore. The Afro Geek Festival 2025 takes place on 24 May at Jabulani Safe-Hub, promising to celebrate African innovation, imagination, and fandom on a scale that’s bigger and bolder than ever before.
Powered by headline sponsor Vuma, South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), and Legends Barber, Afro Geek started in May 2024 as an idea to bring more representation to geek culture, celebrating people of colour and creatives from across the African continent. It has become a hub for creators, artists, gamers, and fans who are passionate about storytelling and technological advancement within a uniquely African context. With a growing community, impactful partnerships, and exciting events, Afro Geek is redefining what it means to be a part of the global geek and gaming culture.
“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 decision sparked a movement. Within a year, Afro Geek caught the attention of platforms like Comic Con. Now, the festival is aiming for something even bigger: a Pan-African celebration of geek culture, with a homegrown lineup of animators, writers, developers and designers who are reshaping the future of storytelling and tech.
“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 Vuma, partnering with Afro Geek is about continuing their mission to connect ideas, people and futures.
“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.”
From Legends Barber, partnering with Afro Geek and Vuma is a privilege. “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.
“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 those who want to see a festival driven by bold ideas, local talent and the creators who are rewriting the rules of tech and creativity, Afro Geek’s message is simple “Pull through, the future is already here, and it’s proudly African”.
Get ready for an incredible experience at the Afro Geek 2025 Festival. Discover all the exciting details and secure your tickets now by visiting https://www.quicket.co.za/events/307793-afro-geek-fest/#/. Don’t miss out on this amazing event!
