Afro Emoji has launched. The app includes sticker characters with a range of African phrases and captions. They can be fully customized by users for their preferred language.
Afro Emoji
"The idea is really a match between the power that the mobile phone wields in Africa and a graphic portrayal of the idiosyncratic way in which Africans communicate with one another," said Afro Emoji CEO Ayoola Daramola.
Afro Emoji
The stickers are meant to be fun and express a lot in just one graphic, said Daramola.
Afro Emoji
"It's the captions that really get people -- they can hear their mum or aunt or pastor or teacher saying those exact things and that seems to be evoking a sense of cultural community with our users and fans," admits Daramola.
Afro Emoji
The creators have been "blown away" by peoples' reactions and are now developing East, West and South African characters to introduce into the app.
Afro Emoji
As mobile is king in Africa, Daramola said he expects the Afro Emoji to become a key component in how Africans message and chat.
Afro Emoji
Afro Emoji hopes to hear from fans across the continent, with suggestions to what type of characters and what sayings they want to see in the future.
Afro Emoji
"This app is all about representing and, consequently, building a community; a digital community," said the CEO.
Afro Emoji
Daramola says there has been a lot of digital sticker and emoji diversification around the world, most notably in Asia, so it's time for an Africa-centric set of characters.
