Chris Cox addressing the gathering at the ANO Gallery
Chris Cox, Chief Product Officer at Facebook, paid a one-day working visit to Ghana to learn from how Ghana’s creative talents use Facebook to tell their stories.
He attended an event at the ANO Gallery in Accra on Wednesday, where he was part of a panel discussion with art, music, food and fashion design entrepreneurs, discussing how they use Facebook and Instagram to tell powerful and engaging stories to audience in Ghana and beyond.
The event brought together a host of local talents, including M.anifes, Efya, PY Addo-Boateng, Creative Director of Bless The Mic- a platform for local and international artistes to showcase their talent in Ghana.
Chris’ visit is part of a week-long trip to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, where he is keen to understand how creative artists, developers and entrepreneurs are using mobile technology to create services, content and businesses that address local needs.
M.anifest who appeared on a panel of six members to tell their story said, “We have some really compelling stories to share in Ghana, not just with other Ghanaians but with audiences around the world. The remarkable thing about Facebook is that it gives us cutting-edge and exciting new ways to connect with people and to tell our stories ourselves and in our own way.”
PY Addo-Boateng added, “Facebook and Instagram have given music fans new ways to interact with their favourite artists and bands- from behind the scenes photos to live videos from gigs.
“For Bless the Mic, it’s been one of the ways we’ve been able to take Ghanaian music to people across the world. But more than that, it has enabled us to be part of a global community that is truly passionate about creativity and music.”
Chris Cox stated, “Stories matter, whether it’s the stories of our lives or the story of Africa’s growth and ascendance. We want Ghana’s storytellers- the musicians, filmmakers and bloggers to take their stories to the rest of the world.
“I have been honoured to meet some of Ghana’s top talent and heard how they are using technology to share their stories and perspective within Ghana and around the globe.”
By Cephas Larbi