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Indigenous-owned tech company Kiwa Digital has announced a new investment in the African localisation market. Kiwa is bringing innovations to support the continent’s vibrant creative and cultural industries.
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The New Zealand-based company’s software, VoiceQ, enhances the post-production of TV, film, video, and games by precisely synchronising dubbed voices, streamlining the localisation process for diverse media content.
VoiceQ has been active in the African market for five years, collaborating with leading localisation operators like Azam Media and Multichoice. Its partners include independent companies such as Overklank in South Africa and Sharly Dubbing in France. The VoiceQ software is currently being used to localise African stories in locations including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dodoma, Gitega, Dakar, Tangiers, and Paris.
The latest updates to VoiceQ respond to the African market’s growing demand for cultural authenticity, high production values, innovative storytelling, and relevance. These innovations include authentic AI integrations, enhanced accessibility, real-time reporting, multi-language support, and free access to VoiceQ Actor. Additionally, Kiwa Digital is providing tailored training for the African market, starting with a webinar on Monday, September 2nd.
This month, the company is also launching its cloud-based software in Africa for the first time. VoiceQ Cloud offers a solution that enables remote collaboration and seamless workflows in the cloud. The first to implement this technology is Amafu, a 100% Black-owned broadcast media and dubbing studio technology company based in South Africa. Amafu is quickly establishing itself as a thought leader and industry disruptor with a focus on cloud-based technologies and innovation.
The announcement coincides with FAME Week Africa 2024 in Cape Town. The event is celebrating Africa’s talent, innovation, and creativity in media, under the theme “Your Africa, Your Story!”.
Steven Renata, Managing Director of Kiwa Digital, highlighted the importance of localisation technology in showcasing Africa’s rich cultural narratives. He stated: “Localisation helps break the world’s language barriers, bridging cultural divides, amplifying Indigenous narratives, and inspiring national and global audiences.”
Afika Soyamba, Chief Technology Officer of Amafu, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and quality in media localisation.
“Our unique approach to dubbing and media localisation, combined with our cutting-edge technology, allows us to deliver content that resonates with diverse audiences across Africa,” said Soyamba.
The latest version of VoiceQ software is now available and will be showcased by Amafu at FAME Week in Cape Town from September 1-7, 2024. Additionally, webinars demonstrating VoiceQ will take place throughout September and October.
Steven Renata added, “With one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa is a hub of creativity and digital innovation. We congratulate all involved in nurturing this exhilarating growth and look forward to playing our role in driving the continent’s creative momentum forward.”
