1TRIBE
Interview by CultureDot
Guest: George CEO of 1TRIBE
December, 2023
We’re in an elevator and approaching the ground floor. Give us the 1Tribe Concept in one - two definitive sentences.
1TRIBE is a revolutionary Edutainment platform and the world's first WEB3 radio and TV station, blending African culture with digital innovation to educate and inspire through a unique mix of content, technology, and community engagement. We're pioneering the integration of blockchain into African storytelling and creative expression, harnessing the power of Polkadot to connect, empower, and uplift.
Of all the avenues you could have taken - why education?
Education is pivotal, especially in the context of Africa's historical journey. The continent largely missed the industrial revolutions, relegating it to a role of technology consumer rather than a pioneer. This is where 1TRIBE steps in – we are not just choosing education; we are embracing it as a tool of empowerment and change. As we stand on the cusp of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), it's crucial that Africa is not merely a participant but a leader and innovator.
1TRIBE is our platform to ensure that the next wave of global technological advancement has African voices at the forefront, shaping and defining the future. By merging education with entertainment, we aim to engage, enlighten, and prepare a generation to lead Africa into this new era.
What sets you apart from other educational based platforms?
1TRIBE stands apart through its unique fusion of African cultural content and cutting-edge blockchain technology, offering an 'Edutainment' experience unlike any other. We don't just educate; we immerse our audience in a rich potpourri of African stories, art, and music, all while simplifying complex tech concepts. Our integration with the Polkadot ecosystem brings a new level of interactivity and innovation to the educational space, making learning about technology engaging, culturally relevant, and accessible to everyone.
“1TRIBE is a revolutionary Edutainment platform and the world's first WEB3 radio and TV station, blending African culture with digital innovation to educate and inspire…”
How did you find Polkadot & what attracted you the most to the community?
My journey into the blockchain world began during my studies in filmmaking and audio engineering when I chanced upon an article about Satoshi Nakamoto and Bitcoin. This discovery ignited a passion within me, as I've always harbored an activist spirit, and I saw blockchain as a pivotal tool for Africa's liberation – a means to achieve less trust and more truth, which aligns with my core life principles.
After organizing the first-ever blockchain event in the UAE, my curiosity grew, leading me to the Futurama Dubai event where I learned about Gavin Wood. His vision of blockchain architecture struck a chord with me, and I became a steadfast follower. Polkadot, with its emphasis on interoperability and a collaborative ecosystem, mirrored my belief in the power of technology to unite and empower. It wasn't just the technology that drew me in but the community's shared vision of innovation and inclusivity that resonated with my aspirations for 1TRIBE.
Who are you close within the Polkadot ecosystem? Anyone you’d like to thank specifically?
In the Polkadot ecosystem, our journey has been enriched by the support and collaboration from a range of dedicated teams and individuals. A heartfelt thanks goes to the Web3 Foundation, particularly the technical education team – Bill, Fillipo, and Radha, who have been instrumental in bootstrapping our educational initiatives. Their expertise and commitment have greatly advanced our understanding and application of blockchain technology.
We are also deeply grateful to the teams at Public Pressure and Unique Network for their support and collaboration. Their innovative approaches and shared vision have significantly contributed to the development and reach of 1TRIBE. Additionally, the Kusamarian team, along with Sam El Amin from Imbue, have provided invaluable insights and support, furthering our mission.
Their willingness to share knowledge and resources has been vital in bringing the 1TRIBE project to fruition and demonstrates the power of collaboration within the Polkadot ecosystem.
What do you believe is the clearest path to web 3 adoption in Africa and what would that look like to you? What benefits do you see?
I strongly believe the clearest path to Web3 adoption in Africa is through relatable education and practical, real-life examples of its application. At 1TRIBE, our documentaries – 'Women of Wonder' and 'Thriving in Chaos' – play a pivotal role in this journey. These series don’t just narrate stories; they're a platform where African entrepreneurs and creatives interact with Polkadot ecosystem projects, receiving advice on incorporating Web3 solutions into their businesses and crafts.
'Women of Wonder' showcases African female entrepreneurs embracing the Polkadot ecosystem, providing viewers with real examples of how blockchain technology can revolutionize industries from fashion to finance. Similarly, 'Thriving in Chaos' focuses on African male entrepreneurs and creatives. It highlights how advice and collaboration with Polkadot projects enable them to utilize blockchain technology to overcome challenges and foster innovation.
“…Web3 is a catalyst for creative, social, and economic transformation. 1TRIBE is committed to being at the forefront of this transformative journey, showcasing the potential of Web3 in reshaping Africa's future."
This approach to adoption looks beyond mere technology implementation. It's about creating a narrative that Web3 is not just a tool but a transformative force. By providing education through documentaries and series like 'Web3 Digest' and '#WELEARN,' we are demystifying blockchain technology and making it accessible and relevant.
The benefits of this path are profound. It promotes financial inclusion through decentralized finance, fosters transparent and efficient governance systems, and drives African innovation in the digital space. It places Africa not as a bystander but as an active participant and leader in the global digital narrative. Our ultimate goal is to see a continent empowered by technology, where Web3 is a catalyst for creative, social, and economic transformation. 1TRIBE is committed to being at the forefront of this transformative journey, showcasing the potential of Web3 in reshaping Africa's future."
Let us know of some accomplishments you’ve achieved so far.
1TRIBE has made significant strides in integrating African culture with the digital economy, particularly within the Polkadot ecosystem. Here are some of our key achievements:
Successful Launch of 1TRIBE Platform: We've successfully soft-launched the 1TRIBE platform, a pioneering WEB3 multimedia platform that harmonizes radio, television, and digital marketplace functionalities, all seamlessly integrated with the Polkadot network.
Robust Content Library: Our content library now boasts 72 videos covering various subjects, with an additional 40 videos created to meet the demands of our soft launch. This includes diverse Web3 radio and television content, providing insights into various aspects of the Web3 world, with a special focus on the Polkadot ecosystem.
Educational Series Development: We've developed educational series such as #WELEARN and #WEB3DIGEST, aimed at introducing the WEB3 and Polkadot ecosystem to the African audience. These series demystify Polkadot and Web3 technologies, fostering a well-informed community.
Interactive Art and NFT Gallery: Our platform features an interactive space for showcasing digital art and collectibles, fostering a vibrant and creative digital art community within the Polkadot network.
Dynamic Marketplace Integration: We've built upon the concept of the WURA platform, utilizing Polkadot's technological capabilities to feature a versatile marketplace, bridging digital and physical commerce.
Platform for Musicians and Artists: 1TRIBE has become a hub for musicians and artists within the Polkadot network, offering them a platform to submit and showcase their work, thereby gaining exposure and connecting with a global audience.
Inclusivity and Real-World Impact: Our series like 'Women of Wonder' promote gender equality and inclusivity, aligning with Polkadot's ethos. Moreover, in series like 'Thriving in Chaos,' we feature real-world impacts by showcasing Polkadot ecosystem teams advising African entrepreneurs.
Your ultimate goal - no matter how big - what would that be?
My ultimate goal at 1TRIBE is multi-faceted and ambitious. Primarily, we aim to position 1TRIBE as the leader in the Web3 space for Polkadot in Africa, driving the development and growth of a new generation of developers, creatives, and users on the network. We envision 1TRIBE as a catalyst in Africa's technological renaissance, where blockchain technology is not only adopted but also innovatively applied across various sectors.
Beyond the platform, we aspire to see our mobile app evolve into a super app for African musicians and creatives – a unique blend that mirrors the functionalities of Instagram, Deezer, and YouTube. This super app would serve as a one-stop digital hub for creativity, collaboration, and community, empowering African artists to showcase their talents, connect with audiences, and monetize their work in the Web3 ecosystem.
“1TRIBE isn't just a platform; it becomes a movement. A movement that champions the fusion of African culture with digital innovation, transforming how the continent interacts…”
In this grand vision, 1TRIBE isn't just a platform; it becomes a movement. A movement that champions the fusion of African culture with digital innovation, transforming how the continent interacts with futureTech, and reshaping the global digital landscape. We're not just building a platform; we're nurturing an ecosystem that heralds a new era of African digital creativity and leadership in the global Web3 community."
If you were an animal traversing the plains of the Serengeti - what would you be?
That’s easy, If I were to embody an animal traversing the Serengeti, I would be the “Erin”, which in my language is the African Elephant. Just as the elephant is renowned for its intelligence, strength, and close-knit familial bonds, these are the qualities that resonate with the ethos of 1TRIBE. Much like the Erin, which plays a crucial role in its ecosystem,
1TRIBE aims to be a key influencer in the digital landscape of Africa, nurturing growth, fostering connections, and paving new paths. The elephant is a symbol of wisdom and resilience, navigating the plains with a quiet yet formidable presence; similarly, 1TRIBE seeks to navigate the digital world with wisdom, creating lasting impacts and forging strong community bonds in the Web3 space.
End interview.
Photo Credits: Photos provided by 1Tribe