Tech - Bubblegum Club

The Shift From Classical to Quantum Thought Could Catalyse Africa’s Youth

There was a time when African worldviews were dismissed as primitive but as scientific understanding progresses, many previously accepted truths are challenged. True scientists now recognise that some issues transcend conventional logic. Enter African modes of thought, long marginalized and overlooked. Though mainstream discourse still hesitates to acknowledge Africa’s intellectual heritage, the shift from Classical…

Interview with a Joburg-Based Black Femme Video Game Designer

I had an online interaction with Aluta Null, a glitch and digital artist who also identifies as a game designer. We spoke about their transformative residency at BubblegumClub, which was pivotal for their development, providing studio space, and opportunities for collaboration and artistic innovation. Null shared insights into their creative practice, influenced by internet subcultures…

I Do Not Have an Answer for You, but Maybe Ask Your AI Chatbot

If procuring the services of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to complete that last-minute assignment you had was not enough, and Snapchat’s My AI did not help with your problems like it promised it would, now you can have a conversation with Kendall Jenner – Virtually of course, through META’s new AI ChatBot, Billie, who not only resembles…

TOGUNA WORLD: A Kaleidoscope of Design Excellence

The history of design in Africa spans millennia and encompasses ancient civilisations like the Egyptians and Nubians, known for their architectural marvels and intricate crafts. African textile traditions, rich with cultural symbolism, have flourished for centuries, while everything about the way people live reflects Africa’s climatic and cultural diversity. Of course, colonialism left its mark,…

The Controversial Downfall of Milady Maker NFTs

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency and nonfungible tokens (NFTs), the Milady Maker, an NFT project on the Ethereum blockchain, initially seemed like a small, whimsical venture. Launched in 2021, it is described as “generative pfpNFTs in a neochibi aesthetic inspired by street style tribes,” Milady Maker is an exclusive collection of 10,000 anime profile…

Is Your Art Safe from AI Thieves? This Website Has the Answer!

You’ve probably heard a ton about AI-generated stuff lately, from deepfakes to AI-created art, right? 🤖 Well, here’s a question that’s been bugging us: Are our photos secretly fueling the training of these AI robots? Could they be snatching our pics from our sites or social media to level up their game? 🤨  See, the…

TOGUNA WORLD: A Digital Renaissance for Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism was once a hip retort to the erasure of Africans in futuristic narratives. It incorporated elements of science fiction, history and fantasy to highlight the African-American experience and reestablish connections with African heritage. However, the movement has faced criticism for oversimplifying and commodifying African cultures, with its Western-centric focus on privileged experiences and detachment…

Top 10 Sex Toys of 2023

Now, you might be thinking: “Eish! Rand is low! Sit down with your sex toys!” But think again! In challenging times, prioritising self-care, including sexual well-being, can accelerate self-actualisation and elevate lived experience. While there are creative household-item alternatives, such as ropes or candles, that can spice up intimacy on a budget, it’s important to…

AI Has Taken Over Many Jobs, Is The Creative Industry Next?

Depictions of the future are often incredibly divisive. On the one hand, we have the ‘promise of technology’; a future where society thrives in tandem with technology. And, on the other, an almost apocalyptic picture of humanity at war with technology. Yet, despite the numerous films and novels about technology leading to the extinction of…

Apple Vision Pro and What It Could Mean for Africans

With its innovative features, immersive experiences, exceptional visuals and lifelike audio, Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset has generated widespread excitement. The imminent release of the Vision Pro in early 2024 is poised to have a profound impact on the mixed-reality technology industry. However, the premium price of $3,500 may restrict access for certain users, which…