A global collective of Black digital artists – the African Digital Art Network has launched its very own NFT marketplace called Nandi. The platform aims to be an online stage for Black artists and creators to showcase their talent. Nandi, which was announced earlier this month, will be a podium where artists can also experience the financial benefits of Web3 across the African diaspora.
Chinedu Enekwe, the co-founder of African Digital Art Network, also co-founded the Nandi NFT marketplace. The platform has been named after Queen Nandi, the mother of Shaka, the legendary king of the Zulus. Enekwe revealed that the idea for the NFT marketplace came through a discussion he had with Jepchumba, the co-founder of the African Digital Art Network.
In the beginning, Jepchumba was hesitant to get involved with NFTs. She said no one had offered real focus on the (African) community. But Enekwe put forth his idea for an NFT marketplace and an ecosystem that would include a studio for creators and has the ability to fundraise. He explained that it would be a way to help brands and creators get paid for their hard work.
Enekwe highlighted that Black artists and creators, for long, have not been able to capitalize on their work. Many were forced into unfair contracts or tricked into signing away their IP rights. Besides the NFT marketplace, the African Digital Art Network is introducing the Nandi Cowry community. Enekwe described this as a global community of cultural leaders, tastemakers, and creators. The community can get membership through NFTs designed by Sindiso Nyoni, who is an artist based in Johannesburg.
Enekwe said the NFTs will have three membership levels. The lowest tier will have a price point ranging from $25 – $10,000 using the Celo stablecoin, CUSD. The Celo blockchain upholds the commitment to carbon neutrality.
