Online video streaming startup Wabona has begun paid-for subscriptions, which will ultimately make 2,500 hours of African content available across Africa and to the diaspora.
The multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-ethnic online library contains exclusive material, making Wabona one of the top five online streaming platforms in the industry.
Within six months, the site will have 2,500 hours of African content available to be streamed online.
HumanIPO reported on Friday that Wabona was one of six winners of the U-Start Bloom pitching competition held on Thursday night in Woodstock, Cape Town.
Both passionate about film material and the true perspective on the “African story”, co-founders Simba Mabasha and Simukayi Mukuna are determined to provide content that gives a positive perspective on Africa.
Speaking to HumanIPO, Mabasha said: “That is our big mantra. We are storytellers and we want to change the conversation.”
The African duo feel African content is currently underrepresented and associated with poverty and AIDS.
Mabasha added: “Let’s take rural Africa. It’s not The Gods Must be Crazy.”
“It does not necessarily have the biggest story but it is a different story of Africa,” Mukuna said, referring to the relative niche market of African stories from local ground as available online.
Apart from the two year-old startup’s partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and other independent film companies, Wabona is also determined to connect with and maintain a focus on filmmakers.
“We’ve always had the filmmakers in mind and even how we proportion our revenue towards switching to the subscription model… We’re still keeping them in mind,” Mukuna explained.
Mabasha believes collaborations with African film festivals can also be beneficial for the business.
Although focusing on South to Eastern African content at present stage, Nigerian and other West African material can be expected in the near future.
Furthermore, the release of an Android mobile app and community connection features is also under development.
“Communities need to be connected by creating space for people to interact, Mabasha said.
“Part of our thinking is to create these spaces and platforms for people to do that.”
Wabona is part of the 88mph accelerator programme and are based in the Woodstock Exchange, Cape Town.
