Thankfully, gone are the days when anime and gaming were reserved for kids or people who "weren't serious with their lives." Sad days, those. It's taken some time, but the rate of growth and the spread of anime and gaming culture is something to get excited about.
With Kenya being one of the few countries in Africa to have the highest demand for the recent anime release; Yasuke, it's clear that more people are interested in this industry. If you're an Otaku, you no longer have to worry about standing out for the wrong reasons...
This development is more than welcome for people in the entertainment industry as well as consumers like myself, who grew up on shows like Samurai Jack. I wouldn't have missed an episode, so you can imagine how happy I am to get fresh content instead of re-watching older productions. There are also emerging sub-genres in anime that ensure you can get the most niche of content needs met.
The best part is that even if you missed out on a chunk of the anime and gaming culture (adulting can get in the way), the Nairobi Comic Convention (NAICCON) will help bring you up to speed on current shows and more events. There, you'll meet people from different places united by their love for anime. Don't be scared of judgment or falling short of set expectations; just attend with an open mind, ready for fun and you'll likely want to be back for the next one.
As for gaming, Kenya is also recording high demand, with data from Statista sharing that by 2027, users in the video game market will have reached 10 million users. Puzzles and football games are the highest in demand, with strategy and RPG not being left too far behind. East Africa Gaming Convention and Afri Gamers are just two conventions you should attend if you're an avid gamer.
The anime and gaming culture in Kenya has room for everyone, regardless of their level of interest or specific sub-genre. The more involved you get in the industry, the more like-minded people you're likely to come across. Whether for you it's a hobby to pass some free time, or it's a lifestyle that you're interested in, there's a niche and level for you.
There's a lot more to come in addition to what's currently in the market, like trivia game nights which have been around for some time. If good, clean, fun ever got a face, the gaming and anime culture in Kenya should be it. All ages can participate, making it one of the most interesting and fulfilling ways to spend some free time as a family.
Discover new productions or revisit older ones to help you ease into the culture if you're not already a part of it. It's so much easier now than it was to get access to this industry, thanks to the spread of the internet to a large extent. You can buy merchandise including posters, buttons, and figurines that you like or that are most familiar to you. Get comics, tees, or even branded goodies to take back home with you so you can stay active.
You'll become part of a growing community that doesn't believe in hiding your passions and gritting your teeth through the pain of having to forego your interests. Is there anything more freeing than this? I don't think so!
Sounds exciting!! Can't wait to attend with my family.
Ayyyee!!! Lesgooo! Reading this got me re-hyped to be part of the scene. It's refreshing