Mukalazi Raymond Andrew: Consistency and Discipline is the Key to Animation

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BTS- behind the scenes of the booming animation industry of Africa are -its Animators. They are the great artists who rendered incredible talents and skills to come up with a masterpiece worth watching.&nbsp;By 2030, the animation industry worldwide is expected to be a 600-billion-dollar industry. Thus, what could be the best time to learn animation than today. &nbsp;We have seen a few young and budding animation artists evolve as they master their craft here in CG Africa.In this article, we present to you <a href="https://www.cgafrica.com/profile/mukalazi" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mukalazi Raymond Andrew</a>.Mukray, as fondly called by friends' hails from Kampala, Uganda. At 24 years of age, he doesn’t leave his eyes on his goal. Rather, he stays unfailing, despite the obstacles he encountered along the journey to becoming a top-notch animator not only of Africa but of the world as well.<h2>So, how did you learn animation?&nbsp;</h2>I went to Artfield Institute of Design Kampala, Uganda, where I graduated in 3D Animation and Digital Media design.<h2>Do you have some example tutorials you watched?</h2>I started with the tutorial attached below. It really helped me understand all the basics in 3d production. When I understood the basics, I moved on to much more complex ones, But I believe understanding the basics properly is key to moving onward to much more complicated things.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="800" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tElsku3aKQI">
</iframe></div><h2>Where do you get your inspiration from?&nbsp;</h2>I get most of my inspiration from media that I consume, be it movies, animation, Pinterest, art stations, anime, or video games. I believe you are what you consume, so I try to follow a lot of creative people online and consume as much art as possible.<h2>What challenges have you met in becoming an animator?</h2>Long and tiresome nights, 3d animation takes a lot of time and patience that might not seem worth it at first, but in the end, it most definitely is.<h2>What are your aspirations with the industry?</h2>Well, I love making 3D art, animation, and storytelling, and honestly, it's this love and passion that drives me to make art every day. Africa is a very rich and unexplored continent story-wise with over 3000 tribes, with so much culture and stories that could be told and preserved for the future through storytelling digital media like Animation.&nbsp;<h2>What can you say about your first posted work?</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumb_1_ce7c208361.jpeg"></figure>Honestly, it's surprising how much my 3d design has grown. As an artist, you're always trying to push the boundary and grow into a better version of yourself so I am very proud of myself and hope to grow even more over the years. Learning as a 3d artist never stops because technology is always getting better and changing.<a href="https://www.cgafrica.com/gallery/character-design-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">See more</a><h2>What has influenced your improvement?&nbsp;</h2>Consistency, tons of tutorials, and hours of practice. The school will as well help introduce you to a concept and give you a conducive environment to develop, but without discipline and hours of practice to own your craft, you won't improve.<h2>What can you say about your recent works?</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumb_1_90439d6f00.jpeg"></figure>Was trying to create a Chibi semi-realistic self-portrait and I love the outcome, there are tons of things I could have done better but I'm proud of it.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cgafrica.com/gallery/xtie-character-design" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">See more</a><h2>Are you planning to continue working as a character &nbsp;Design and Modelling?&nbsp;</h2>Of course. I have dedicated my whole life to animation as an art form, it’s something I am very passionate about and I believe it's my purpose in life.<h2>What would be your advice to newbies in animation? (especially for African animators)&nbsp;</h2>Practice and consistency are key to mastering anything. Never give up on your ambitions however steep they may be. And lastly, learn about the business side of art, especially if you plan to be a freelancer.

Mukalazi Raymond Andrew:  Consistency and Discipline is the Key to Animation: By 2030, the animation industry worldwide is expected to be a 600-billion-dollar industry. Thus, what could be the best time to learn animation than today. 

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Mukalazi Raymond Andrew:  Consistency and discipline is the key to Animation

CGAfrica 2022: A 2D Drawing Of Legend Of Shango - The Third Emperor Competition

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We are excited to announce the winner of the CGAfrica Competition 2022 themed ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor’ which is sponsored by <a href="https://www.triggerfish.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Triggerfish Animation</a>, <a href="https://www.dnablock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DNABlocks</a>, <a href="https://www.foundry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Foundry</a>, <a href="http://blur.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blur Studio</a> and <a href="https://www.framestore.com/?language=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Framestore</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_iZIZnIQpk" <="" iframe=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>First Place</h2>The first-place winner is&nbsp;Ibrahim Idris<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Winner_Post_insta1_4894a10465.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/cgafrica_sango_winner_f286e6a28c.jpeg"></figure><h2>Second Place</h2>The second-place winner is Folashade Adeshida<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/2_Nd_Winner_Post_insta1_8af5c0b09f.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumb_6_96e92042cf.jpeg"></figure>&nbsp;<h2>Third Place</h2>The third-place winner is Quadri Ayinde<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/3rd_Winner_Post_insta1_4922ba0937.jpg"></figure><figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumb_7_c0cee73c0b.jpeg"></figure>Thank you to all the participants and sponsors for the first edition of the CGAfrica challenge. It was a stiff competition, and we were looking forward to seeing various submissions with historical details. We look forward to hosting more competitions that will feature improved entries and more historical details.&nbsp;If you’d like to receive a notification when this contest re-opens for entries, you can subscribe for updates <a href="http://newsletter.cgafrica.com/subscription?f=mklv6YI7E9gCTuC2JUHW3XfTlVMSwMtq8m2gmHR7MjFU1gM2NicUGAyQlHJwSOkE7IwZaRFypjW6ZMWtpI5cYg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>&nbsp;

We are excited to announce the winner of the CGAfrica Competition 2022 themed ‘The Legend of Sango – The Third Emperor’ which is sponsored by Triggerfish Animation, DNABlocks, Foundry, Blur Studio and Framestore.

CGAfrica Competition 2022: Legend Of Shango - The Third Emperor Winners Announced

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CGAfrica Competition 2022: Legend Of Shango - The Third Emperor  Winners Announced

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Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks- you probably have watched at least one featured movie from these animation powerhouses. Perhaps, you have seen The Lion King, Tarzan, and Madagascar…yes, these movie animations have one thing in common -their setting was the wonderful wilderness of Africa. &nbsp;But there’s more to this rich continent than savannas and safaris.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeed, as an emerging animation hub of the world, Africa has a lot more to offer. For the past ten years, animated movies in Africa are deliberately being celebrated in the region.Little by little, <a href="https://www.cgafrica.com/article/the-top-5-most-promising-animation-studios-in-africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">African animation studios </a>are recognized all over the world, their animators are sought after for their skills and endless pursuit to be the best. Not an easy task though. &nbsp;Despite the many constraints, African animation is hoisted to successfully conquer the world of featured films. Here is a taste of the irresistible servings of the 5 best animation movies of Africa:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters&nbsp;</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/LBMM_f6c5e2f5aa.jpg"><figcaption>Image from techpoint.africa</figcaption></figure>Simply known as LBMM of Hot Ticket Productions, Winner of the 2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards.&nbsp;This pre- pandemic animation is the first feature-length 3D animated movie from Nigerian Cinematic, dubbed as Nollywood. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since its debut in Lekki, Lagos in December 2020, it has stirred the African animation movies industry and has been under the scrutiny and reviews of critics and fans alike. &nbsp;LBMM is a feel-good, family-oriented movie that follows the tale of an inquisitive, precocious young girl, Bukky, in a series of adventures in an unfamiliar territory, where she met strange characters.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Queen Malika: Warrior Queen&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Thanks to YouTube, I was able to watch this next-on-the-list animated film with no hassle at all. A 15- minute short animated movie published by Youneek Studios. To date, it has more than 700K views since its release two years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;Queen Malika was inspired by the story of a warrior queen, Queen Amina, a 16th Century ruler who reigned over parts of Northwest Nigeria. An exceptional leader whose struggles revolve around keeping her kingdom intact and safe from enemies in the fifteenth century.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;One of the film’s major achievements was when it emerged as the winner in Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards for the best animated short movie category last July 2019.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the sequel of this short animated African movie.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Zambesia&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>About a decade ago (2012), the first animated movie from Africa’s leading animation studio, Triggerfish Animation Studios, was released by Cinema Management Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Zambesia_0b1e4c919f.jpg"><figcaption>Image from imdb.com</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Goldblum is some of the voices of this successful and award-winning animated film, about the story of a young falcon named Kai.&nbsp;Despite the restrictions from his father Tendai (Samuel L. Jackson), Kai discovers himself as he finds out the importance of family, friendship, and teamwork to solve whatever problems that arise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of its recognition were: Best South African Feature Film in 2012 Durban International Film Festival and the Best Animation at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Mark of Uru&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Released when African animation movies weren’t as much it is today, this film touched the worldwide issue of discrimination, of acceptance for one’s being.&nbsp;Azuka was born with a peculiar birthmark, the cause of her tribulations. Despite her mother’s effort to conceal it, she did not succeed. Azuka must find ways to free herself from the imminent danger posed by some patches on her skin.&nbsp;&nbsp;A first of its own, this web-based animated series was released in 2009 and continued to be watched by viewers worldwide. Despite its limitations, still, this movie has shown what a great culture and folklore could become when combined with computer graphics and animation.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Produced by Mayhem Productions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">The Passport of Mallam Ilia&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>This last but not least item on our list has not been fully released yet. But I believed it is worth waiting for and worth a spot on our 5 best-animated movies in Africa.&nbsp;Alright, there might be some bias here but I just can’t help it. Perhaps because the film is based on a popular African novel by Cyprian Ekwensi , maybe because it features the universal theme of love, vengeance, and conquest or it could be that I found its teaser incredibly amazing…&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://cgafrica-media.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Passport_of_Mallam_Ilia_Magic_Carpet_Studios_c614969aa6.jpg" alt="Passport-of-Mallam-Ilia_-Magic-Carpet-Studios"><figcaption>&nbsp;Image from Youneekstudio.com</figcaption></figure>&nbsp;I could not pinpoint the exact reason though, but this featured film from Magic Carpet Studios is something that we could look forward to and deserved a slot here.&nbsp;&nbsp;A truly ingenious manner to bridge the older books generation with the digital youth of today through the art of animation.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Conclusion</h2>Africa has a lot to offer. The developing animation industry has already proven itself that it can be at par with other animation studios in the world yet uniquely African;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>The African animated movies have reached a worldwide audience;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>It is a great avenue to showcase African rich culture to the world;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>African Animation has proven to send a universal message of love, family, friendship, and camaraderie to its viewers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;</li></ul>Again, there could be no better way to present the African way of life and culture to the world than through animation by African animators.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;List down your best bets too, in the comments below.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recognition of the emerging African animation industry could be felt worldwide. Unique African culture, story, and style combined with great animation and you have an amazing film worth watching for.  Read here to know the 5 best animated movies in Africa. 

5 Best Animated Movies in Africa

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Mukalazi Raymond Andrew: Consistency and discipline is the key to Animation

CGAfrica Competition 2022: Legend Of Shango - The Third Emperor Winners Announced

5 Best Animated Movies in Africa

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5 Best Animated Movies in Africa

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Mukalazi Raymond Andrew: Consistency and discipline is the key to Animation

CGAfrica Competition 2022: Legend Of Shango - The Third Emperor Winners Announced

5 Best Animated Movies in Africa

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