Ozzy Osbourne’s CryptoBatz spiked after he passed on – a grotesquely intriguing momentary boom in the NFT metaverse 9,966 digital bats, "biting" Bored Apes. The Prince of Darkness going all in on digital collectibles. It's news. But it highlights something far more important, a glaring imbalance in the NFT space: Where are the African voices? Where are their CryptoBatz?

Africa's Art, Globally Ignored?

Think about it. Africa is a continent teeming with artistic talent. Thousand years worth of heritage carved into colorful cloth, fierce figures, and forceful song. Cultures rich with stories just waiting to be told. Now picture that opulence converted into the NFT sphere. Now imagine the impact that collection designed to evoke the power and beauty of ancient Benin bronzes can have. Now imagine the magic of digital art documenting Lagos’s colorful street art!

The NFT story has been mostly told through the lens of Western artists or projects backed by celebrities. We all cheer for the launch of CryptoBatz, born from a rock legend’s on-stage shenanigans as millions of African creatives fight for recognition. Isn’t there something deeply unfair about that?

From witnessing a 400% increase in value, to effectively having nothing, too many artists across Africa can’t even mint a single NFT. The overall NFT market cap is at $1.47 billion. Less than 2% of that went to African creators. A pittance, I suspect.

Barriers Block African Digital Art

The digital divide is real. Reliable internet access, a device with sufficient computational power, and frankly even digital literacy are continuing barriers for most African artists. Few groups in our society have to deal with a system purposely crafted without their consideration.

We have to remember that it’s not only about talent. It’s about opportunity. It’s about a leveled playing field. It’s about recognizing that today, even in this most electronic and digitized of eras, the global financial system still pushes entire continents to the sidelines. The anger this injustice sparks is justified.

  • Limited access: High data costs and unreliable internet hinder participation.
  • Funding scarcity: Lack of investment and funding opportunities for digital art projects.
  • Marketing challenges: Difficulty reaching a global audience without resources.
  • Infrastructure gaps: Insufficient digital infrastructure for creating and promoting NFTs.

We can't passively watch this imbalance continue. First, you NFT enthusiasts and investors out there — it’s incumbent upon you to seek out and invest in these African artists. It’s not the same thing as charity, it’s a smart investment in a truly dynamic, creative, and under-tapped economy.

Time to Act: Support African Art

The CryptoBatz origin story is fascinating. It distracts us from addressing the serious structural inequities that continue to be a part of the NFT ecosystem. It’s very easy to get caught up into the hype. Let’s not waste this opportunity and instead use it to amplify the voices that have been historically marginalized. We hope to build a world where the African artist is afforded the same creative, innovative, and financial opportunities bestowed to their counterparts around the globe. Let’s make the next NFT success story come straight from the “cradle of mankind.” It needs to dream, not simply be a result of one rockstar’s vision. What are you waiting for? The time to act is now. Let's reverse this injustice.

Here's what you can do:

  • Explore African NFT platforms: Seek out platforms specifically showcasing African artists.
  • Invest in African artists: Actively collect and support their work.
  • Spread the word: Share their art and stories on social media.
  • Advocate for change: Demand greater representation and funding for African artists in the NFT space.

The CryptoBatz story, while interesting, is a distraction if it prevents us from addressing the fundamental inequalities within the NFT ecosystem. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but let's use this moment to amplify the voices that are often ignored. Let's create a future where African artists have the same opportunities to create, innovate, and profit from their talent. Let's make sure the next NFT success story comes from the heart of Africa, not just the mind of a rockstar. What are you waiting for? The time to act is now. Let's reverse this injustice.