Art-tech startup Raknida, founded in 2022 to revolutionize access to art and empower artists with greater earnings, has announced plans to launch an innovative art streaming app. This new service will allow users to stream artwork in much the same way they listen to music or watch films, potentially marking a significant shift in how audiences experience art.
Raknida’s CEO Anthony “Anth” Ezeokoye and COO Afoma “Oma” Ezeokoye outlined how this streaming platform aims to make art accessible anytime, anywhere, building on their early vision of blending technology with art. “Think Spotify for music, Kindle for books, Netflix for movies—Raknida is here to make art just as accessible,” said Anth.
The concept of art streaming first emerged when Raknida’s team debuted an augmented reality (AR) exhibit during its launch event. Attendees, captivated by digital layers that transformed artworks through phone applications, expressed a desire for similar experiences outside of physical exhibits. Inspired by this response, Raknida began developing its vision for streaming digital art.
Art Streaming Mechanics
The forthcoming Raknida app will showcase a wide variety of African artwork, tailored to user preferences similar to the way music and video apps suggest content. Raknida plans to split revenues with artists, currently using a 65%-35% share model on its existing marketplace, where users can purchase artworks.
Navigating Economic Challenges
With economic pressures prompting many Nigerians to focus on essentials, Raknida recognizes the need for a global reach. While art enthusiasts in Africa remain a key audience, Raknida aims to expand into North American markets, providing African artists with international exposure. The company’s entry into these new regions will be a strategic, phased approach, though further details remain under wraps.
Anth also highlighted a misconception that art is only for the elite, explaining, “Generative AI showed us that everyone has an appreciation for art, whether or not they consider themselves enthusiasts. We want people to discover this appreciation by making art easily accessible.”
Partnering with Designers and Growing Visibility
Raknida currently lists artworks from 70 African artists across four countries, primarily catering to businesses seeking to adorn office spaces. By partnering with the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN), the company plans to reach over 1,000 designers, expanding art’s footprint in the business sector and helping artists achieve broader visibility and higher income.
Facing Off Against Big Competitors
Raknida enters a competitive landscape that includes Samsung’s The Frame, a service that combines art streaming with advanced TV technology. However, Raknida believes its focus on underrepresented African artists offers an edge, creating a diverse portfolio that Samsung’s museum-centric catalog lacks. Raknida also envisions a potential partnership with Samsung, where its art library could complement The Frame’s existing offerings.
Additionally, Raknida plans to eventually introduce its own “smart frame” for streaming art directly on home or office walls. However, for now, its priority is solidifying the software platform to familiarize users with its digital offerings before investing heavily in hardware.
Supporting Artists, Growing Revenue
Beyond audience expansion, Raknida’s mission is rooted in helping artists gain visibility and generate sustainable income through technology. The company is dedicated to creating a global marketplace for African art, offering a novel revenue stream in the process. As Oma explained, “For too long, artists have been one-person shows—creating, promoting, selling. We’re here to change that, making art scalable and accessible.”
Raknida’s bold entry into art streaming, combined with its expansion strategy, positions the startup as a unique force in both the African and global art-tech sectors.
