Wikipedia

Draft:Nerd Otaku

Nerd|Otaku Zambia
IndustryEntertainment
Conventions
Founded2014; 10 years ago (2014)
HeadquartersLusaka, Zambia
ProductsComic conventions
Anime conventions
Websitenerdotaku.org

Nerd|Otaku is a Zambian organization that engages in promoting and develops a local community around Nerd culture and pop culture.[1] The organization supports creative expression through various events and activities. It has also contributed to Zambia's growing gaming and developer community through initiatives such as comic conventions and LAN parties.[2]

Events summary

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Cosplayer group photo at LSCON 2023
 
Nerd Otaku team at Animeet 2023

Nerd|Otaku organizes events including anime movie screenings and conventions. Notable events include:

Event Description
LSCON Widely regarded as Zambia’s largest comic and pop culture convention, LSCon was established in 2015. It provides a platform for local creators, artists, and fans, offering artist exhibitions, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, and panel discussions. LSCon also promotes local artistry and has helped creators gain international recognition..[3][4]
The Animeet Focused on anime fandom, Animeet features cosplay showcases, discussions, screenings, and creative workshops. It also serves to introduce newcomers to anime culture. [5]
Game Jams and LAN events Nerd|Otaku organizes game jams and LAN parties that bring together gamers and developers to collaborate and compete. These events contribute to the growth of Zambia’s gaming industry and provide a platform for aspiring developers to engage in creative projects and networking opportunities.[6]
Anime movie screenings and movie nights Nerd|Otaku introduced regular anime film screenings to Zambian cinemas, beginning with the premiere of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in 2021[7] and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero in 2022.[8] These events marked the first official anime screenings in the country. Previously, the organization hosted nationwide anime movie nights, which fostered community engagement among anime enthusiasts.[9]

Cultural Impact

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Nerd|Otaku contributes to Zambia’s cultural landscape by creating platforms for creative expression. It has encouraged careers in illustration, animation, and game design while highlighting Zambian talent internationally.[10] The organization has been featured in outlets such as Crunchyroll News[11], Anime News Network[12] and Forbes[13] In 2022, it supported the launch of The Super, the first Zambian-produced anime.[14]

Interviews facilitated by Nerd|Otaku have also connected international creators with local audiences. Highlights include discussions with Zeno Robinson (Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero) through Crunchyroll[15][16], and Malenga Mulendema, creator of Netflix’s Supa Team 4.[17]

Japanese culture

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Nerd|Otaku collaborates with the Japanese Embassy in Zambia to promote cultural exchange through workshops, anime screenings, and discussions, fostering appreciation of Japanese pop culture in Zambia. In recognition of these efforts, Nerd|Otaku received the Japanese Ambassador’s Commendation in 2022.[18][19]

References

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  1. ^ "Nerd|Otaku Homepage", Nerd|Otaku, 2024-01-01, retrieved 2024-11-25
  2. ^ "Rise of the game market in Zambia", Chromapixel Games, 2024-04-23, retrieved 2024-11-25
  3. ^ "3rd Annual Lusaka Comic Con Showcases Zambian Youths Talent". Lusaka Times. 2017-06-04. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  4. ^ "Lusaka Comic Con Zambias First comic pop culture convention 2nd year". Lusaka Times. 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  5. ^ "2023 ANIMEET OPENS UP ENTERPRENUERIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVES". Diamond TV. 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  6. ^ "Nerd Otaku Jamsite Lusaka ISL", Global Game Jam, 2023-01-22, retrieved 2024-12-01
  7. ^ "The Super: Zambian version of anime". Lusaka Star. 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  8. ^ "Dragon Ball: Super hero launch recap by Malindi", Nerd|Otaku, 2023-10-04, retrieved 2024-11-28
  9. ^ "Otaku movie night and the Zambian anime scene". Bongohive. 2023-04-11. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  10. ^ "How comic con is inspiring Zambian comic book creators". Super Travelr. 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  11. ^ "Interview Nerd otaku and the power of anime in Zambia". Crunchyroll. 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  12. ^ "A growing anime fandom in Zambia". Anime News Network. 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  13. ^ "This is what its like to live in Zambia and Love Japanese Cartoons". Forbes. 2015-07-02. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  14. ^ "The Super recap by Tabs". Nerd|Otaku. 2022-08-29. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
  15. ^ "Dragon Ball: Super hero launch recap by Malindi". Nerd|Otaku. 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
  16. ^ "Dragon Ball Super Super Hero - Zeno Robinson Interview", Nerd|Otaku, 2022-09-27, retrieved 2024-11-30
  17. ^ "Supa Team 4 Interview Malenga Mulendema (Cinematic Sleuths)", Nerd|Otaku, 2023-07-22, retrieved 2024-11-30
  18. ^ "LsCon 2022 and Japanese Ambassador's commendation to Nerd|Otaku", Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia, 2022-11-05, retrieved 2024-11-28
  19. ^ "Cooperation for Japanese Pop Culture Event "LsCon 2024"", Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Zambia, 2022-09-21, retrieved 2024-11-28
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