The world is rapidly losing its cultural heritage, and the African continent is no exception. As the saying goes, 'When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground.' This poignant phrase encapsulates the devastating loss that occurs when the wisdom and stories of elders are lost. Nigerian artist and filmmaker Malik Afegbua understands this loss all too well. He has embarked on a mission to preserve and immortalize the experiences and lives of elders across Africa through his innovative project, LegacyLink.
Afegbua's approach is both personal and forward-thinking. He believes that by interviewing elders, recording their stories, and capturing 3D scans of their family heirlooms, he can create 'digital twins' of these individuals. These digital representations will be presented as holographic displays in public spaces, allowing people to interact with them and learn from their experiences. The AI technology will bring these holograms to life, making it feel like the elders are physically present, ready to share their wisdom.
The project is still in its early stages, but Afegbua has already made significant progress. He has interviewed 15 people in Nigeria and plans to expand to Kenya and Cameroon. His goal is ambitious: to interview 1,000 people by 2028. This extensive data collection will enable him to create a comprehensive digital archive of African heritage.
One of the challenges Afegbua faced was gaining the trust of his subjects. Some elders were initially hesitant to share their stories, fearing the loss of ancestral traditions. However, Afegbua's approach was empathetic and educational. He used a slideshow to explain the concept, and after demonstrating the technology, the elders became excited and intrigued. He introduced them to large language models, helping them understand how AI can assist with storytelling, memory recall, and content structuring.
Afegbua's work extends beyond LegacyLink. He is also working on the ReMemory project, which aims to restore lost African heritage sites using AI. This project is based on historical records and academic studies, allowing users to virtually navigate and experience these ancient sites. His first focus is on reconstructing the walls of the historical city of Benin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The artist's ultimate goal is to restore languages, artifacts, and symbols, making them accessible to future generations. By using AI, he hopes to bridge the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that Africa's rich cultural heritage lives on. Afegbua's projects are not just about preserving history; they are about celebrating and sharing the wisdom and experiences of elders, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
