Organisers of the 2018 edition of the annual Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival have announced the program of activities that will take place at Tshimologong Precinct between 18 August and 29 September 2018.

Festival Director Dr Tegan Bristow said the theme for this year is 'Tap your Afro Source Code' and is based on tapping into the sources of African tradition and culture alongside technology, creativity and innovation.

"This year we are exploring how local culture can move and change the future of technology. How would you understand and unpack the source code of your African identity?" said Bristow.

She added that the festival, now in its fifth year, will explore Africa in full through digital art, music, games, virtual reality and digital makers.

"Fak'ugesi acts as a platform that brings together diverse digital and technology sectors to collaborate and share skills in digital media and technology innovation."

This year's programme includes a collaborative exhibition project with the Wits Art Museum titled Digital Imaginaries: Premonition.

This is the second leg of a three-city project, which started with Kër Thiossane and Afropixel Festival in Dakar, Senegal in May 2018, and will conclude at ZKM | Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Germany in November 2018.

Another highlight is the expanded Fak'ugesi Digital Africa Residency which will include digital artists from North Africa, South Asia and Switzerland, as well as those selected from the SADC region.

Organisers say this extended approach will enable students to do a deep dive into the algorithms, patterns and fractals of their indigenous cultures.

2018 will see the launch of the Fak'ugesi Arcade concept, announcing the start of a new era in supporting African games and gaming developers.

"We want to better understand the needs and requirements, both as a platform and as a location for skills exchange and networking. The Fak'ugesi Arcade is partnering this year with Redbull Basement and Trace TV and will be rolled out in 2019," said Bristow.

Fak'ugesi Beats will open to the public through a series of workshops and master sessions on 27 September 2018. This will culminate in the Fak'ugesi Beats Bloc Party and closing event on 29 September 2018.