I like the way
we Move!
In the rhythm of a dance or the sweep of a hand during conversation lies a rich library of African non-verbal expression. Songa Mocap is a digital sanctuary for these nuances—an open-source archive dedicated to the gestures that define our orature.
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Why Songa?
Most motion capture libraries lack the specific cultural non-verbal expressions and rhythmic variety of African movement forms.
Developing digital enactments of oral storytelling requires a nuanced combination of verbal and non-verbal elements. Within the context of African orature, a critical dearth exists in culturally appropriate and reusable motion capture data.
We seek to bridge the gap between traditional oral performance and digital retellings.
The Vision
Songa Mocap prioritizes the capture of gestures, non-verbal cues, and embodied elements integral to storytelling. We invite creators to use these assets to build more authentic representations of African life.
Digital Guardianship
Archiving traditional dances and storytelling gestures that are at risk of being lost in the digital age.
Open Access
Providing high-quality FBX/BVH files under CC0, ensuring they remain free for artists forever.
Cultural Provenance
Every asset is tagged with its origin and meaning to ensure movement is understood, not just used.
The Team
Scholars & Supporting Institutions
Melisa Achoko Allela, PhD
Principal Investigator
2024 Fellow at the Rhode Island School of Design's Movement Lab. Her work explores the intersection of storytelling, animation, and cultural heritage.
RISD Movement Lab
Institutional Support
The Movement Lab Fellowship offers post-graduate artists and scholars the opportunity to focus on independent creative research that advances the study of movement.
Join the Project
We are actively seeking cultural contributors and storytellers.
