IN a powerful stride toward reshaping the narrative around Africa and its rich history, Grammy award-winning musician Fuse ODG, alongside long-term business partner Andre Hackett, have launched School Of New Africa (SONA)—a groundbreaking educational gaming platform designed to teach African history, languages, and financial literacy with innovative in-game rewards that connect directly to real-world financial benefits.
It marks a new chapter in the duo’s longstanding mission through their movement, TINA (This Is New Africa), to create a more positive and accurate portrayal of Africa globally.
Frustrated by the gaps and inaccuracies in the way African history is taught in the British education system, the pair decided to create a solution. Fuse explains: "Growing up, I never felt represented. Whenever I saw people like me on television, it was often in a negative light, and history lessons focused solely on slavery. SONA addresses this by empowering children with a tool that celebrates their heritage and builds their self-esteem."
The Ghana-raised musician, known for championing African identity and pride through his music and philanthropy, added: “It’s about helping them see their potential and supporting parents in nurturing their children against the backdrop of a world that may not always reflect their worth.”
At the core of SONA is a curriculum developed by some of the most respected African educators and historians, including Dr. Anthony Browder, Robin Walker, and Nigel Stewart, founder of The Centre of Pan African Thought. This carefully curated content ensures that children receive an authentic and accurate education about Africa’s contributions to the world.
But, SONA’s innovation goes beyond teaching history—it also equips children with essential financial skills through its in-game rewards system. Children progress through the educational missions, earning real-world benefits tied to a prepaid debit card that parents can top up. This unique approach integrates financial literacy with education, helping young learners understand the value of earning and spending responsibly.
“With SONA, we’re combining education with practical life skills,” Hackett explains. “We want kids to not only know their history but also be empowered to navigate the world, including understanding money management, which is vital.”
The financial literacy aspect of the platform has been influenced by leading behavioral psychologists and scientists, ensuring the lessons are not only educational but also impactful. In addition to the historical content, SONA offers daily affirmations and practical tips for personal development, building emotional resilience, and financial responsibility—an approach that speaks to the whole child, not just their academic knowledge.
SONA’s design also empowers parents to actively participate in their children’s financial education. Parents can manage the amount of pocket money allocated to the SONA card, giving them control over their child’s spending while teaching responsibility in a safe and structured environment.
"We’re harnessing technology to create a world-class digital curriculum," says Hackett. "Collaborating with leading African historians, we’re presenting an authentic narrative that empowers our youth and challenges outdated educational standards."
The visionary app has already earned significant recognition, winning the Fintech Startup of the Year at the prestigious 21st International Business Awards in August 2024. This accolade highlights the platform’s game-changing potential in both the education and tech industries.
With its unique blend of African history, language education, and financial literacy, SONA is more than just an app—it’s a movement towards a more accurate, empowering, and comprehensive education for the next generation.
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