Art

• Oguntoye Esther
• 2 Min Read

Creating In The Dark: The Hidden Season Every African Creator Must Embrace

Intro:

There’s a moment in every creative journey that feels like a wall.

Not a roadblock you can sidestep, but a long, heavy silence.

No applause. No encouragement. No “You’re doing great.”

Just you — your idea, your vision, and a voice in your head asking, “Does this even matter?”

This is the dark season.

And if you’re here, you’re not alone.

What Is “The Dark”?

The dark is that part of your journey where growth is happening behind the scenes.

You’re creating, posting, building — but the response feels underwhelming.

No one’s reposting. No one’s reaching out. You feel invisible.

It’s in this season that many African creators quit. Not because they’re not talented, but because they mistake silence for failure.

But here’s the truth:

> The dark is not your defeat. It’s your development.

Just like seeds grow underground, your consistency, vision, and discipline are growing beneath the surface.Why the Dark Season Matters for African Creators

African creatives often have to build with less — less funding, less visibility, less support.

Many of us create in systems that don’t always recognize or reward originality.

You might not have access to a studio, a laptop, or even reliable internet.

But you still create.

And that resilience? That’s the foundation of your greatness.

It’s what makes African creativity so powerful — it doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It blooms anyway.

The Hidden Power of Obscurity

There’s something sacred about being unseen.

When no one is watching, your voice becomes authentic.

When the audience is small, your purpose is tested.

When the pressure is low, you have room to make mistakes, learn, and grow.

Obscurity is not your enemy.

It is where legends are born — without the noise, without the pressure.

It is where you master your gift before the world ever sees it.

Stories from the Continent

Think about it:

Tems was recording in her room before her voice traveled the world.

William Kamkwamba built a windmill from junk to power his Malawian village — and his story lit up TED stages.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wrote in his native tongue when it was unpopular — now his name is in global literary circles.

They all created in the dark before they were seen.

And you can too.

What to Do While You Wait

1. Stay consistent.

Don’t measure your value by views. Measure it by the integrity of your work.

2. Document your journey.

One day, this season will be your testimony.

3. Connect with your tribe.

Platforms like Konnect.Africa exist to help you share, grow, and connect. Use them.

4. Refine your craft.

The dark is the best time to get better. No pressure. No eyes. Just progress.

Final Word

If you're an African creator in your dark season, keep going.

Don’t rush the light. Let it find you working, building, becoming.

When the spotlight comes — and it will — you’ll be ready.

Until then, keep creating. The continent is rooting for you. 🌍🔥

Call to Action:

Are you in your “dark season”? Share a photo or a short story using

the hashtag #KonnectInTheDark.

Let’s build a community that doesn’t just wait for the light — we grow in the dark.