‘We are proud to be Eritreans’ – An interview with MAG Studio

Eritrean youth are increasingly combining their passion for nation-building with modern technological skills, making a tangible impact on institutions. Among them is the MAG (Mosaic Art Group) Studio, a collective of young Eritreans who have nurtured a shared vision since childhood. Eritrean Profile invited the founders of the group Mussie Gidewon, Nahom Ghirmatsion, Filmon Zeray, Hussien Khelifa, Biniam Nega, Natnael Zaid and Yafet Michael to share their story, achievements and future plans.

• Please introduce your group to our readers.

We are the MAG (Mosaic Art Group) Studio, established in 2010 when we were still in high school. We grew up together, carrying a group vision for nearly 20 years. Over time, the group has acquired the knowledge and experience to become influential. As children, we did not have the clear vision we have today, but experience shaped us.

All members are university graduates in diverse fields. Currently, we work actively in different national sectors, contributing to nation building. Our diversity in expertise – from graphics to app development – has been an asset for our achievements. Our core value is teamwork, which we believe is the benchmark for durable success.

Key areas of expertise:

• Graphics

• Video and photo editing

• Creative design

• Mobile and computer app development

• Maintenance and networking

• Painting

• Preparing children’s books

• Teaching aid materials

• What is the group’s grand vision?

Our vision is “unity in diversity” – bringing together different dreams and skills to contribute to nation building and to glorify Eritrea’s beauty on the global stage. This mirrors the “unity in diversity” symbol of our national identity. Through our programs, we strive to amplify Eritrea’s values, history, and vision, while correcting distorted narratives about our country.

• What achievements has the group made so far?

Both achievements and failures occur. We treat failures as lessons. Our successes include work for private and government institutions. To name a few: Bulletin magazines for college and technical school graduates, teaching books for children, and national advertisement campaigns.

Most notably, the “Fila Football Application” – a sports app designed to enhance the sports culture by providing updated international football information and bringing young people across the nation onto one platform to share experiences and skills.

• How do you assess public feedback?

We are proud to be Eritreans living among a people who truly encourage visionary young people with constructive comments. Public feedback is the secret of our success and the hope for our future journey. In all our activities, we remain vigilant of public comments, seeing them as a key to success.

• What are your next plans?

Our future programs focus on educational development for youth and children, while also involving other age groups.

1. Newspaper distribution app – Already completed in its first version, awaiting recognition from the Ministry of Information. It will allow newspapers to reach all regions quickly and at low cost, given that mobile phones are in nearly every household. This will reduce distribution costs, save time, and support national literacy.
2. Expanding the football app – We plan to upload all Eritrean sports programs and activities, aiming to channel national sporting passion beyond borders to continental and global audiences.
3. Educational support apps – Designed to help students improve academic performance. Concrete actions are already underway.
4. Advertising – Recognizing advertising as essential for private and national institutions, we plan to invest more to magnify Eritrea’s beauty at home and abroad.

• Do you have a final message?

We send our heartfelt gratitude to the Eritrean people for their relentless constructive comments, which continue to shape our progress. Without public support, we would not be here today nor dream of the future. We urge the public to continue their support, and we ask concerned government institutions to provide us with material, moral and technical assistance to help accomplish our national vision.

• MAG Studio, thank you for your time. We look forward to your future successes.