mod·est·ly
ˈmädəs(t)lē/
adverb
  1. 1.
    in an unassuming manner; without vanity or arrogance.
    "he modestly shrugged off the tributes from his manager"

If you got to this page you are probably interested in learning more about me and my modest activities. I am more on the quiet and discrete side of the colourful spectrum of human characters. However, you will most likely find what you were looking for right below. 

Hi! I’m Valerio (Val) Lopes, the creator and founder of Afryk and Medeo.

I would describe myself as a storyteller and African Griot of the technology age. I am pretty much a nomad, primarily based in my dreams, somewhere in a land of peace equality and justice for all.

I have a degree in Audio Engineering and became later a self-thought programmer and digital smith, forging a number of apps and digital products.

The history of Africa, the origins of sciences such as mathematics and medicine on this continent represent the way that I tented to continue the fight for liberation and full emancipation of all people of African descent.

My main goal is to allow our African History and Heritage to be transported over and thought in all the ways that technology enabled us to express our selfs.

I've worked previously as an audio engineer for film and music, designer (on and offline), director, editor, consultant ... and I am one of the founding members of ADYNE (African Diaspora Youth Network In Europe)

I try to be socially responsible in my work and professional activities, defend African Values wherever it is possible, and contribute to the development of my people and continent.

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LANGUAGES

Being born in Luxembourg and of Cabo Verdean descent, i had the chance to get in touch with many languages in a very young age.

  • German (Full Professional Proficiency)
  • French (Full Professional Proficiency)
  • English (Full Professional Proficiency)
  • Portuguese (Professional Proficiency)
  • Cabo Verdean Creole (Native & Bilingual Proficiency)
  • Luxembourgish (Native & Bilingual Proficiency)
  • Spanish (Getting there... )

SKILLS

Creative, resourceful, autodidact, always learning, seeking the truth and curious about the unknown.

  • Audio Engineering & Sound Design
  • Music (Piano & Composition)
  • Writing & Storytelling
  • Programming (PHP, HTML, CSS some C++)
  • Video Editing & Visual Storytelling
  • Graphics Design & 3D

OPUS

Mobile Application: Amilcar Cabral

The first Cabo Verdean iOS application on the App Store, developed and designed by Valerio Lopes

Visual Arts: The Neverending Chain Of Slavery

Commissioned Visual Arts Project (2009). This 3D composition is a statement and a monument to African Slavery and the subjugation of People of African descent. (3D, Graphics Design and Music by Valerio Lopes)

Talk & Presentation: Telling The Lion's (Hi)Story

Until Lions write their own history, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - Tells a famous African Saying. How can we use technology and the internet to Tell the Lion's Story and History. (A 15 minutes Talk and Presentation by Valerio Lopes, 3D rendering, and Graphics Design by Valerio Lopes)

Music & Talk: Identity and Culture, the missing Link

This story and presentation is a conceived around the Cabo Verdean concept of a Xintada, where the audience sits in a circle and stories and music are used to call attention on a certain social subject or issue, i this case the missing link between African Identities and Cultures. Story, Music, and Graphic Design by Valerio Lopes.

Documentary Trilogy and Presentation: Cabralista

Cabralista is an award winning documentary trilogy by Valerio Lopes. This film had te very unique purpose to give birth to the term "Cabralism", in order to describe, define and spread Amilcar Cabral's opus and ideologies, both as the father of Cabo Verdean and Guinea Bissau Nationality as also as one of the greatest African Thinkers of the 20th century. This film was selected "Best Documentary Film" at the Cabo Verde International Film Festival and nominated for "Best Documentary Film" at the Festival Pan Africain de Cannes (France). (Directed by Valerio Lopes)

TEDx Praia 2017

Telling the Lion's Story is a TEDx talk given by Valerio Lopes during the first TEDx event organised in Cape Verde in 2017.

SPEAKING

I am available for speaking engagements for both public and private events. Compensation will vary based on the nature of the customer and event, as well as the topic.

Ideal topics are in-line with my work and professional experiences, although tailored topics can be negotiated.

Main topics

  • The Africologist (documentary film)
  • Applied Africology & Technological Design
  • Telling The Lion's (Hi)Story
  • Identity And Culture, The Missing Link
  • Amilcar Cabral (talks on the documentary trilogy Cabralista)
  • Applied Africology

Please contact me to learn more.

ETHICS STATEMENT

My goal is to be a truly independent storyteller, a commitment that is about more than having total freedom and control over my actions. It is a way to protect my values and what i stand for. To wit:

I am not paid by any company or organisation for any opinion, idea, or position I take.

I take my personal and professional integrity as well as the integrity of my company very seriously. While I will make (and have made) mistakes, I will always strive to correct them in all due form and take the necessary steps to ensure I don’t make similar mistakes in the future.

If you have any concerns or questions about this ethics policy please contact me.