Bango announces it is contributing technology and sponsorship to “Project Celena,” an initiative to accelerate the creation, marketing, discovery, and monetization of innovative new forms of content and not exclude people of color. Project Celena was established in 2021 by Ups N Downs Entertainment (UNDEi) founder Mario Shirley, an information technology professional and music industry entrepreneur. Project Celena provides an open technology platform that drives engagement between the world’s best new creators, producers, and directors of color and the fans who love them. The Celena team has designed a new licensing model that ensures the money paid by fans is channeled directly to the creators they love (and not those they don’t!) via blockchain. By enabling critical technologies including “pay-per-play,” blockchain ledgers, and targeted launches with leading Brand partners, the project is building an initial roster of creative talent to launch the platform. Project Celena aims to enable the most exciting and talented emergent creators of entertainment to flourish. Its #FIRST150 initiative demonstrates Ups N Downs’ commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With the #FIRST150, creators of color can showcase authentic storytelling with curated fan engagement driven by brand sponsorships. Bango is an open platform that powers innovative technologies and ubiquitous payment methods that promote inclusivity. Bango technology ensures artists follow the money generated by the content they create. Together with merchandise sales, publishing, sync, and live performance, Project Celena allows creators to issue limited edition NFTs to their most avid fans and participate in downstream trading using blockchain smart contracts. Read More