Madimi One is a rounded sans-serif typeface commissioned by Google Fonts. Inspired by Afrikan visual languages and cultural forms from Southern Afrika, it explores how cultural references can become part of contemporary typography without becoming trapped in the past.
The question
How can cultural references become part of contemporary typography without becoming trapped in the past? How can a typeface carry a reference to where it comes from, and still be made to move?
The idea
Madimi takes its cue from the gentle curved geometry of certain Southern Afrikan graphic symbols. Circles are its main feature: in KiNtu symbologies, the circle represents the womb of a woman. The idea behind Madimi is to enact the subtle visual subtext of Afrikan visual traditions.
The making
Madimi mixes geometric and organic design. It is simple, clean and round-edged, yet remains clear and easy to read. The design covers all of Google Latin Core.
The result
Madimi One was published on Google Fonts in 2024, free for anyone to use, and was featured by The Herald and The Sunday Mail in Zimbabwe and in Konstfack’s alumni publication.
It is playful. It is expressive. It carries a reference to where it comes from. But it is also made to move.
A typeface rooted in culture and designed for everywhere.