Google Fonts adds Matemasie, an ultra-bold display typeface that draws inspiration from the Adinkra symbol 'Mate Masie', to its catalogue
Designed by Adam Yeo, a graphic and type designer from Côte d'Ivoire, the Matemasie display typeface is characterised by rounded edges and a distinctive feature where the shapes widen towards the top.
Google Fonts has announced the addition of Matemasie, an ultra-bold display typeface that draws inspiration from the Adinkra symbol “Mate Masie,” to its robust catalogue of open-source fonts.
Matemasie, designed by Adam Yeo, a graphic and type designer from Côte d'Ivoire, is characterised by rounded edges and a distinctive feature where the shapes widen towards the top. “It draws inspiration from the Adinkra symbol ‘Mate Masie,’ meaning ‘what I hear, I keep,’” Google Fonts notes.
“This symbolises interconnected ears, emphasising the importance of listening and communication in oral traditions and cultures,” it adds. “Additionally, Mate Masie embodies principles of wisdom and prudence.”
Announcing the collaboration with Google Fonts, Adam, who holds a Doctorate in Art and Design from Nanjing University of the Arts, China, wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that my typeface, Matemasie, is now available for free on Google Fonts!”
“Inspired by the powerful Mate Masie symbol from Adinkra, Matemasie blends tradition and modernity, offering a unique, elegant, and versatile typeface that reflects both African heritage and contemporary design,” he adds.
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In his post, Yeo extends his “heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible—especially the amazing people at Google Fonts, Dave Crossland and Thomas Phinney for this incredible opportunity.”
“To all the collaborators, mentors, and friends who shared their advice and supported me throughout the creation of this font: a special thank [you] to Nathan Willis for his constant assistance and advice throughout the process, Lisa Huang, Eben Sorkin, Mirko Iverson, Thomas Huot-Marchand and all those I didn’t mention for their wise guidance!
“A big thank [you] to Simon Charwey for your involvement with the community of African type Designers.”
Adam’s Matemasie is part of Google Fonts’ African-inspired, African-designed type project. In March, The Creatives Note reported the release of 2 typefaces—Ojuju, a san-serif typeface of an afro-grotesque style, created by Chisaokwu Joboson, a Nigerian-based brand and type designer, and Madimi, a rounded-sans with a mixed geometric and organic design, created by Taurai Valerie Mtake, a Zimbabwean visual communicator and type designer—from the collection.
The Creative Note also reported the release of Tac One, a single-weight, bold Sans Serif typeface and Danfo, a tuscan serif font, designed by Afrotype—a Lagos-based type studio founded by Seyi Olusanya, by Google Fonts.
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Ga Maamli, a font inspired by the historic handwritten posters found in the vibrant coastal communities of Accra, designed by Ghanaian design trio—Afotey Clement Nii Odai, Ama Diaka, and David Abbey-Thompson—and Sankofa Display, a typeface that draws inspiration from African art styles, with a focus on straight-line geometric designs, designed by Zimbabwean designer Batsirai Madzonga, are also part of the collection.
