gem-science:

Now that Orisa is finally revealed, let’s talk about some cool facts about our new favorite Centaur Mom!

Orisa is our first African hero! Rejoice! Hailing from the fictional African city of Numbani, Orisa’s primary directive is to protect the innocent. She is programmed with an adaptable and strong moral compass, meaning she will always do what is right and can update her own morals as needed.

Orisa’s ultimate ability, Supercharger, is based on a traditional Djembe, or African drum. Orisa can deploy this drum in battle, amplifying her team’s damage if they stay in range. 

These drums are key in most African musical activities, and encourage multi-person dancing and freedom of movement. Orisa’s body and drum are adorned with the zig-zag patterns common to many African textiles (like Bògòlanfini). Many of Orisa’s sprays feature her and her creator, Efi Oladele, playing these drums.

Orisa’s legendary skins, Dynastinae and Megasoma, are named and modeled after two different species of beetles. 

Dynastinae, also called the Rhinoceros beetle, is a common household pet in many parts of the world and is associated with strength, honor, and power.

Her second skin, Megasoma, is based on the Elephant beetle. This beetle is less common as a pet, but is nonetheless just as strong and powerful as it’s blue cousin.

The two protrusions on Orisa’s head are not horns, but tusks! African Elephants hold a special place in the ecosystem and culture of Africa, symbolizing power and honor, as well as having a very strong emphasis and protection and family. Elephants never forget!

Orisa’s mask-like face is based on a Baluba mask, a mask of the once-enormous Luba Kingdom in Africa! This specific type of mask represented the arts and creativity, and carvers in the Luba Kingdom had a high place in society.

Fun fact: Orisa is currently in the game right now on the live servers. Thing is, she’s smashed into a wall in Numbani Airport.

Orisa was the OR-15 unit that tried to engage Doomfist (or whoever crushed the airport) head-on, earning her a spot in the wall. Eli saw this and knew that this specific OR-15 had the capabilities to become something amazing if given a little TLC. Now, Orisa is back and better than ever! Get ready for centaur mom, she’ll be dropping onto the live servers in a few weeks, rebuilt and ready for action!