YouTube has on Tuesday released its inaugural class of African content creators set to receive a grant for the development of their channels from the global #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund.
In addition to the grant earmarked for content development, the 23 YouTubers (from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa) will also take part in an intensive three-week incubator programme followed by bespoke training, workshops and networking programmes. These creators are part of 132 creators from across the world who are participating in the Class of 2021.
YouTube also announced that top African artistes; Fireboy DML, Sauti Sol and Sho Madjozi have been selected as part of 23 artists to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021.
The artists join others selected from the United States, Brazil, and Australia, whose music spans generations, and locations. The Artist Class of 2021 will receive dedicated partner support from YouTube, seed funding invested into the development of their channels, and participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement, and wellbeing.
Alex Okosi, MD, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, stated;
We’re excited to spotlight Black creatives from the African continent and amplify their voices as they create original content on our platform. African creators on YouTube are reshaping the power of our platform by providing a unique perspective on all manner of topics from fashion and comedy to politics, learning and wellness. Through their content, these creators continue to raise the bar for how others engage with their audiences and build community on our platform.
This announcement comes after the October 2020 call for African creators to apply for #YouTubeBlackVoices funding as part of YouTube’s global, multi-year commitment aimed at nurturing Black creators and artists on YouTube.
Over the next few years, YouTube plans to invest directly in more than 500 creators and artists from across the world in order to fulfil this commitment.
Below is Africa’s full list of the #YouTubeBlackVoices Creator Class of 2021.
Name YouTube Channel Country
Akah Bants Akah Bants Nigeria
Dimma Umeh Dimma Umeh Nigeria
Eric Okafor Eric Okafor Nigeria
Fireboy DML Fireboy DML Nigeria
Nicolette Mashile Financial Bunny South Africa
Kaluhi Adagala Kaluhi’s Kitchen Kenya
Kay Ngonyama Kay Yarms South Africa
Lade Owolabi Lade Owolabi Nigeria
Dodos Uvieghara Iamdodos90 Nigeria
Lasizwe Dambuza Lasizwe Dambuza South Africa
MacG MacG South Africa
Mitchelle Adagala Mitchelle Agadala Nigeria
Mumo Mumo Kenya
Ofentse and Nelisiwe Mwase Ofentse Mwase Films South Africa
Oscar Frank Oscarmini Nigeria
Owamie Hlongwane Owamie Hlongwane South Africa
Patricia Kihoro Patricia Kihoro Kenya
Sauti Sol Sauti Sol Kenya
Sho Madjozi Sho Madjozi South Africa
Thato Rampedi Thato Rampedi South Africa
Naledi Monamodi Toast with Naledi South Africa
Tomike Adeoye Tomike Adeoye Nigeria
Winnie Emmanuel Zeelicious Foods Nigeria
