YouTube announces inaugural #YouTubeBlackVoices creator grantees from Africa

YouTube today 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.

“We’re excited to spotlight Black creatives from the African continent and amplify their voices as they create original content on our platform,” says Alex Okosi, MD, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA.

“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,” Okosi concludes.

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	https://www.youtube.com/c/OwamieHlongwane	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

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