YouTube awards $50,000 prizes to content producers in Nigeria and elsewhere

The 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices creators and artist cohorts will receive $20,000 and $50,000 from YouTube, respectively, as part of its expanding initiatives to promote African innovators and the creative sector.

According to YouTube’s managing director for emerging markets, Alex Okosi, the program was a follow-up to a worldwide, multi-year pledge made in 2020.

The award, according to Mr. Okosi, was created to support and advance Black musicians, authors, producers, and innovators on the platform.

He claims that YouTube is concerned with the expansion of Africa’s creative scene.

He indicated that for the third generation of creators, artists, composers, and producers, success will be measured over a lengthy period of time, going beyond the first training.

Mr. Okosi said that it would guarantee the artists’ long-term success while announcing that 40 sub-Saharan African creators will be among the 135 #YouTubeBlack Voices Creators selected globally who joined in the cohort.

He said that African fast-rising musical talents Gyakie from Ghana, Kamo Mphela from South Africa, Asake from Nigeria, and BNXN from Nigeria were among the 23 #YouTubeBlack Voices Artists chosen for the program.

According to Mr. Okosi, winners will get between $20,000 and $50,000 in seed money as support from YouTube.

According to the YouTube spokesperson, companies would get devoted partner assistance for six months and be able to take part in year-round networking events as well as programs like customized training.

“We are thrilled that producers, musicians, and creators from Africa will be participating in the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund with people from all across the world.

The initiative’s goal is to provide upcoming Black innovators and artists the tools they need to flourish on our platform, according to him.

He claims that the group would also feature the Nairobi-based producer Ukweli and the South African hip-hop producer MashBeatz, who will join 17 other #YouTubeBlackVoices Songwriters and Producers worldwide.

Mr. Okosi stated, with the aid of a YouTube partner manager, the artists, composers, and producers entering the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2023 will be expected to define objectives, build content strategies, and communicate with their followers on YouTube.

(NAN)