Nairobi, Kenya – In a bold move to champion diversity and empower Black creators, YouTube has reaffirmed its commitment to amplify Black voices in Africa through a two-day event held in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, which celebrates the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund grantees, provides a platform for creators to connect, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
The #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, initially launched in 2020, is a global initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black creators on the platform. By providing financial support, education, and resources, YouTube aims to empower these creators and amplify their voices on a larger scale.
The two-day event in Nairobi serves as a significant milestone in YouTube’s ongoing efforts to uplift Black voices in Africa. With the continent being a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, experiences, and talents, this event is an opportunity for Black creators to share their unique perspectives and make their mark on the global stage.
Creators from various African countries who have received grants from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund were invited to participate in the event. These grants have played a pivotal role in enabling creators to enhance the quality of their content, reach wider audiences, and turn their passion into a sustainable career. The event fosters an environment where creators can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and form lasting connections.
Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship sessions facilitated by YouTube experts and industry professionals. These sessions focused on topics such as content creation, branding, audience engagement, and monetization strategies. The grantees had the unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from successful creators who have already made significant strides in the digital landscape.
“When we Announced the $100 million fund to amplify Black and African voices and perspectives on our platform, we wanted to create a space where Black people can share their own stories, in their own voices, with the world.
According to the YouTube Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi The fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience.
“Being a part of the BVF programme Class of 2023 has literally changed my life. I moved from creating content in a room that I used to share with my sister, to getting my own space.
I was also able to get better filming equipment like ring lights and tripods, I needed to increase the quality of my videos,” says Nigerian creator, Osereme Egbor, of Styleby Reme .
In addition to funding, creators also received one-on-one mentorship and classes on how to grow their revenue.
Kenyan creator, Wongel Zelalem, said the classes were very helpful adding, “I was given a strategic manager who was dedicated to helping me and giving me solutions to my problems. That was something that I didn’t know I needed in my life.”
South African creator, Thato Rampedi, says “YouTube Black has taught me a whole lot of things about how to be a really good creator.”
The growth of these creator channels has been tangible on the continent. YouTube data as of December 2022 shows that in South Africa, the number of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (ZAR) has increased by over 30% year on year.
In Nigeria, the percentage of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (NGN) increased by over 15%, year on year; while in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (KES) has increased by over 25%.
In addition, in Nigeria, over 45 channels have more than one million subscribers, an increase of more than 50%, year on year. In South Africa, 25 channels reached the one million subscriber mark, an increase of over 30%, year on year, while in Kenya, over 14 channels have more than one million subscribers, an increase of more than 110%.
Beyond the Black Voices Fund, YouTube is committed to continuing to prioritise and centre Black creators, artists and content through programs, initiatives and improvements to the platform.
“We’re committed to ensuring that Black creators from Africa and around the world find a home on YouTube, and we are investing in strategic partnerships with culturally relevant organisations to ensure that we are able to reach and help even more creators and artists,” Okosi says.
sources – pulseng
