Black Voices Fund: YouTube calls on Black creators, artists, others

YouTube has called for Black creators, artists, songwriters, others for Black Voices Fund, Class for 2023,.

Solafunmi Sosanya, YouTube Lead for Nigeria, said on Wednesday that the fund created in 2020 would support Black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers with the resources and support that would enable them to thrive on YouTube.

Sosanya said that since its inception in 2020, the programme had aided over 300 grantees across the world.

She said the grantees, which also included musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, photographers and others were from Australia, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and the United States.

''At YouTube, we have always tried to facilitate the rise of diverse voices, irrespective of gender and race.

'' Through the Black Voices Fund, in the past two years, we have been able to amplify the perspectives and experiences of diverse creators," she said.

According to her, creators selected for the programme will receive funding that will be invested into the development of their channels.

Sosanya said that the creators would also receive dedicated partner support and get the opportunity to participate in bespoke training, workshops and networking programmes.

She said that apart from having committed 100 million U.S. dollars for the Fund, YouTube had also partnered with community-based groups to build the Future Insiders programmes, – specifically targeting over 180 at-risk and underprivileged students.

According to her, participants in the programme will take part in quarterly sessions that would cover YouTube success, career routes, accessing talent and thought leaders.

She said that alumni in the 2021 pogramme from the continent included reality star entertainer Lasizwe Dambuza , personal trainer and health and wellness advocate Mitchelle Adagala, musician Sho Madjozi and TV presenter, entrepreneur and actress Tomike Adeoye.

According to Sosanya, Africa is overflowing with incredible talents and YouTube is excited to discover the amazing creators.

YouTube is the world's most popular online video community allowing billions of people to discover, watch and share video.