To celebrate the 2023 YouTube Black Voices Fund grantees, the video sharing and streaming platform held a two-day event in Nairobi to allow grantees connect, network and collaborate with follow content creators.
During the event, YouTube reaffirmed its commitment to amplify black voices in Africa.
Over 100 Black creators from around the world took part in the celebrations in Kenya, which also highlighted the impact that the YouTube Black Voices Fund has had since its launch.
Created in 2020, the fund’s purpose is to invest in talent and present fresh narratives that emphasise the intellectual power and authenticity of black voices.
The programme has helped over 500 creators and artists grow their channels and their audiences.
YouTube MD Emerging Markets EMEA Alex Okosi said the platform plays an essential role in the discovery and development of African culture.
The fund, he said, takes this a step further by equipping up-and-coming black artistes, creators, producers and songwriters with resources to succeed on its platform.
"When we announced the $100 million (Sh13.99 billion) 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,” Okosi said.
"The fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience."
Kenyan creator Wongel Zelalem said the classes were very helpful.
"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,” she said.
The YouTube Black Voices Fund has been an opportunity to both celebrate and cultivate Black artistry around the world and forms part of the platform’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Nigerian creator Osereme Egbor of Style by Reme said being a part of the BVF programme Class of 2023 has literally changed her life.
"I moved from creating content in a room that I used to share with my sister, to getting my own space,” she said.
"I was also able to get better filming equipment like ring lights and tripods because I needed to increase the quality of my videos.”
In addition to funding, creators also received one-on-one mentorship and classes on how to grow their revenue.
“YouTube Black has taught me a whole lot of things about how to be a really good creator,” South African creator Thato Rampedi noted.
According to YouTube data, as of December 2022, the number of YouTube channels in Kenya making Sh 100,000 or more in revenue increased by over 25 per cent year on year.
In Nigeria, the number of YouTube channels making 100k or more in revenue (Nigerian Naira) increased by over 15 per cent, year on year, while in South Africa the number of channels making 100k or more in revenue (South African Rand) increased by over 30 per cent.
In addition, in Kenya, over 14 channels have more than one million subscribers, an increase of more than 110 per cent.
In Nigeria, over 45 channels have more than one million subscribers, an increase of more than 50 per cent year on year while in South Africa, 25 channels reached the one million subscriber mark, an increase of over 30 per cent.
“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 said.
Beyond the Black Voices Fund, he added, YouTube is committed to continuing to prioritise and centre Black creators, artists and content through programs, initiatives and improvements to the platform.