From musicians and lawyers to gamers and yogis, YouTube’s Black Voices Creator Class of 2022 features 135 global creatives ready to hit the ground running.
In 2020, the video-sharing platform unveiled a multi-year $100 million fund dedicated to amplifying Black voices and stories online. Last year’s grantees went on to reach subscriber milestones, get nominated for an NAACP Image award, become full-time YouTubers, and produce a Juneteenth special.
Building on that momentum, YouTube this week introduced the latest set of bakers, crafters, teachers, comedians, athletes, vloggers, entrepreneurs, doctors, filmmakers, and more chosen to work with the company to build their brand and channel.
International participants hailing from Africa, Brazil, North America, and the UK will receive “dedicated partner support,” seed funding, and training in production, community engagement, and wellbeing, as well as access to ongoing workshops and networking programs.
“The YouTube Black community is filled with so many talented, brilliant, passionate, and driven creatives,” the YouTube team wrote in a blog announcement. “And we’re honoured to equip these awesome creators and artists with additional resources to match their drive.”
From Canada and the US alone, 40 participants cover topics like adventure, lifestyle, health, technology, social justice, sports, comedy, animals, pop culture, gaming, beauty, science, education, finance, relationships, music, and cooking.
YouTube recently revealed plans to scale back its original programming following the departure of Global Head of Originals Susanne Daniels. And while it will honour already-contracted shows in progress, moving forward, YouTube will pursue only programs that are part of its Black Voices and YouTube Kids funds.
26 Talented African YouTube Creators Join Black Voices Class Of 2022
YouTube also announced that 26 talented African creators will join the global Black Voices Creator Class of 2022. They are selected as part of 133 creators from around the world and across various niches. Including 40 from US and Canada, 35 from Brazil, and 34 from the United Kingdom. They will receive access to resources such as partner support and seed funding to help them grow on YouTube.
We’re excited to introduce you to the 26 #YouTubeBlack Voices creator grantees from Africa in 2022!
Speaking about the announcement Youtube says “We’re are excited to introduce you to the 26 YouTube Black Voices creator grantees from Africa in 2022. Over the next year, we’ll work closely with these African creators. Offering them dedicated partner support, seed funding invested into the development of their channels, and participation in an intensive development program. That will focus on training in production, community engagement and wellbeing, followed by ongoing workshops and networking programs.”
Last year YouTube launched the YouTubeBlack Voices Fund to directly support Black creators and artists so that they can thrive on YouTube. The first cohort just like this year included 133 creators from across the world. It also announced the YouTube Black Voices artist class of 2022 to support and mentor black artists and producers, selecting artists from Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa. The company says this support helped them to hit new subscriber milestones and lead meaningful discussions.
The 26 African YouTube creators and grantees come from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. They include technology reviewer Fisayo Fosudo, entertainers The Ndlovu’s Uncut and lifestylist Cheyenne. Check out the full list of Africa’s YouTube Black Voices Creator Class of 2022 below.
YouTube Black Voices Creator Class of 2022 Africa grantees
Abigail Gugulethu Nyatsumba – South Africa
Adaeze – Nigeria
Angel Lately – Kenya
Cheyenne Muvunyi – Cheymuv – Kenya
Chinyere Nneka Abang – Nigeria
Critics Company – Nigeria
Data Pepple – Nigeria
Defining Media – South Africa
Fisayo Fosudo – Nigeria
Fummeeee – Funmi – Nigeria
Hn clothings – Haven, Chikodinaka – Nigeria
The Ndlovu’s Uncut – Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu – South Africa
Shared Moments with Justus – Kenya
Mandi Sarro – Kenya
Manjra, Aarif Muhhamad – South Africa
Michelle Expert – South Africa
Mlungisi Nkosi – South Africa
Mpoomy Ledwaba – South Africa
Nico Nomyayi – South Africa
Nozibele Qamngana – South Africa
Skybelle – Amaka – Nigeria
Steven Ndukwu – Nigeria
TNC Africa -Wale – Nigeria
The Tshegofatso – Tshegofatso Isaac – South Africa
Ummeeta Rabiu – Halima Yusuf Rabiu – Nigeria
Xukununu_Bold – Xukununu Ntsetselelo Makaela – South Africa