Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A roster of 54 artists, songwriters and producers from Nigeria and other countries have been selected to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022.
The #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development programme designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters & producers worldwide.
The addition of songwriters and producers to the 2022 class demonstrates the continuation and expansion of YouTube’s efforts to support Black artists on the platform.
The programme, supported by the #YouTube Black Voices Fund, has creatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA, the UK, South Africa and Kenya.
With the aim of equipping up-and-coming Black artists, songwriters & producers with the resources to succeed on YouTube, the class will be grouped into two programme streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.
Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.
Over the next 6 months, they will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the programme.
“African music is taking the entire world by storm and the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences,” YouTube’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan, Addy Awofisayo stated.
“Black culture is expansive and ever-changing and YouTube Music is committed to celebrating that experience through music,” Awofisayo added.
Four acts from Nigeria made the cut and they are Omah Lay, Singer-songwriter CKay, Producer P.Priime and singer Telz.
“My music speaks to the people that love me, the people I love and the people that have been through what I have been through.
“I see the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund having an impact on my career in different ways. It would allow me provide content about my musical journey to my fans, and in marketing them to a greater audience,” Omay Lay commented on his inclusion, while CKay said the “knowledge of instruments coupled with digital production is an integral part of my music-making process. My traditional South-Eastern origin explains my use of Igbo language in my music and my extensive knowledge of High-Life music.”
On his part, P.Priime disclosed that “I have so many ideas I’d love to bring to life and I know with the right resources and funding, I’d be able to achieve that,” while Telz sees the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund impacting his career in various ways — especially in bringing his ideas to life and helping him network with other creatives globally.
