Showbiz
YouTube Music Unveils New Scholarship Opportunities for Black Artists
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An initiative aimed to empower Black artists and enable them to commercialise their work has been introduced by YouTube Music.
The new campaign, #YouTubeBlack Music Future Insiders Scholarship, is in partnership with a renowned music education institution, 1500 Sound Academy, founded by GRAMMY-award winning songwriters and producers, James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson.
Through this scheme, YouTube will fund 10 full-ride scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals programme.
Future Insiders aims to equip at-risk and underserved youth, who aspire to enter the music and creative industries, with skills in content development and following its early success, the programme will be expanded globally with more details to be shared later this year.
Moreover, to celebrate Black culture, YouTube Music has activated #YouTubeMusic Moments – a collection of content series, live streams, and events whose primary goal is to celebrate Black culture, identity, and experiences from the perspective of Black artists and thought leaders in music.
Also, YouTube said it will begin to receive entries for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022 from June 21, 2021.
This campaign will be open to songwriters, producers, amongst others living in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Canada and the United Kingdom, in addition to the United States, Brazil and Australia.
The #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022 is part of the commitments of YouTube Music to deepen its investments in Black communities.
This initiative started with the Class of 2021 and it provided resources including dedicated one-on-one support, seed funding, training and networking programs enabling the 21 grantees to achieve incredible growth, not only on YouTube but in their careers.
The beneficiaries received 1.4 billion views on their official channels on YouTube from January 2021 through April 2021.
In addition, six entertainers saw over 50 per cent growth in their channel subscribers (Joy Oladokun, Miiesha, BRS Kash, Jensen McRae, serpentwithfeet, and Yung Baby Tate), while four witnessed 200 per cent growth on their official channel views (serpentwithfeet, Jensen McRae, Yung Baby Tate, and Joy Oladokun).
Also, as part of YouTube Music’s Africa Month celebration, Sho Madjozi, Sauti Sol, and Fireboy DML, hosted exclusive live stream virtual concerts on each of their official artist channels, while Rexx Life Raj, Joy Oladokun, and Tkay Maidza performed at YouTube’s annual Brandcast event, with Mariah The Scientist performing an exclusive live set for YouTube Music Nights from Centre Stage in Atlanta, in support of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
“The YouTube Music team is excited to expand the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund and create new opportunities while also reflecting on the progress made to date,” says Alex Okosi, YouTube’s EMEA managing director for emerging markets.
“The six-month scholarship term will see recipients undertake courses in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and much more,” Mr Okosi added.
If you’ve been wondering where all your favourite reality TV shows went after E! Africa went off air, this is for you! Bravo Africa is officially the new plug.
In late August 2025, E! Africa announced it would be discontinuing, with the channel set to go dark on October 7, 2025. For fans who had built their entire reality TV routine around it, the news hit hard. But the gap didn’t stay empty for long.
Bravo Africa stepped in on GOtv Channel 36 with something even better. A fully dedicated space for premium, drama-filled reality television. And if you’re a fan of bold personalities, luxury lifestyles, and unfiltered storytelling, this is one channel you should already have on rotation.
So, what exactly makes Bravo Africa worth your time?
First, the content lineup is stacked. From the iconic Real Housewives franchise, with all its glam, shade, and unforgettable moments, to fan favourites like Below Deck and Married to Medicine, Bravo Africa delivers the kind of addictive TV that keeps you glued episode after episode. It’s the same high-quality reality content E! lovers enjoyed, just more focused and consistently curated.
What also stands out is how the channel leans fully into reality TV culture. This isn’t a mix-and-match entertainment channel; it knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: drama, relationships, ambition, luxury, and real-life chaos (the good kind).
For viewers who loved E! Africa’s blend of lifestyle and celebrity-driven content, Bravo Africa feels like a natural transition. It’s cleaner, more intentional, and built around shows that already have global fanbases and proven engagement.
Access is pretty straightforward, too. If you’re on GOtv Jolli or any higher package, you already have it, no extra stress, no additional subscription needed.
To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Davis Offor, who dazzled many viewers with his role as Clarus in the famous New Masquerade, is dead.
The death of the 83-year-old actor was confirmed on Tuesday by Mr Tony Akposheri, who acted as Zaki in the now-rested comedy sitcom.
“Davis Offor, fondly known as Davis Offor, our own Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.
“Life, as always, had its own plans.
“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space. Knowing you personally was a gift I will always be grateful for.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.
“Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten,” Mr Akposheri wrote on his Facebook page.
If you’ve been sleeping on Africa Magic Originals, consider this your wake-up call. Shows like The Yard, The Low Priest, and Mother of the Brides are racking up nominations at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. From gripping social drama to supernatural chaos and family madness, these homegrown productions are proof that Africa Magic has some of the continent’s most compelling storytelling.
With the awards set to take place on May 9 in Lagos, now is the perfect time to catch up on these standout series. Whether you’re watching for the first time or catching up, Africa Magic Originals are proving why they’re leading the charge in bold, diverse, and unforgettable storytelling.
The Yard
If you love a story where the hero slowly becomes the villain, The Yard was made for you. The series delves into the brutal world of the Ajako bus park, ruled by the ruthless Chief Odafe. It follows Tega, a struggling bus driver, and Odafe Junior, the chairman’s privileged son, who form an unlikely alliance to challenge the system, only to realise that power comes at a dangerous cost.
At AMVCA 12, The Yard is nominated for Best Scripted M-Net Original, Best Series Scripted, and Simileoluwa Hassan is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the series.
Our Husband
Our Husband tells the story of Zara Nnamani, whose seemingly perfect life unravels when she discovers her husband’s infidelity. His sudden fatal heart attack leaves her with a devastating secret, forcing an unlikely alliance with his mistress, Ololade, bound together by a truth that could destroy them both.
The writing is just as sharp as the drama, as the series earned a Best Scripted M-Net Original and Best Writing TV Series nomination for this series, proving that the storytelling is as compelling as the plot itself.
Mother of the Bride
Imagine finding out that your entire inheritance depends on marrying off one of your daughters in 45 days. That’s the premise of Mother of the Brides, and it is as chaotic and delightful as it sounds.
The series is a family drama about a Lagos matriarch who, after her husband’s death, discovers she has 45 days to marry off one of her four daughters or lose her inheritance to tradition. Every episode is basically a masterclass in family pressure, wedding drama, and the very specific madness of Nigerian matchmaking culture.
Gloria Anozie-Young is nominated for Best Lead Actress, alongside a Best Scripted M-Net Original nod for the show itself.
The Low Priest
This one is for everyone who loves their drama laced with supernatural twists. The Low Priest follows two rivals who trespass into a sacred shrine, triggering a fate where one is chosen by the gods and the other is cursed. Directed by Femi Ogunsanwo, the series spans 130 episodes packed with ancient forces, mortal grudges, and moral dilemmas that keep you hooked.
The Low Priest is nominated for Best Scripted M-net Movie.
Cast Your Votes and Catch Up
Public voting is underway and closes on April 26, 2026. Head to africamagic.tv/amvca to cast your votes.
You can also catch these shows on the DStv / GOtv Stream app.
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