YouTube has begun accepting entries for the Black Voices Fund (BVF) class of 2023 where selected artists and creators from Nigeria and other countries can get up to $100 million grant.
The fund, created in 2020, recognizes and equips black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers with the resources and support to enable them to thrive on YouTube.
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It has had over 300 grantees so far comprising musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, parents, photographers, and gamers among others. The 2021 BVF cohort included 133 grantees hailing from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria, with 26 from Africa.
YouTube Lead for Nigeria, Solafunmi Sosanya noted that creators selected for the programme would receive funding that would be invested into the development of their channels. They will also receive dedicated partner support and get the opportunity to participate in bespoke training, workshops and networking programmes.
Sosanya said, “Apart from having committed $100m for the YouTube Black Voices Fund, YouTube has also partnered with community-based groups to build the Future Insiders programme, specifically targeting over 180 at-risk and underprivileged students who are interested in a future in the music and creative professions.”
Some of the past winners are fitness trainer Mitchelle Adagala, TV presenter, Tomike Adeoye.
“Africa is overflowing with incredible talent. We are excited to discover the amazing creators the next round of applications will bring with it as we continue to invest in the amplification of Black creators,” Sosanya noted.
