The streaming service launched in Nigeria in February 2021, and since then, listening has risen year after year. In the early years, growth ran into triple digits, with average growth, led by Afrobeats, at 163.5% in 2025.

Between 2021 and 2025, Afrobeats streams in Nigeria increased by 5,022%.

Other genres also posted strong growth. Amapiano streams rose by 10,330%. Gospel and praise music grew by 5,499%. Hip-hop and rap climbed 3,020%, while R&B increased by 2,602%.

Listening in indigenous Nigerian languages is also increasing.

Within Nigeria, streams of indigenous language music grew by 554% in 2024 and by 87% in 2025. Outside Nigeria, the same category rose by 141% in 2024 and 41% in 2025.

The first song streamed in Nigeria when Spotify launched in 2021 was “到此為止” by Shiga Lin.

Over the past five years, the most-streamed artists in Nigeria on Spotify are Asake, Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy and Davido.

The most-streamed songs during the same period include “Remember” by Asake; “Dealer” by Ayo Maff and Fireboy DML; “Awolowo” by Fido; “Kese (Dance)” by Wizkid; “Lonely At The Top” by Asake; “Joy is Coming” by Fido; “With You (feat. Omah Lay)” by Davido and Omah Lay; “Terminator” by Asake; “MMS” by Asake and Wizkid; and “Doha” by Seyi Vibez.

Spotify says the number of Nigerian artists on the platform has increased by 158% since launch.

User activity has also expanded, with Nigerians having created more than 25 million playlists over the past five years.

In 2025 alone, listeners in Nigeria recorded more than 1.4 million play hours on Spotify. Podcast listening is also growing, with more than 59 billion total podcast hours streamed since launch.

Recent data shows that the average listener in Nigeria streams 150 different artists. The average listener age is 26.

Five years after launch, the figures show steady growth in volume, genre spread and local language listening.

Held at Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café, the showcase brought together four of Nigeria’s biggest designers, including Móye Africa, I.N Official, KADIJU, and Pièce Et Patch, to reinterpret Afrobeats as fashion.

Unlike typical runway presentations, this was an experience, a fusion of rhythm, texture, and expression that captured the heartbeat of a genre that has defined a generation. The atmosphere pulsed with energy as guests moved through a Spotify-curated soundscape that synced with each designer’s visual narrative.

Christopher Afolabi, director of Art at Severe Nature, explained the intention behind the collaboration: “Partnering with Spotify was essential. They are the sonic architects of the Afrobeats movement globally, and our goal was to build the physical, wearable dimension of the world they’ve helped champion. This showcase wasn’t about clothes inspired by music; it was about creating garments that are the music in their texture, their defiance of convention, and their deep connection to heritage.”

Each designer approached the concept from a different creative angle. Móye Africa revisited ancient Yoruba storytelling through hand-dyed adire and upcycled Aso Oke, blending heritage with modern silhouettes. I.N Official leaned into structured, tech-inspired tailoring that echoed the precision and innovation of Afrobeats’ sound. 

KADIJU, on the other hand, offered femininity with courageous ruffles and zero-waste craftsmanship, showing that sustainability and glamour can coexist. Pièce Et Patch rounded out the showcase with a collage of deconstructed denim and recycled fabrics, crafting avant-garde pieces that treated fashion as a living archive.

For Spotify, the collaboration revealed a larger vision that looks beyond music charts to the creative ecosystem shaping global culture. “Afrobeats is a culture, not just a genre. At Spotify, we are committed to amplifying all facets of this culture, giving artists and creators the platforms they deserve,” said Phiona Okumu, head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify. “Severe Nature’s vision to connect sound to style is exactly the kind of innovative, culture-forward initiative we are proud to power. This is a celebration of the architects of a global movement.”What unfolded in Lagos was a statement that creativity in Africa cannot be boxed into one medium. From the rhythm of the drums to the cut of the fabric, Afrobeats Culture in Motion proved that when music meets design, culture doesn’t just evolve — it moves.

Spotted on massive billboards in Victoria Island, inside Ikeja City Mall, and in other major locations across Lagos and beyond, the cryptic installations are sparking intense curiosity and speculation online.

Each billboard features a striking yellow mic, a QR code leading to a mysterious countdown, and a simple message:

“Get ready to bring your touch of Afrobeats to the world.”

That’s it. No logos. No brand names. Just intrigue.

From the Streets to the Feeds

What began as street-side curiosity has quickly turned into social media buzz. Influencers and everyday users on X (formerly Twitter) are documenting their sightings with hashtags and hot takes.

Some speculate it’s the return of a major talent show, in the spirit of Project Fame or Nigerian Idol. Others wonder if it’s a tech-media collaboration poised to disrupt Africa’s music discovery space.

“This feels big,” said @TheAjibolaGrey.

“Something for the culture is definitely cooking,” added @Amaka_Udu.

“If this is a platform to launch new Afrobeats stars, I’m here for it,” tweeted @GidiGambino.

Why Now?

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Afrobeats has gone global, and not just at the top. Yes, Burna Boy sold out New York’s Citi Field with over 40,000 fans.

Wizkid headlined the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Davido just wrapped an international tour that hit Dubai, Paris, Toronto, and Atlanta.

But it’s the new wave that’s redefining the genre.

Ayra Starr shared the stage with Coldplay in Athens. Rema’s “Calm Down” surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. Asake’s theatrical show at London’s O2 Arena proved that Afrobeats isn’t just a sound anymore, it’s a full-on cultural production.

Afrobeats by the Numbers

• Over 1 million hours of music streamed from Nigeria on Spotify in 2025 alone
• Part of a $30 billion global music industry
• Fastest-growing genre in the world
• Nigerian acts now dominate Billboard charts, earn Grammy nods, and collaborate with global superstars like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez

Yet, despite this explosive growth, the need for platforms to discover and elevate emerging talent has never been greater. The message, “your touch of Afrobeats”, sounds less like a campaign slogan and more like a call to action.

What Could the Yellow Mic Mean?

Could this be a next-gen music reality show powered by tech? A pan-African talent accelerator? A creator-focused platform? Or maybe something else entirely? Until the countdown ends, speculation will continue.

But in a country overflowing with talent, passion, and innovation, the buzz is justified. Nigeria is ready, and the world is watching.

The mic is yellow. The stage is set.
And for Afrobeats, the next chapter may be just a few days away.

It’s easy to get swept up in the headlines about polarization, mistrust, and conflicts tearing societies apart. But spend an afternoon listening to Afrobeats, scroll through TikTok clips from Lagos, Nigeria, or watch a Nollywood blockbuster on Netflix, and you’ll see something different.

You’ll see connection. You’ll see laughter. You’ll see creativity refusing to be caged by borders or politics.

I believe Africa’s young people are quietly (and sometimes loudly) healing global rifts through the sheer power of culture. It’s not just entertainment, it’s soft power in action.

Music is one of our strongest bridges. Afrobeats, born in Nigeria, is no longer just “our thing.” It’s the world’s soundtrack. You hear it in clubs in New York, rooftop bars in London, even at parties in Seoul.

Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Rema, they’re not simply making hits; they’re reshaping how the world perceives Africa. They’re turning a continent that was once a monolithic headline into a mosaic of sound, style, and innovation.

Then there’s Nollywood. It’s not just about telling African stories, it’s about telling human stories through an African lens.

There’s a familiarity in the humour, the family dynamics, the hustle. It’s how we remind the world that while our cultures are unique, our humanity is shared. That’s a subtle, powerful antidote to polarization.

Fashion, too, has become a language of unity. African designers are merging traditional textiles with contemporary designs, strutting runways from Paris to Johannesburg.

A single Ankara jacket can speak volumes, about identity, heritage, and modern style. It’s a statement that says: I’m proud of where I come from, and I belong anywhere.

And then there’s sports. Football, especially, doesn’t know tribe or religion. When the Super Eagles score, Nigerians celebrate as one. Across Africa, young people pour their passion into sports, creating moments that unite not only countries but an entire continent.

But this cultural bridge isn’t one-way. Africa is showing up in places you’d least expect.

During my recent trip to China—a trip that started as a planned group tour but somehow turned into a solo adventure, I found myself walking into restaurants built specifically for Africans.

Places where menus catered to African tastes, staff spoke a few words of Igbo or Yoruba, and familiar music played softly in the background.

It was surreal and comforting at the same time. Thousands of miles from home, there was a piece of Africa waiting for me.

It made me realize that we’re not just exporting culture; we’re planting roots. Africans are becoming part of the social and economic fabric of communities around the world. We’re represented in business, cuisine, fashion, music, and so much more. We’re shaping how the world eats, dances, shops, and thinks.

As a PR professional and cultural catalyst, I see youth culture as more than a trend. It’s a tool. It’s a way for brands, governments, and communities to communicate hope instead of fear, connection instead of division.

African youth are leveraging social media to tell their stories, share their art, and build communities that transcend the usual fault lines.

Local influencers, some with just a smartphone and a dream, are bridging global divides. They’re speaking the language of Gen Z and Millennials everywhere: authenticity.

When they dance to a new Afrobeats hit, showcase Nigerian street food, or wear Ghanaian Kente with pride, they’re not just influencing trends; they’re stitching a global tapestry where Africa is at the center, not the periphery.

The role of youth-led narratives in healing polarization cannot be overstated. Because here’s the thing: polarization feeds on ignorance and unfamiliarity. But culture introduces people to each other. It humanizes “the other.” It makes a distant place feel like home.

So on this World PR Day, under the theme of building bridges and navigating polarization, I’m choosing to celebrate Africa’s young creators, artists, and dreamers.

They remind me, and all of us, that even in a world pulling apart at the seams, there’s still music, fashion, film, and sports to tie us back together.

The bridge is already being built. And it’s alive with the beat of Afrobeats, the colours of Ankara, the drama of Nollywood, the roar of football fans, and yes, even a little corner of an African restaurant in the middle of China.

Here’s to the hope that Africa’s youth will keep reminding the world: there’s far more that connects us than divides us.

Featuring Nigerian star, Mayorkun, and South African sensation, Sho Madjozi, the new tracks blend Mastercard’s global sonic identity with the rhythm, emotion and culture that define the continent’s vibrant music scene.

Research by Kantar on sonic branding has revealed that it is a powerful marketing tool, enabling brands to achieve a 76% increase in brand power, a 138% boost in advertising effectiveness, and a 17% lift in ad recall.

It reinforces Mastercard’s positioning from a payments brand to a culturally resonant brand embedded in people’s everyday lives.

Mastercard’s Africa anthems are crafted to connect with the continent’s young, music-loving audiences.

Reinforcing Mastercard’s commitment to creativity and youth empowerment, the Afrobeat anthem was produced by LeriQ, the acclaimed Nigerian producer who participated in the 2024 season of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, demonstrating the program’s impact in elevating local voices to global stages.

The Accelerator supported emerging artists and creators with mentorship, digital tools, funding and platforms to grow their brands and amplify their impact globally.

“We’re excited to bring our sonic brand to life in a way that’s uniquely African. Afrobeats and Amapiano are not just musical genres; they are cultural movements. By collaborating with incredible talent like Mayorkun and Sho Madjozi, we’re creating a sound that connects emotionally with consumers while reinforcing trust and innovation in every transaction,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, executive vice president, Integrated Marketing & Communications, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Mastercard.

The Amapiano anthem is produced by South African hitmaker Gemini Major and performed by rap sensation Sho Madjozi alongside popular artists Mthunzi and Sfundo Ndimande, who deliver an uplifting track that radiates optimism.

The eclectic performance emulates Mastercard’s progressive approach to digital payments and youth engagement across the continent.

The Afrobeat anthem, produced by LeriQ, known for his genre-defining work with Burna Boy, and performed by award-winning singer and songwriter, Mayorkun, captures Mastercard’s passion with energetic rhythms and lyrics. Mayorkun brings his signature blend of Afro-pop and R&B sound to the anthem, creating a dynamic and upbeat soundtrack.

“Having been part of the Mastercard Artist Accelerator, it’s exciting to continue the journey by collaborating with Mayorkun on this vibrant track. I am proud to keep representing Africa on the global stage through this Mastercard project,” said LeriQ.

Sho Madjozi added, “Collaborating with talented local artists and producers to fuse Mastercard’s sonic identity into a fresh Amapiano anthem was both fun and meaningful. The result is a track full of energy, rooted in the vibrant spirit of South Africa.

The Sonic anthems will launch with accompanying music videos and a TikTok dance challenge.

The rise of Afrobeats over the past decade or so has been nothing short of remarkable. From the streets of Nigeria and Ghana, it has become a global phenomenon, with some of the world’s biggest artists collaborating with Afrobeats icons and emerging artists alike. 

In a sign of how rapid the ascent of Afrobeats has been, Spotify recently held events in Nigeria celebrating 13 billion streams of the genre.

The growth of Afrobeats is unlikely to slow down anytime soon either, especially as streaming continues to grow across Africa.

According to research firm Statista, the continent’s streaming market is set to grow from US$362.5 million this year to US$513.2 million in 2027.

Combine that expansion with significant diaspora populations and you have the ingredients for further inter-continental pollination and growth.

But there are other forces advancing the growth of Spotify. Podcasts in particular are playing an increasingly important role. That’s true not just on the African continent, but around the world too.

Africa’s podcast growth 

Before looking at how podcasts and music streaming services have complemented each other to drive Afrobeats’ growth, it’s worth providing some additional context around the evolution of podcasts in Africa.

Thanks to rising smartphone adoption and increasingly affordable connectivity, the medium has seen significant growth across the continent.

In fact, podcast listenership in Nigeria grew by an astonishing 222% between 2021 and 2022.     

Unsurprisingly, it’s not just listenership that’s grown but production too. While it’s difficult to get an exact idea of how many African-produced podcasts there actually are, you only need to open your podcasting app and type a few continent and country-specific search terms in to see how much choice there is today. These podcasts cover a growing number of niches too, including Afrobeats.

At the recent Afrobeats celebration events that were held in Lagos, Nigeria, the first day featured Spotify for Podcasters sessions which were focused on empowering creators and showcasing top podcasts.

These events included a workshop on the basics of podcasting followed by a panel discussion with Nigerian podcasters. Next were live podcast recordings of a Spotify for Artists Masterclass on “Afrobeats Intelligence” and “I Said what I Said” featuring Afrobeats artists, Pheelz and Nissi. The day ended with a surprise performance by Pheelz bringing Afrobeats lovers and the expanding community of podcasters together.

Spreading the word about Afrobeats 

There are a number of high quality podcasts with an Afrobeats focus that not only highlight tracks from the genre but also delve into meaningful discussions related to the music.

Take Afrobeats Intelligence, for example. Founded by award-winning Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast is a spin-off of his newsletter of the same name. And while it may be rooted in Nigeria, the podcast celebrates creative excellence from across the African continent.

Terms and Conditions by Pulse, meanwhile, dissects worthy culture-related conversations with insights and varying perspectives.

Hosted by Neo Akpofure, ex BBNaija housemate, Oyindasola Chekwa ESQ, a lifestyle influencer and content creator and Sayo AK an artist, planner, and entrepreneur. The podcast was launched in 2021 and also provides invaluable insights into the music industry from people who’ve been in the thick of it.

An older offering comes in the shape of Loose Talk, hosted by the trio of veteran media and music journalists Osagie Alonge, Steve Dede, and Ayomide Tayo.

Founded in 2016, when the African podcasting scene was still in its infancy, the show discusses all things music and culture. After a three year hiatus, Loose Talk started putting out new episodes this year.

Complementary mediums 

That these and other shows have built sustainable offerings not only demonstrates the hunger to learn more about Afrobeats as a genre but also their potential to grow the genre’s popularity both in Africa and around the world.

That shouldn’t be too surprising either. Being audio-driven mediums primarily, podcasts and music can be incredibly complementary mediums.

This ability to act as a promotional vehicle is underlined by our own Spotify data. It shows that the country with the highest number of Afrobeats podcast listeners is the UK, beating out Nigeria, with the US in third spot.

For listeners, it’s easy to imagine how this symbiosis between streaming and podcasts comes about. They might have a friend recommend an Afrobeats artist or have their curiosity sparked by a song featured on the soundtrack for a movie or series.

Once they’ve listened to those songs, they’ll likely want to find out more about the artist or to discover other, similar artists.

Podcasts offer them a convenient way of doing that (especially if they can access said podcasts from the same app), while also providing insights into the genre and news on the latest artist releases, collaborations, and developments.

Afrobeats and beyond 

While Afrobeats has undoubtedly been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Africa’s podcasting explosion, there is no doubt that other genres are benefitting and will benefit in the future too.

As more and more African producers launch their own podcasts and smartphone penetration and connectivity continue to grow across the continent, that symbiotic influence will only keep growing.

The successful launch of the Afrobeats: Journey of a billion streams site that celebrates the milestone of the genre culminated in events that captivated not just the music aficionados but anyone who had the privilege to be part of the Afrobeats journey.

On Thursday 12 and Friday 13, October, Spotify brought together celebrities, podcasters, influencers, music executives, media personalities and music fans at two experiential events dubbed #SpotifyPodcastsLagos and #SpotifyAfrobeats.

The events held at La Madison Place in Lekki, Lagos, showcased and celebrated the rich culture of Afrobeats and the remarkable achievements of the genre through the years.

Speaking at the Afrobeats Celebration, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, said,

“Spotify’s commitment to connecting people with the music they love is at the heart of everything we do. We’re thrilled to continue celebrating Afrobeats’ milestones and reinforce our commitment to the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.”

The two-day celebrations began with a masterclass session featuring Ncebakazi Manzi, the Podcast Manager for Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The session provided an engaging platform for podcast enthusiasts, diving deep into the craft of storytelling, exploring innovative techniques and insights, and illustrating Spotify’s commitment to empowering podcast creators.

Following the session, there was a fireside chat facilitated by Gwenevier Ehimen Lem from Association of African Podcasters and Voiceover Artists (APVA), featuring a panel of industry experts, including Tony Doe from Into The Podverse and Tony Doe Media, Ayomide Tayo from Loose Talk, Dami Aros from So Nigerian, and Fay Fay, the founder of Naija Podhub.

Attendees were then later treated to captivating and thought-provoking live podcast recordings, featuring highly acclaimed Nigerian content creators Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu from “I Said What I Said,” and Joey Akan from “Afrobeats Intelligence.”

In a conversation with Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Joey Akan delved into a range of topics, spanning from the success of Afrobeats and playlisting strategies to Spotify’s contributions to the music ecosystem.

The “I Said What I Said” live show guests were artists, Nissi and Pheelz, followed by a live Q&A session. The event ended with an exhilarating performance from Pheelz.

On Day 2, The Celebration commenced with an electric atmosphere and performances that saw a huge turn out of Afrobeats enthusiasts who were eager to indulge in the night’s festivities.

The dance floor was alive with activity, and the room hummed with an infectious enthusiasm, thanks to DJ Tohbad, who skillfully set the stage with a continuous flow of chart-topping tracks by Nigerian artists.

The evening transitioned smoothly into the night’s performances featuring some of the most talented emerging and established artists from Nigeria.

Bloody Civilian, who is also a Spotify RADAR Africa artist, had guests singing along to her hit songs, including I Don’t Like You making the event one to remember.

Next on stage was FAVE, who has been a Spotify EQUAL artist, and enthralled the crowd with some of her hit songs including Baby Riddim, Beautifully and Mr Man, leaving the guests yearning for more.

Up and coming Nigerian Street Pop singer, Shallipopi set the stage on fire, delivering crowd-pleasing hits including Sharpiru, Ex-Convict and Elon Musk.. Sarz, DJ, producer and mixing engineer extraordinaire had the audience vibing with a set featuring both chill music and party bops, heightening the vibe for the night.

Ruger, Nigerian sensational Afrodancehall singer, closed off the night, starting off with some of his hits songs that lit up the audience, displaying his unique style.

The venue was awash with gentle, warm lighting that accentuated Spotify’s brand image while the stage featured mesmerising visual projections showcasing details about the Afrobeats genre.

The experiential booths were designed to recreate the Afrobeats microsite, offering attendees a chance to be fully immersed within the chronology of the Afrobeats genre.

Spotify’s Afrobeats Celebration was not just a music event, it was a celebration of culture, diversity and the power of music to unite people.

With 15 billion streams and counting, Spotify continues to shape the future of the music industry.

This journey has just begun, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.

Spotify is celebrating a new album by one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars with his selection of the genre’s most timeless tracks.

As Davido returns to the arena with the announcement of his long-awaited album, Spotify is unveiling the Timeless Afro playlist to celebrate some of Afrobeats’ most classic and enduring records, as curated by the global star.

The singer, producer and label head announced the release of his fourth solo full-length album, titled Timeless in a social media post on March 21, 2023, thus breaking a prolonged silence.

His only public appearance in months came by way of a performance at the finals of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar. The album follows 2020’s A Better Time and is scheduled to hit digital stores on the 31st of March.

To prepare fans for the album’s arrival, Davido has curated a playlist of Afrobeats tracks that he considers timeless.

The Timeless Afro playlist, as it is called, contains some of the defining songs of the Afrobeats era, including hits by his peers, Wizkid, Tekno and Mr Eazi. The playlist also includes some of the most familiar classics from Afrobeats’ golden era, with songs by Sunny Neji, 2baba and Naeto C, as well as foundational tracks that have inspired multiple generations of Afrobeats acts including Fela Kuti’s Zombie.

Speaking about the playlist, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa, Phiona Okumu said “Davido represents the audacity, consistency and huge reach of Afrobeats and we’re glad to herald his new body of work by joining him in highlighting some of the most enduring contributions by Afrobeats acts to our musical canon over the years”.

As part of a generation of Nigerian artists who have found massive success in the digital era, OBO, as Davido is fondly called by fans, is one of the global faces of African music. Over the course of a decade and some, the singer and label head has gone from the Afropop wunderkind who announced himself with Dami Duro and Back When to a global icon. With three studio albums under his belt, the singer boasts hits like Aye, If and Fall.

Next to a list of solo hits and guest verses that could outlast any jam session, Davido is also one of the most prolific cross-continental ambassadors and crossover artists in Afrobeats.

His list of collaborators includes artists like Sauti Sol, Focalistic and Kidi, as well as North American stars like Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, Young Thug and Nas.

The album announcement makes good on Davido’s promise to ‘see his fans in March’ and there’s a feeling that it’ll be well worth the wait. Davido’s team describes Timeless as “a body of work that goes beyond fashion and trends. It’s an authentic body of work that remains true to Davido’s core as an artist, using his music to bring joy to his fans across the world. The songs you hear today will be just as relevant tomorrow, that’s why it’s TIMELESS.”

Tap into the many eras of Afrobeats brilliance by hitting play on the Timeless Afro playlist here.

The events are intended to reaffirm YouTube’s commitment to growing Africa’s creator ecosystem and to spotlight and celebrate the artists and creatives who are driving the growth of Afrobeats and Africa’s music industry.

Content creators in Africa will receive support from YouTube through virtual and in-person training and workshops to help them grow their channels and improve their skills.

These include a Creator 360 virtual workshop, which will allow African content creators to collaborate and share skills, and in-person Creator Day workshops, which will be led by industry experts and help aspiring creators learn the skills they need to continue thriving on YouTube.

YouTube will also offer workshops under its Future Insiders Program to empower budding producers and songwriters with hands-on training taught by seasoned producers such as Sarz and Musa Keys. 

The YouTube Africa Day Concert, in partnership with Idris Elba, will return for the third year in a row as part of the Africa Month lineup. The concert will include an in-person event in Nigeria that will be live-streamed on YouTube, featuring some of the continent’s hottest artists. The concert will once again commemorate Africa Day by using music as a platform to showcase African culture.

“We’re incredibly proud at YouTube to provide a platform that shares Africa’s creativity with the rest of the world. From music, fashion, and beauty to the latest trending movements, YouTube plays an important role in the emergence and expression of Africa’s unique cultural stories to local and global audiences. By commemorating Africa Month through these impactful initiatives, we continue to spotlight, and elevate the work of creators and artists who are at the forefront of the continent’s creative explosion”, says Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA. 

YouTube’s longstanding commitment to the creator industry in Africa is evident in initiatives such as the #YouTubeBlackVoices Funds and the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund designed to reward creators who make creative and unique Shorts for their contributions. Earlier this year, 26 creators from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa were among 135 creators from around the world who participated in the 2022 edition of  #YouTubeBlack voices creator class. The creators receive seed funding alongside dedicated support to help them develop their channels and thrive on the YouTube platform. 

Recently, the YouTube NextUp program, which focuses on providing access to learning through one-on-one coaching, workshops and resources was launched to amplify the growth of many successful creators across the region. 

YouTube continues to provide a platform for African creators who are dedicated to building audiences across the globe, while also building a business and generating revenue.  

For more information on YouTube Music’s Africa Month activities, and to set reminders for upcoming events, see the detailed list below.