Spotify hopes to empower African voices and elevate underrepresented stories and views in podcasting with its newly launched Africa Podcast Grant.
The grant was revealed last week in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the streamer’s Africa Day festivities. The $100,000 prize pool is accessible to ten emerging and experienced artists.
Spotify’s managing director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, stated in a statement published on Music In Africa, “The continent is home to an unbelievable assortment of brilliant people who are sharing their unique creativity, narrative, and music with the globe.” This campaign highlights developing African talent in music and podcasting via social media and on-platform activities. In the music and audio content production area, African artists are accomplishing incredible things. Furthermore, the experiences of this generation of creatives are assisting others in discovering their own interests and talents.”
“On people’s everyday commutes, they’re instructors, friends, and companions. They’re ambassadors for Africa, spreading the continent’s sounds. “At Spotify, we’re dedicated to assisting them in this endeavor,” Muhutu-Remy added.
“This is the first in a series of such efforts. “We’d want to spotlight even more African innovators on a larger scale so that the rest of the world understands that Africa isn’t passing through; it’s here to stay,” Muhutu-Remy added.
Six African musicians and six African podcasters will be featured in Spotify’s Sounds of Africa program. These artists will be featured in a digital-first promotion that will direct consumers to their Spotify sites.
The six podcasts are Mantalk.Ke (Kenya), The Sandwich Podcast (Kenya), I Said What I Said (Nigeria), Tea With Tay (Nigeria), True Crime ZA (South Africa), and After School Is After School With Sis G.U. The musicians are Chris Kaiga (Kenya), Nikita Kering (Kenya), Ladipoe (Nigeria), PreyƩ (Nigeria), No (South Africa).