Four artists picked for YouTube grant plan

Four Kenyans are among 20 African creators and artists picked for a YouTube grant programme seeking to boost their channels.

Kaluhi Adagala, Mitchelle Adagala, Mumo Wambua and Patricia Kihoro will get dedicated partner support from YouTube and seed funding for the development of their channels.

They are part of the 132 creators from across the world who will participate in the Class of 2021 of the #YouTubeBlack Voices programme.

“In the coming months, we will work closely with the Class of 2021 to grow the creator’s channels,” said Alex Okosi, YouTube’s managing director of emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

He said the creators and artists will also benefit from an intensive three-week incubator programme, followed by tailored training, workshops, and networking programs.

The 2021 cohort includes food bloggers, musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents and photographers.

Last year, Youtube announced a Sh11 billion ($100 million) fund, amid racial-justice protests across the US, dedicated to Black creators as part of a multiyear initiative.

The protests which spread to other countries were sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Mr Floyd was known as a “gentle giant” who was trying to turn his life around after serving a five-year prison sentence.

YouTube committed to amplifying Black voices and providing a platform where black African creators can have a spotlight and continue to centre both their voices and perspectives.

As part of that mission, it has developed the #YouTubeBlack Voices grant program to help artists and creators succeed on the YouTube platform.

This grant programme is part of YouTube’s larger #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, a global, multi-year commitment to grow Black creators and artists on YouTube.