YouTube on Tuesday said it was holding its first virtual YouTube Black Africa Creators Week, dedicated to engaging, educating and inspiring African creators to grow on the platform.
Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, said in a statement that the region wide virtual initiative demonstrated YouTube’s commitment to creators and artists in the region.
Okosi said over the years Youtube had built and nurtured strong relationships with Africa’s storytellers, and provided them with a platform to share their stories with the world.
“Top African creators and channels like Mark Angel Comedy, DJ Arch Jnr, Churchill Show and many others have grown from a handful of followers to having millions of fans globally.
“We remain committed to amplifying Black voices and providing a platform where Black African creators can thrive,” he said.
According to him, highlights of the one week programme would include expert-led masterclasses covering topics like assessing channel performance and engaging a community, and understanding YouTube’s monetisation policies, among others.
He said that the programme also included a creator spotlight talk with Mark Angel, Africa’s most subscribed endemic creator.
Also YouTube training courses, and peer-driven open conversations aimed at improving creator collaboration and knowledge sharing would be on offer.
Okosi said that YouTube would also celebrate creators through the presentation of Play Button awards to Dodos Uvieghara, Eric Okafor, and Kay Ngonyama whose channels have crossed the 100,000 subscriber milestone.
‘Creators can register for the YouTube Black Africa Creators Week programme here: http://goo.gle/youtubeblackafricacreatorweek
The Managing director said that YouTube Black Africa Creators Week would conclude with a 2-hour livestream closing event to celebrate African creativity.
He said that the event would feature music performances by Fireboy, Niniola, Reekado Banks, Sauti Sol, Sho Madjozi, and dance showcases from Dream Catchers, Ikorodu Bois, Triplet Ghetto Kids.
According to him, it will be hosted by YouTube creator, Akah Nnani. The livestream event will be held on Friday, November 27 at 5pm GMT and can be viewed here: https://goo.gle/africacreatorweeklivestream.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which began on Nov. 23 will end on Nov. 27.
