YouTube to reward creativity at first virtual Black Africa Creators Week
By Zainab Iwayemi
In a bid to celebrate Africa creativity, YouTube, the world’s most popular online video community, has dedicated a week to mark the first-ever virtual YouTube Black Africa Creators Week, which stretches through a week for the purpose of engaging, educating, and inspiring African creators to grow on the platform.
The one-week programme is expected to have experts discuss topics such as, assessing channel performance and engaging a community, and understanding YouTube’s monetization policies, and more. The virtual event is an addition to ongoing initiatives (such as the YouTube Black Voices Fund) to support creators on the continent.
Additionally, the programme is expected to feature Mark Angel, being Africa’s most subscribed endemic creator as well as YouTube training courses, and peer-driven open conversations which is aimed at improving the collaboration of creators and sharing of knowledge.
In recognition of YouTubers whose channels have exceeded the 100,000-subscriber milestone, YouTube will present Play Button awards to Dodos Uvieghara, Eric Okafor, and Kay Ngonyama.
Alex Okosi, the managing director for the Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA noted that the virtual initiative which is region-wide, demonstrates YouTube’s commitment to creators and also artists in the region.
“Over the years we have built and nurtured strong relationships with Africa’s storytellers, and provided them with a platform to share their stories with the world,” Okosi said
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the event is slated to be concluded with a 2-hour live stream of the closing event aimed at celebrating African creativity. Entertainment will include musical performances by Nigeria and Africa’s top-listed musical arts, dance showcases from young talents across the country, among other side attractions.