Spotify invest $100K to the new Africa Podcast Fund project.

Top global streaming service Spotify has shown throughout its rollout in Africa that it is committed to advancing the careers of African creators through on- and off-platform assistance initiatives.

To encourage podcasters and further amplify their tales, the firm has introduced the Africa Podcast Fund, the first-of-its-kind podcast initiative on the continent. Through financial scholarships, workshops, and networking opportunities, the $100,000 fund strives to advance the careers of these podcasters.

Selected podcasters from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana—African nations with the highest podcast listenerships—can apply for the Africa Podcast Fund.

Additionally, the award includes a Cameroonian podcast with a sizable audience in France as well as Francophone African nations like Cote d’Ivoire.

The winning podcasts were produced in a variety of languages, including Pidgin, English, French, Sheng, Ga, and Twi, due to the vast range of countries that were chosen.

Africa Podfest, a Kenyan organization dedicated to motivating and elevating African podcasters by creating a viable and inclusive podcasting business throughout Africa, will manage the money.

According to Melissa Mbugua, Co-Director of Africa Podfest, “Africa Podfest is pleased about the emergence of podcasting in Africa, particularly because the medium allows marginalized African voices to convey the story of Africa.”

The 13 recipient podcasts are listed below in alphabetical order by nation:

CAMEROON

1. Diane Audrey Ngako is the host of Si Maman M’avait Dit, which roughly translates to “If my mom had told me.” She is an entrepreneur, journalist, and art collector. On her podcast, Diane Audrey invites guests to speak and asks them about the lessons they’ve learned while navigating their personal lives, professional life, and romantic relationships.

GHANA

1. Sincerely Accra is a well-known Ghanaian podcast that focuses on urban life in the country’s capital, Accra. Vox pops and in-studio interviews alternate on each episode, which is primarily in English with sporadic Pidgin, Twi, and Ga. The fast-paced and colorful podcast, which is hosted by Joseph Nti and produced by Kwame Asante, has a variety of characters with fascinating and varied talks.

KENYA

1. The Sandwich Podcast, the podcast with the most listeners in Kenya, is hosted by four creatives: Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen. Delivered in a mix of English, Swahili, and Sheng, topics on the podcast are inspired by the hosts’ life experiences and the guests they feature.

1. The Messy Inbetween is hosted by Murugi Munyi and Lydia Mukami, covering love, money, work, life, and advice led by lived experience and all the things that make life what it is. TMI provides a safe space for women to discuss their experiences candidly.

1. Mantalk.ke, hosted by Kenyan creators Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome, recognises the need for conversations led by men  on  issues such as toxic masculinity, fatherhood, feminism, dating, and self care. The two hosts strive to have uncomfortable conversations, even if that means putting themselves on the spot.

1. Nipe Story, hosted and narrated by Kenyan writer, journalist, and queer activist Kevin Mwachiro, gives a voice to written African short stories. Mwachiro provides a platform for African writers to have their short stories heard.

NIGERIA

1. I Said What I Said, one of the most popular podcasts in Nigeria, is hosted by Feyikemi Abudu, an entrepreneur who is excited about helping small businesses to grow, and Jola Ayeye, a storyteller with a core interest in contemporary African culture. Each week, they dive into the Lagos Millennial experience and share their take on current happenings in Nigerian society.

1. Tea With Tay, hosted by Nigerian content creator Taymesan, covers societal issues and personal experiences in a fun, light-hearted and entertaining way. Taymesan hosts celebrities and other guests engaging topical conversations that  spotlight his guests’ unique and intriguing stories.

1. F&S Uncensored covers music, pop culture and personal experiences.  Hosted by Feyikemi Akin-Bankole and Simi Badiru, The podcast offers commentary on trending pop culture topics and informed opinions on how these topics affect everyday Nigerians.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. After School Is After School with Sis G.U, hosted by Gugulethu Nyatsumba, aims to speak more openly and honestly about the battles that Gugulethu continues to face in her 20s. The podcast seeks to foster a connection with the audience, with sharing life lessons and inspiring emotional growth.

1. South African podcast The Journey Kwantu, hosted by Vusumzi Ngxande, explores and questions matters around African spirituality and identity. On each episode, Vusumzi holds a conversation with a guest to dig into the most complex issues around African beliefs.

1. Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba, hosted by content creator Mpoomy Ledwaba, aims to foster connections with her guests and inspire her audience through important conversations that touch on life lessons and individual journeys. 

1. Convos & Cocktails with Lesego Tlhabi is a podcast hosted by the prominent South African satirist, best known for her character Coconut Kelz. The focus of Lesego’s podcast is candid conversations that “we, as black women, want to have… but often don’t”.

Independent emerging podcasters with growing audiences were selected as recipients for the fund, with a focus on supporting podcasts that showcase a range of voices in terms of varying podcast formats, gender, language and content. It is through initiatives such as these that Spotify’s goal of further platforming African creators on a global scale can be realised – a goal central to shifting a historically restrictive view of storytelling out of and about the continent.