ENTERTAINMENT
Spotify invest $100K to the new Africa Podcast Fund project.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
ENTERTAINMENT
BNOSKKA WINS PRESTIGIOUS UNESCO CONSULTANCY CONTRACT
In a significant recognition of his expertise, Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jnr, aka Bnoskka, has been awarded a consultancy contract by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the National Expert for the UNESCO Aschberg Program in Ghana.
This contract, which runs from October 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, is a testament to Bnoskka’s extensive knowledge and experience in creative arts business and intellectual property issues. As the sole national expert, he will be responsible for training 400 emerging artists and cultural professionals across Ghana, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the creative industry.
The project, fully funded by UNESCO, aims to promote the creative arts sector in Ghana, contributing to the country’s economic growth and cultural development. The National Commission on Culture, in collaboration with stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries, will organize activities across the country, leveraging Bnoskka’s expertise to ensure the project’s success.
Following a competitive call for expressions of interest, Bnoskka was selected for his outstanding qualifications and experience in creative arts business and intellectual property. As the sole national expert, he will lead the implementation of the project, training 400 emerging artists and cultural professionals across Ghana.
The project aims to:
– Strengthen the creative arts sector in Ghana
– Enhance the capacity of emerging artists and cultural professionals
– Promote cultural diversity and creativity
– Foster international cooperation and collaboration
Bnoskka’s responsibilities will include:
– Developing training programs and materials
– Conducting workshops and training sessions
– Mentoring emerging artists and cultural professionals
– Collaborating with stakeholders in the cultural and creative industries
Bnoskka, a lecturer at the School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba, has established himself as a leading expert in creative arts business and intellectual property. He has organized numerous seminars and workshops, sharing his knowledge with artists, cultural professionals, and students. His expertise spans business development, trademark laws, patents, copyright, branding, and cultural and international relations.
As a published author and researcher, Bnoskka’s work focuses on music, arts, and culture business and intellectual property rights and law. His publications and research have contributed significantly to the field, making him a respected voice in Ghana and beyond.
This contract underscores Bnoskka’s commitment to promoting Ghana’s creative arts sector and his reputation as a leading expert in the field. His involvement in the UNESCO Aschberg Program is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s creative industry, empowering emerging artists and cultural professionals to succeed.
ENTERTAINMENT
Joseph Matthew: Feeding Ghana’s Gospel Space with a Fresh Wave of Creativity
Afrogospel vanguard, Joseph Matthew, has asserted that his innovative approach to Gospel music is revolutionizing the genre and inspiring a new wave of creativity in ways of worship.
In an exclusive interview on JoyNews Prime, Joseph shared his vision for a more dynamic and expressive Gospel music scene, where artistry and spirituality converge.
With his latest release, “Fear No Evil,” Joseph is pushing the boundaries of traditional Gospel music, infusing it with the vibrant energy of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and hiplife. This unique sound, dubbed “Afrogospel,” is captivating audiences worldwide and redefining the possibilities of Gospel music.
Joseph’s musical journey began in his formative years, surrounded by the harmonies of his family’s record of music. His father, a seasoned choir director, and mother, a skilled chorister, instilled in him a deep love for music and worship. As he explored various other genres, JM discovered his true calling in Gospel music, merging his diverse influences to create his distinctive way of the ‘Afrogospel’ sound.
Hinting on the immenent release of his debut album, “Solid Rock,” Joseph is set to further cement his position as a pioneer in the Afrogospel movement. Featuring his released singles, including “Fear No Evil,” this highly anticipated project promises to be a masterpiece.
Watch Joseph Matthew’s inspiring interview on JoyNews Prime from below.
Also checkout his latest release, “Fear No Evil” from below.
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