Spotify announces $100 000 grant for African podcasts

The grant, which was revealed last week during celebrations to mark Africa Day by the streaming platform in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to amplify underrepresented stories and perspectives in podcasting.

“The continent is home to an incredible array of talented individuals who are sharing their unique creativity, storytelling and sounds with the world,“ Spotify’s managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said. “So from social media to on-platform efforts, this campaign spotlights emerging African talent in music and podcasting. African creators are doing amazing things in the music and audio content creation space. Moreover, the stories of this crop of creatives are helping others find their passions and their voices.”

As a part of its Sounds of Africa programme, Spotify is also highlighting six African artists and six African podcasters through a digital-first campaign to drive users to their various Spotify pages. 

“They’re teachers, friends and companions on people’s daily commute. They’re ambassadors for the continent, sharing the sounds of Africa. And, at Spotify, we are committed to helping them do just that,” Muhutu-Remy said. 

The artists are Chris Kaiga (Kenya), Nikita Kering (Kenya), Ladipoe (Nigeria), Preyé (Nigeria), Nomfundo Moh (South Africa) and Zoë Modiga (South Africa).

The six podcasts are Mantalk.Ke (Kenya), The Sandwich Podcast (Kenya), I Said What I Said (Nigeria), Tea With Tay (Nigeria), True Crime ZA (South Africa) and After School Is After School With Sis G.U (South Africa).

“This is the first of many such initiatives. We would like to highlight even more African creators on an even bigger scale so that the whole world knows that Africa is not just a moment, it is here to stay,” Muhutu-Remy said.