YouTube Announces Black Voices Creator Class of 2021

YouTube has released the full list of Africa's most creative YouTube content creators for the #YouTubeBlackVoices Creator Class of 2021. The highly contested annual list recognises Africa's original YouTube content creators from various genres including art, finance, business, comedy, education, health and wellness. Twenty of Africa's most popular and consistent content creators were selected. South Africa and Nigeria both have eight representatives while Kenya has four.

Read: YouTube Announces 'Black Voices Fund' for African Creators

Representing South Africa is Nicollette Mashile who isknown by her social media name, Financial Bunny. She has been creating content on financial advise since 2017. Lasizwe Dambuza, on the other hand, is known for his comedic sketches which have often gone viral and secured him a reality show on MTV Africa. Ofentse Mwase Films isthe married duo who create original short films, series and music videos.

Lifestyle vloggers Kay Yarms and Owamie Hlongwane have made the list and have been in the game since 2017. Thato Rampedi is also a part of the class for his conversational channel and MacG, for his podcasts which boast the appearance of trailblazing celebrity guests. Toast With Naledi, which is a reality entertainment channel centred on Naledi Monamodi's real life experiences, has scored her a seat in this year's class.

Akah Bants represents for Nigeria and has been running his socially conscious channel since 2015. Dimma Umeh joins Bants with her YouTube channel which centres on life in Nigeria and has over 25 million views. Oscarmini and Eric Okafor come through for all the tech geeks. Lade Owolabi, Winnie Emmanuel, Tomike Adeoye and Dodos Uvieghara are also part of this year's class.

Kenya's list is short but potent. SingerPatricia Kihoro has been selected for her channel which celebrates African brands, innovators, art, culture and music. Mumo, a photographer and videographer has been selected for his channel which teaches entrepreneurial mindsets. Mitchelle Adagala and Kaluhi Adagala are also on the list.

The 20 #YouTubeBlack Voices of 2021 will receive mentoring and funding as part of YouTube's campaign to spotlight Black voices. The video streaming platform anticipates to fund over 500 Black YouTube content creators from across the world over the coming years. YouTube stated that this is a first step for Black voices on YouTube to feel protected. The YouTube Black Voices Fund was announced last year in October.

The class of 2021 have evidently raised the bar and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, have managed to keep the Black community thoroughly engaged.