The first virtual YouTube Black Africa Creators Week has started this week, dedicated to engaging, educating, and inspiring African creators to grow on the platform.

Highlights of the 1-week program include expert-led masterclasses covering topics like assessing channel performance and engaging a community, and understanding YouTube’s monetisation policies, among others, according to a statement by the company.

The programme also includes a creator spotlight talk with Mark Angel, Africa’s most subscribed endemic creator, YouTube training courses, and peer-driven open conversations aimed at improving creator collaboration and knowledge sharing.

YouTube will also celebrate creators through the presentation of Play Button awards to Dodos Uvieghara, Eric Okafor, and Kay Ngonyama whose channels have crossed the 100,000-subscriber milestone.

According to Alex Okosi, MD, Emerging Markets, YouTube EMEA, the region-wide virtual initiative, demonstrates YouTube’s commitment to creators and 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,” said Okosi. “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 said.

Creators can register for the YouTube Black Africa Creators Week programme via http://goo.gle/youtubeblackafricacreatorweek

YouTube Black Africa Creators Week will conclude with a 2-hour Livestream closing event to celebrate African creativity. The event will feature music performances by Fireboy, Niniola, Reekado Banks, Sauti Sol, Sho Madjozi, and dance showcases from Dream Catchers, Ikorodu Bois, Triplet Ghetto Kids. It will be hosted by YouTube creator, Akah Nnani. The live stream event will be held on Friday, November 27 at 5pm GMT and can be viewed here: https://goo.gle/africacreatorweeklivestream

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Caleb Ojewale is an Assistant Editor at BusinessDay Newspaper in Nigeria, where he also heads Industry and Real Sector, supervising all associated beats/desks. He is concurrently Editor for Features, Interviews, and the Newspaper's Backpage (Monday to Thursday). He has also been OP-ED Editor and a member of the Editorial Board. A well rounded business journalist; he is a recipient of multiple local and international journalism awards. Caleb is a fellow of the University of Oxford and OKP and has bachelor’s and Master's degrees in communication from Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, respectively.

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