Podcasting has grown steadily over the years since it began in the early 2000s. More than 475 million people are actively listening to podcasts around the world, according to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report conducted in 2018-2019.
The African continent is home to an incredible array of talented individuals who are sharing their unique creativity, storytelling, and sounds with the world through social media and podcasts. South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are listed among the largest podcasting markets in Africa. In Kenya, with an audacious consumer market and continued desire for content, the market has seen the emergence of a state of the art media and podcast spaces like Kofisi – Africa’s leading workspace provider.
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa says, “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.”
The continent is seeing africans of all ages and gender launching podcasts on various topics and issues from politics to mental health to relationships to constitutional law to current affairs, as a means to own their narrative and tell their own stories. “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,” Jocelyne adds.
Spotify Africa is currently celebrating local voices through the new Sounds of Africa campaign. It has announced the creation of the Africa Podcast Grant to help highlight voices from the continent. The $100,000 fund is open to 10 creators, and they can be up-and-coming or established. This fund aims to amplify underrepresented stories and perspectives in podcasting.
As a part of Sounds of Africa, Spotify is highlighting six African podcasters through a digital-first campaign to drive users to their various Spotify pages among them two Kenyan content creators/ podcasters.
Mantalk.ke podcast. Kenya
Mantalk is a Kenyan podcast hosted by Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome, to facilitate candid and elevating conversations. The podcast is a refreshing focus on feminism, dating, self-care, and the positive aspects of masculinity.
I Said What I Said podcast. Nigeria
An honest, witty telling of the Lagos millennial experience. Hosted by duo Feyikemi Abudu, an entrepreneur excited about helping small businesses grow, and Jola Ayeye, a storyteller with a core interest in contemporary African culture.
The Sandwich Podcast. Kenya
Hosted by four creatives, Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen, who discuss their life experiences, sometimes featuring other guests. The hosts’ keen humour is presented in a mix of English, Swahili and Sheng, Kenya’s local slang.
True Crime South Africa podcast. South Africa
True Crime South Africa, hosted by Nicole Engelbrecht, is a gripping and gritty dive into solved and unsolved South African true crime cases.
Tea With Tay podcast. Nigeria
In this light-hearted, sweet gist-type Nigerian podcast, host Taymesan discusses societal issues and personal experiences. Tea With Tay frequently hosts celebrities and guests to share their own stories.
After School Is After School with Sis G.U podcast. South Africa
South African podcast After School Is After School With Sis G.U is about everything to do with the host – Gugulethu Nyatsumba – who uses her platform to speak openly about the battles that she continues to face in her 20s. Gugulethu’s passion lies in motivating people to better themselves, and her content revolves around this passion.