Earlier this year YouTube introduced the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Artist Class of 2021. Now the YouTube Music Team is expanding its commitment to Black musical excellence by also including songwriters and producers. Let’s have a look at the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022.

Black Musical
Source: YouTube

When #YouTubeBlack Voices was introduced, YouTube had one goal which was to ‘Amplify Black voices’ on the platform. In order to achieve this goal, YouTube provided the artists with the following:

  • Dedicated partner support from YouTube.
  • Seed funding invested into the development of their channels. 
  • The opportunity to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement, and wellbeing.

The inaugural class has achieved incredible feats on the platform. “From Mariah The Scientist’s exclusive live set in support of NIVA, to Rexx Life Raj, Joy Oladokun, and Tkay Maidza taking center stage at YouTube’s annual Brandcast event, and every success in between. We want to thank each and every one of these individuals for bringing so much energy and passion to the program and for sharing the power of their music with fans around the world.” says YouTube.

In addition to the above feats, YouTube is honoured to introduce Hip Hop ICON Slick Rick, as the inaugural mentor member of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022. Slick Rick will be sharing his wisdom and experience with the grant recipients within educational and networking programs for the class.

#YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2022

(Source: YouTube)
Azawi (Kampala, Uganda), Barkaa (Barkindji Nation, Western NSW), Blanco Brown (Atlanta, Georgia, United States), Bree Runway (East London, England, United Kingdom), Budjerah (Fingal Head, Australia), Cico P (Jacksonville, Texas, United States), Cimafunk (Pinar del Rio, Cuba), CKay (Anambra, Nigeria), Dijon (Ellicott City, Maryland, United States), Elaine (Pretoria, South Africa), EST Gee (Louisville, Kentucky, United States), Jonathan Ferr (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), Jords (Croydon, England, United Kingdom), Kadhja Bonet (Long Beach, California, United States), Kamille (London, England, United Kingdom), Liniker (São Paulo, Brazil), Liza (Toronto, Canada), midwxst (Carmel, Indiana, United States), Monaleo (Houston, Texas, United States), Nija (Union City, New Jersey, United States), NorthSideBenji (Toronto, Canada), NSG (London, England, United Kingdom), Omah Lay (Port Harcourt, Nigeria), Rico Dalasam (São Paulo, Brazil), Savannah Ré (Toronto, Canada), Tai Verdes (Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, CA), Tamera (Kent, England), Tasha & Tracie (São Paulo, Brazil), Teezo Touchdown (Beaumont, Texas, United States), whiterosemoxie (Detroit, Michigan, United States) and one of the globe’s most legendary voices in hip hop, the legendary Slick Rick The Ruler (from The Bronx, New York United States)

#YouTubeBlack Voices Songwriter & Producer Class of 2022

(Source: YouTube)
Cadenza (London, England, United Kingdom), Compass (North London, England, United Kingdom), Dallas Woods (Wyndham, West Australia, Australia), Dj Lag (Johannesburg, South Africa), Gloria Kaba (Irvington, New Jersey, United States), HARV (Kansas City, Missouri, United States), IamTash (Boston, Massachusetts, United States), Jay Versace (Pleasantville, New Jersey, United States), jetsonmade (Columbia, South Carolina, United States), Kobie Dee (South Sydney, Bidjigal Land, Australia), Léo Casa 1 (São Paulo, Brazil), Major League DJz (Johannesburg, South Africa), Mu540 (Praia Grande, São Paulo, Brazil), Nova Wav (Tallahassee, Florida / Atlanta, Georgia, United States), OG Parker (Atlanta, Georgia, United States), P.Priime (Lagos, Nigeria), RDD (Paulo Afonso, Bahia, Brazil), Rodriguinho (Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil), Telz (Lagos, Nigeria), Walshy Fire (Miami, Florida, United States), WondaGurl (Toronto, Canada), YAOB (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

To know more about the Artist Class, click here.