YouTube Music Unveils Scholarship Opportunities To Help Black Artistes

YouTube Music is expanding its commitment to African-American communities by inviting applications for the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund Class of 2022, which will help Black artists commercialize their work.

On June 21, 2021, grant applications for the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund Class of 2022 will open. In addition to the United States, Brazil, and Australia, songwriters and producers from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, Brazil, and Australia, are now eligible to apply.

YouTube Music is also launching a new partnership with renowned music education institution, 1500 Sound Academy, founded by GRAMMY-award winning songwriters and producers, James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson. Through the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Music Future Insiders Scholarship, YouTube will fund ten full ride scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals programme.

YouTube’s EMEA managing director for emerging markets, Alex Okosi, expressed his enthusiasm for the move, saying, “The YouTube Music team is excited to expand the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund and create new opportunities while also reflecting on the progress made to date.”

“The six-month scholarship term will see recipients undertake courses in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and much more,” he adds.

The #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund provided resources such as dedicated one-on-one support, seed funding, training, and networking programs to the 21 grantees, allowing them to achieve incredible growth not only on YouTube but also in their careers.