APVA Appoints Inaugural Board of Advisors to Guide Vision and Expand Impact Across Africa’s Audio-Creative Ecosystem

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APVA Appoints Inaugural Board of Advisors to Guide Vision and Expand Impact Across Africa’s Audio-Creative Ecosystem

The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) is proud to announce its inaugural Board of Advisors, a distinguished group of thought leaders and industry experts who will support the organization’s mission to amplify African voices and build a thriving, sustainable creative economy.

With a mandate to discover, institutionalize, amplify, and celebrate the diverse creativity of African audio creatives and shape policy around the creative economy, APVA has grown into the continent’s most structured ecosystem for podcasters, voice artists, and spoken word creatives.

The board will offer strategic counsel across six priority areas: global collaboration, industry sustainability, revenue systems, partnerships, institutional development, and policy influence. The Board will convene bi-annually with ongoing advisory touchpoints.

“We’re thrilled to welcome a distinguished cohort of advisors who bring decades of experience and global influence across creative industries, philanthropy, policy, and innovation,” said Bidemi Adedire, Founder and Creative Director of APVA. “Their insight and reach will be instrumental in scaling APVA’s impact and visibility across Africa and beyond.”

Confirmed as Chair of the Board is renowned podcaster and media personality Mosibyl (Mo), whose leadership and cross-sector credibility reflect the caliber and vision of this new governance layer.

To support transparency and collaboration, APVA will host the Board’s first formal sitting in July 2025, following a virtual onboarding series and internal induction.

Introducing the APVA Board of Advisors:

Mo! Sibyl (Nee Ogunsanya), Chair of the Board of Advisors, 2x Award-Winning Podcast Host and Associate Professor, Family and Preventive Medicine:

“I’m deeply honored to serve as Chair of APVA’s inaugural Board of Advisors. As someone whose creative and professional journey has been sustainability shaped by the power of voice and storytelling, I believe this moment is pivotal, not just for African podcasters and voice artists, but for the cultural legacy we’re building. voices have always held power; now we’re giving them structure, reach, and I am excited to work alongside APVA’s visionary team and fellow board members to ensure that Africa’s audio-creative ecosystem is not only celebrated but supported, protected, and expanded for generations to come.”

Chilu Lemba – 3 x SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning Voice Actor and Media Entrepreneur

“The energy and vision APVA brings to the table are exactly what the industry needs. I’m excited to contribute to a more connected and prosperous future for African audio creatives.”

Gathoni Ngumba – Founder/CEO Story Palette

“It is an honour to be involved in shaping the audio industry in Africa through APVA’s work and I look forward to seeing the growth and impact as Africans take the lead in telling their own stories, in their own voices.”

Sean Loots – Podcast Consultant, Host and Founder, Latitude Podcast Studio

“I’m really excited to be part of the APVA board of advisors and to help shape the future of podcasting and voice arts across Africa. I’m looking forward to working with everyone on the board to support and grow African voices, helping them connect, inspire, and lead through storytelling.”

Wakio Mzenge – Actor and Theatre Director, Founder of Beyond The Mainstream Storytellers (BTM)

“I am truly honoured to be part of this outstanding advisory board, united by a shared vision to shape the future of the audio industry in Africa. I am deeply inspired by the collective wisdom, passion, and purpose that each member brings. Thank you APVA for granting us an opportunity to drive meaningful change, amplify diverse voices, and unlock the immense potential of our continent’s audio landscape.”

Lola Soyebo Harris – Founder, Kadara Media & Podcast Host of Kadara Woman Podcast

“As someone passionate about amplifying African voices, I’m humbled to be part of the inaugural APVA Board of Advisors and excited to help create meaningful opportunities for our incredible community of storytellers. This is our moment to ensure African narratives take their rightful place on the global stage.”

Kevin Masaba – Founder, Radiomind Africa

“I’m happy to join the Board of Advisors at the African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA).

As a creative with a Radiomind and audio expert, I believe in the power of sound to shape narratives and shift mindsets. Africa’s stories deserve to be heard authentically, boldly, and on our own terms.

This role is an opportunity to help amplify diverse voices, support emerging talent, and build sustainable creative platforms that reflect the richness of our continent.

Thank you for the trust. I look forward to contributing to a future where African audio leads, inspires, and transforms and tells its own stories because creativity is the next gold and we are championing it.”

With the new Board in place, APVA is poised to:

• Accelerate strategic partnerships and funding initiatives

• Expand mentorship and capacity-building for African audio creatives

• Influence policies that protect creator rights and promote fair industry practices

• Broaden its reach across Africa and amplify its global presence

About the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA)

Founded in 2021, The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists [APVA] is a pan-African organization championing audio storytelling, talent development, and creative advocacy across the continent. APVA exists to discover, institutionalize, amplify, and celebrate the diverse creativity of African audio creatives — including podcasters, voice artists, and spoken word performers.

Through its ecosystem of over ten flagship initiatives, APVA provides capacity building, recognition, and structured industry engagement that equips African audio creatives to thrive locally and compete globally.