FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The African Podcast and Voice Academy Partners with Shades of Us
[13/10/2025]
The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) is pleased to announce its partnership with the Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us), welcoming them as a partner for the African Podcast and Voice Academy (APVA Academy).
This collaboration marks a key milestone in APVA’s mission to empower African audio creatives with the knowledge, tools, and industry access they need to transform their craft into thriving businesses. As an official Academy Partner, Shades of Us will contribute its expertise to developing and delivering educational content tailored to the unique needs of African storytellers.
“APVA Academy exists to turn creative talent into sustainable livelihoods, strengthen Africa’s audio sector with structured pathways, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with existing schools, agencies, and academies. We’re not here to replace what’s working, we’re here to amplify trusted traditions while co-creating new histories for African audio.” – Bidemi Adedire, Founder, Association of African Podcasters & Voice Artists (APVA)
“Shades of Us harnesses the power of storytelling as a tool for social change: amplifying African voices, challenging harmful narratives, and inspiring action toward equality and justice. We are here to tell stories for their own sake, but also to shape mindsets, influence systems, and build a continent where every African can thrive.” – Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, Founder, Shades of Us
About Shades of Us
Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (“Shades of Us”) is a registered non-profit organization that harnesses the power of storytelling to address the socio-economic challenges facing Africa, Africans, and people of African descent. Through compelling narratives and creative expression, Shades of Us promotes open and honest dialogue that drives reflection, critical thinking, and positive social and behavioral change toward the vision of a developed continent and thriving communities.
Press Contact
Yecenu Sasetu,
Program Officer – Community Engagement
yecenu@shadesofusafrica.org
About APVA
The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) is the leading hub for African audio creatives, building a structured, sustainable, and thriving ecosystem for podcasters, voice artists, and spoken word performers. Through its pillars—discover and amplify African voices; strengthen the industry with training and policy influence; transform audio skills into viable businesses; foster partnerships and global collaborations—APVA powers initiatives including the APVA Awards, APVA Academy, APVA Match, APVA Sounds, the African Voices Script Repository, Rolodex, Utukufu – The Glory of Africa, APVA Editor, and Hosts for Hire (professional podcast hosting).
Media Contact
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Email: partnerships@apva.africa | academy@apva.africa
Instagram: @apva_academy
LinkedIn: African Podcast and Voice Academy
Website: www.apva.africa
Website: www.academy.apva.africa/
Press Contact:
Abimbola Babatunde
Communications & Partnerships Manager
