Introduction to APVA
1. Can you tell us about the Association of Podcasters and Voiceover Artists (APVA) founding and its mission? What inspired you to create this platform?
APVA was founded in September 2021, and its creation was deeply personal and purposeful. At the time, I was exploring ways to grow my podcasting journey. I vividly remember searching for materials and resources that would resonate with my experiences as an African podcaster. Despite my efforts, there was nothing that truly spoke to the unique challenges and opportunities we face in this space.
Around this same period, I was working on a project called My Period Chronicles, and my friend, who I was living with, saw firsthand my frustration with the lack of resources. It became apparent that the tools and platforms I needed were nonexistent or inaccessible to creatives on the continent.
During this search, I stumbled upon several international platforms and award ceremonies dedicated to podcasters and voice artists. However, there was a glaring gap – African voices seemed almost invisible in these spaces. It felt as though we weren’t being recognized or even represented. I realized that if we, as African audio creatives, weren’t being seen or celebrated globally, the solution had to come from within us.
That’s when the idea of APVA was born. I envisioned it as an “international body” tailored to amplify African voices, celebrate our creative ingenuity, and ensure that we no longer feel like outsiders in the global audio-creative industry.
APVA is not just a platform; it’s a movement to empower and elevate the unique stories, skills, and identities of African podcasters, voice artists, and spoken-word creatives.
It’s been a rewarding journey to see APVA grow into a community-driven organization that fosters growth, collaboration, and pride among African audio creatives. Through its initiatives, like the APVA Academy, APVA Match, and the African Podcast and Voice Awards, we are creating spaces for African voices to thrive and be heard globally. This work is deeply rooted in the belief that our stories matter, our voices deserve to be heard, and our talents are worth celebrating.
2. What role does the APVA play in supporting voice actors across Africa, particularly in promoting indigenous talent?
The role of APVA in supporting voice actors across Africa, particularly in promoting indigenous talent, is perfectly captured in our core mission: we create, we curate, and we amplify.
We create opportunities and platforms allowing African voice actors to showcase their talents, tell their stories, and connect with audiences locally and globally.
We curate resources, events, and tools tailored specifically to African audio creatives’ needs, ensuring they have what they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
We bring sector updates, collaborations, and new opportunities closer to the African audio community, bridging the gap between talent and possibilities.
Impact of APVA
3. How has the APVA contributed to the growth and recognition of voiceover artists in Africa since its inception? Can you share any notable achievements?
There’s a vision that is yet to fully materialize, but the journey so far has been nothing short of amazement. APVA has made significant strides in contributing to the growth and recognition of voiceover artists across Africa, and it’s humbling to see how far we’ve come.
One of our most notable achievements is the African Podcast and Voice Awards, which we’ve successfully hosted three times, also incredibly grateful to our headline sponsors, strategic sponsors and watch party partners.
What began as a bold idea has now become one of the largest sector events on the continent, creating a platform that celebrates and elevates African audio creatives. The awards have inspired pride and recognition in voiceover artistry, bringing the industry to the forefront of global conversations.
This year, we also launched the African Voices Script Repository, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide voice actors with culturally authentic scripts to hone their craft. While still in its early stages, we’re hopeful that it will grow into an indispensable resource for voice actors across Africa, offering tools that reflect our stories and diversity.
Another milestone is Utukufu, our celebration of Africa Day through the lens of audio creatives. This initiative not only honors the continent’s rich cultural heritage but also showcases the immense talent within the African audio industry. While we couldn’t carry out an edition this year, we’re eagerly looking forward to bringing it back in 2025.
On the community front, we’re witnessing sustainable growth. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about creating a space where African audio creatives feel seen, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.
While the vision is still unfolding, each of these milestones reflects APVA’s commitment to transforming the African audio industry. We’re building a foundation that will amplify African voices and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
4. What initiatives or programs does the APVA offer to help voice actors enhance their skills and visibility in the industry?
Absolutely, the big picture is clear—and it’s a powerful and ambitious one. APVA is an ecosystem built to strengthen and elevate the African audio-creative industry. By identifying the key elements needed for growth and creating spaces for knowledge exchange and access, APVA is laying the groundwork for a thriving industry.
Our expressions of APVA beautifully demonstrate the multifaceted approach we are taking to achieve this vision:
APVA – The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists: The heart of the organization, fostering community, collaboration, and a sense of belonging among audio creatives.
APVA – The African Podcast and Voice Academy: A hub for turning raw talent and skills into viable businesses, empowering creatives to not only excel artistically but also succeed professionally.
AVSR – The African Voices Script Repository: A treasure trove that ensures creatives have the tools and resources to refine their craft with authentic African scripts.
Utukufu – The Glory of Africa: A celebration of cultural heritage and unity through the art of voice, highlighting the richness of our continent during Africa Day.
APVA Sounds: A bold move to bring African voices to a global audience through a 24/7 podcast radio platform, redefining how African stories are shared and heard.
APVA Match: A revolutionary tool for connecting creatives across the continent, fostering collaboration, and building networks that might otherwise remain untapped.
APVA- The African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA Awards). This program directly enhances visibility and recognition for voice actors and audio creatives by celebrating excellence in the industry. Beyond the awards themselves, the event creates an opportunity for professionals to network, learn from each other, and showcase their talents to a broader audience. It’s not just about accolades—it’s about inspiring pride, driving ambition, and building confidence among African audio creatives.
Within these expressions, we have layered events, programs, and community activities that not only provide practical resources but also inspire and energize the industry. While not all components are fully operational yet, the vision and structure are in place, and each part plays a role in creating an interconnected and sustainable ecosystem for African audio creatives.
It’s a big picture of growth, unity, and progress, and APVA’s work to recognize and strengthen the industry ensures that African voices will continue to resonate far and wide.
Africa Voiceover Day
5. What is Africa Voiceover Day, and why is it significant for voice actors on the continent? How do you envision it impacting the industry?
Africa Voiceover Day (AVD) is such an exciting and meaningful celebration. It’s held every year on May 5th to honor and amplify the incredible talents of voiceover artists across the continent. This year marked its very first edition, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would come together. But thanks to the incredible support from key players in the industry—major bodies, entities, and some of the OGs—we made it happen. It’s proof of what we can accomplish when we come together.
What makes AVD so significant is that it shines a light on the diverse voices, languages, and stories that make Africa so unique. It’s not just about celebrating voice artists—it’s about fostering a sense of pride and belonging, creating a platform that says, “Your voice matters, and your stories deserve to be heard.”
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about how AVD will grow and impact the industry. Imagine people in their own little corners of the continent, celebrating in their unique ways, while joining millions of voices to highlight our collective talent. That’s the dream. Over time, I see this day inspiring more people to pursue careers in voice artistry, building a stronger, more united community, and even attracting global attention to African voices.
I can’t wait to see what future editions bring—bigger celebrations, more collaborations, and even more recognition for the incredible work African voiceover artists are doing.
If this year is any indication, AVD is here to stay, and it’s only going to get better.
6. Can you discuss any specific events or activities planned for Africa Voiceover Day that aim to celebrate and elevate African voice talent?
Thank you for asking, but I’d like to clarify that I’m not the sole founder or owner of the Africa Voiceover Day concept, nor are the founding bodies or members.
AVD belongs to the entire African voiceover community, and it’s shaped by the collective energy and contributions of everyone involved. Because of this, I can’t and won’t speak on behalf of the continent about events or activities planned for AVD.
What I can do, though, is pose this question back to the public: What are your plans for AVD 2025? I encourage everyone to start thinking about how they can celebrate and elevate African voice talent in their own unique ways.
Whatever your ideas may be, feel free to use AVD on May 5th as a platform for visibility and connection, also if you want, share them with the AVD team, so we can amplify your efforts and celebrate together.
As for APVA, the team and I will brainstorm how we can join in the celebrations alongside so many other bodies and entities.
It’s always exciting to see the creativity and enthusiasm that AVD inspires, and we’ll do our best to contribute in whatever little way we can come 2025.
After all, It’s a collective movement, and every voice matters.
Challenges and Opportunities
7. What are some of the challenges that African voice actors face today, and how does the APVA address these issues?
You bring up an important point, and I want to echo your careful approach to this question. As a platform creator and not a voice actor myself, I can’t claim to fully understand or articulate the specific challenges African voice actors face. What I do recognize, though, is that these challenges are nuanced and can vary widely. A voice actor in Nigeria might face obstacles different from someone in South Africa, Togo, or Angola. While there are shared struggles, there’s no one-size-fits-all narrative.
At APVA, we aim to be the platform that listens. We’re here to create systems and spaces where these challenges can be voiced, understood, and tackled collaboratively. A perfect example of this is Africa Voiceover Day—a day that’s not just for celebration but also for reflection and action. It’s a platform that can evolve into a space where challenges are highlighted, and solutions are explored, one step at a time.
Our role is to foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and provide resources that make it easier for voice actors across the continent to thrive. By building connections, hosting dialogues, and amplifying voices, APVA hopes to create opportunities for solutions to emerge organically, led by those who know the challenges firsthand.
In the end, it’s about ensuring that African voice actors have a platform to be heard and supported and that we, as a collective, continue to find ways to address their needs in meaningful and impactful ways.
8. In your opinion, what opportunities exist for voice actors in Africa to expand their reach and influence both locally and internationally?
Locally, there’s a huge opportunity to tap into storytelling rooted in African culture. Voice actors can bring life to local folklore, audiobooks, and content that resonates with African audiences. Industries like advertising, animation, and e-learning are also growing, and they need voices that connect with local markets. Collaborating with businesses and educational institutions can create a steady stream of opportunities.
On the international stage, the global hunger for diverse voices and stories is a game changer. Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are seeking content from underrepresented regions, and African voice actors are uniquely positioned to bring a fresh and authentic perspective. The demand for voices in various languages and accents is growing, especially for global projects like audiobooks, dubbing for film and TV, and video games.
African voice actors can also leverage social media and digital platforms. Sharing demos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn can lead to collaborations and visibility. Being part of online communities and marketplaces like Voices.com or Fiverr can also connect them with international clients.
I would like to buttress a point, that pointing out that these opportunities exist the potential thereof, will elude anyone who does not bring excellence to the table.
The key is for voice actors to stay authentic and consistent, to build their craft, to create and seize opportunities to collaborate and innovate.
Africa has a wealth of untapped talent, and as the world’s interest in our stories grows, the possibilities for African voice actors are endless.
Future Perspectives
9. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the APVA in terms of its impact on the voiceover industry in Africa over the next few years?
Looking ahead, our aspirations for APVA center around deepening our current work and creating a lasting impact within the African voiceover industry. We’re not just building for today; we’re building a foundation that will continue to support voice actors and audio creatives across the continent for years to come.
Right now, one of our priorities is to strengthen and grow the African Voices Script Repository. This initiative has so much potential to become a cornerstone for voice actors, providing them with authentic scripts that reflect African stories, languages, and cultures. It’s all about equipping talent with the tools they need to thrive and ensuring their voices are celebrated for their uniqueness.
Another key focus is amplifying the work of the Africa Voiceover Day coalition and community. This day has already shown how powerful collective efforts can be in elevating African voice talent. We want to support and grow this movement so it becomes an even bigger platform for recognition, collaboration, and innovation across the industry.
Some of the other programs and projects we’ve conceptualized require significant investment and commitment, and we’re
Ultimately, our aspiration is simple but powerful and ambitious: to see African voices heard and celebrated globally. We want to create a thriving ecosystem where talent is nurtured, opportunities are abundant, and the industry continues to grow sustainably.
10. How can aspiring voice actors get involved with the APVA, and what advice would you give them to succeed in this competitive field?
Getting involved with APVA is simple and rewarding. Membership is currently free, so my first recommendation is to join us!
The APVA community has grown into a vibrant, supportive network where members actively share their experiences, challenges, and solutions. It’s a space where you’re never alone—whenever someone asks for help, you can count on others stepping in with genuine advice and support.
That sense of camaraderie is what makes our community so special.
As for advice to aspiring voice actors, I’d say this: creativity knows no limits. Think about it—APVA didn’t exist until it did. It was born out of a need, an idea, and the drive to create something meaningful. The same applies to you.
The beauty of creativity is that it opens doors to opportunities and solutions that have never been seen or heard before.
You don’t need permission to dream.
And when you do dream, don’t dream small. Go big.
After all, you have nothing to lose by believing in your potential and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Your voice is powerful, your story is unique, and the world is waiting to hear it.
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