Throughout history, Black artists have innovated and influenced every genre of music in immeasurable ways. To both celebrate and nurture Black artistry around the world, YouTube developed the #YouTubeBlack Voices grant program — an initiative dedicated to equipping up-and-coming Black creators and artists with the resources to succeed on the platform.
This grant program is part of a larger #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, a global, multi-year commitment to uplift and grow Black creators and artists on the platform, as well as to produce and acquire new YouTube Original programs, focusing on racial justice and the Black experience.
These artists and groups — from the United States, Kenya, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria — span generations and sounds.
Whether drawing inspiration from R&B, reggaeton, emo, afrobeats, rap, punk, country, funk, or spaces beyond, their work expresses the power of their vision and their passion for pushing their communities and music forward.
The Artist Class of 2021 will receive dedicated partner support from YouTube, seed funding invested into the development of their channels, and participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement, and well being.
Please meet the the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Voices Artist Class of 2021:
Brent Faiyaz
Columbia, Maryland, United States
BRS Kash
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Fireboy DML
Lagos, Nigeria
Jean Dawson
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico / Los Angeles, California, United States
Jensen McRae
Los Angeles, California, United States
Jerome Farah
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Joy Oladokun
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
KennyHoopla
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States
Mariah the Scientist
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
MC Carol
Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Miiesha
Woorabinda, Queensland, Australia
Myke Towers
Quintana, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Péricles
Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
Rael
São Paulo, Brazil
Rexx Life Raj
Berkeley, California, United States
Sauti Sol
Nairobi, Kenya
serpentwithfeet
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Sho Madjozi
Limpopo, South Africa
Tkay Maidza
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Urias
Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Yung Baby Tate
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
