-
Joeboy and Black Sherif join YouTube’s global Foundry Class of 2022.
Black Sherif and Joeboy have joined the class of 2022 which features artists at all stages of their careers from different genres across the world in what is the biggest class yet.
YouTube Music has announced the Foundry Class of 2022, which includes 30 independent musicians from 15 countries around the world. The announcement was made on July 26th, 2022.
The Foundry initiative, which was established in 2015 and has thus far supported 250 independent artists, aims to help artists develop sustainable careers on their own terms.
Rema and Tems are two Nigerian alumni who were honoured for their musical innovation, storytelling abilities, and status as the future generation of performers.
The 2022 Foundry Class reinforces YouTube’s commitment to supporting Sub-Saharan artists as next-generation global music stars; playing a part in developing individual talent in the region.
RELATED:
- How Joeboy went from making hits to shutting down concerts in the US
- Black Sherif reveals his main focus in life
- YouTube Shorts celebrates one year in Nigeria, launches “the multiformat creator”
Foundry is designed for independent artists who want to succeed on their own and who need assistance navigating the challenges of the modern music business.
When developing content, YouTube offers partner strategy advice, marketing promotion, and seed cash that may be utilized for everything from trying out new music to experimenting with different video creation formats.
The Foundry program ensures that artists can be independent and still have a successful career in music with the support of platforms like YouTube and this year will power two programs, the Foundry Class of 2022 and the independent release support.
Speaking on his inclusion in the program, Joeboy said,
“Being an independent artist simply requires me to be at the center of all of my dealings as a creative. Aside from creating the music, I have to carry out due diligence to make sure I am making the right decisions every now and then.”
Commenting on the program launch, SSA YouTube Music Lead, Addy Awofisayo commented:
“We believe that lowering the barrier to entry that unlocks opportunities for music artists to create and connect with a global audience is crucial. But beyond that, Foundry will assist the music artists participants in navigating a new increasingly digital industry as they connect with fans and generate revenue.”
“Success as an independent artist is connecting with one more person on any level through my music. Once that is constantly achieved, in my opinion, everything else will follow. Being a Foundry artist for me means a strong global platform with support to visually take my expression to the next level and reach more people in the process,” Ghanaian fast-rising music star Black Sherif revealed while speaking about being part of the program.