On Friday night, Google hosted the YouTube Sub-Saharan Africa Creator Awards, to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent on YouTube from across the continent.
And what a night it was! Top artists Vanessa Mdee and Timaya shared the stage with some leading African YouTube stars including Theodora Lee, Sisi Yemmie and Tofo Tofo! Grant Hinds and ‘An African City’ star, Maame Adjei hosted the festivities, with awards for 22 categories including the channel in each country with the most subscribers. Google also celebrated a huge milestone for Yellow Brick Cinema, who were awarded the international Gold Play Button Award for hitting 1 million subscribers.
YouTube is about the opportunity for people to express themselves. Creators across Africa are using YouTube to find their voice, connect with audiences around the world and build channels while earning revenue from it. The number of hours of video content in Africa being uploaded has doubled year over year for the past two years. And the audience has grown with it. Watchtime on mobile phones is growing 120% year over year.
The cost of data and the processing speed of many phones in Africa often make it challenging to enjoy watching video online. A year ago Google rolled out YouTube Offline, which helps you enjoy a smooth, buffer-free version of YouTube during periods of low to no connectivity. And Google is working on more ways to help you deal with data cost and connectivity difficulties.
Friday night was about celebrating the award winners and creators you love, and all those who use YouTube to express themselves and who give a voice to Africa’s stories.
Congratulations for telling it boldly!
Here’s a full list of the winners:
Broadcaster – Channels Television
Comedy – Kansiime Anne
Comic – Ramscomics / Supastrikas
Education – Retutpro – Photography and Photoshop Tutorials
Entertainment – NdaniTV
Fitness – Six Pack Factory
Games – Slushy AJ
Makeup and fashion – Kangai Mwiti
Music – Yellow Brick Cinema
News and politics – Millard Ayo
Nonprofit – Jim Nduruchi
People and Blogs – Suzelle DIY
Pets and animals – Earth Touch
Top Subscribed Creator in Uganda – Kansiime Anne
Top Subscribed Creator in Ghana – OfficialSarkodie
Top Subscribed Creator in Kenya – Churchill Show
Top Subscribed Creator in Nigeria – Mark Angel Comedy Top Subscribed Creator in Senegal – Prince Arts
Top Subscribed Creator in South Africa – Yellow Brick Cinema
Top Subscribed Creator in Tanzania – DiamondPlatnumz
Top Subscribed Creator in Zimbabwe – Mufti Menk
Top Subscribed Nollywood Channel – IbakaTV/Nollywood