The inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024 competition concluded on a high note today. Kimani Maina and Shalom Meeni emerging as top winners. They received KES 50,000 and KES 40,000 respectively, among other prizes. This groundbreaking competition was spearheaded by Youth+ Africa. It is set out to discover and nurture Africa’s next wave of podcasting talent, reflecting the continent’s growing influence in this digital storytelling medium.
Mentorship Program
Over eight weeks, 80 young participants applied. 11 finalists advancing to an intensive one-on-one mentorship program led by podcasting industry experts. The finalists showcased their talent and creativity at the Live Demo Day hosted at The Alchemist in Nairobi. They captivated audiences with their fresh, original podcast ideas.
“This platform has been life-changing. Podcasting gives us a voice, and I’m excited to bring untold stories to the forefront and shape conversations that matter.” Stated Kimani Maina, who took home the prestigious Ready for Market Award.
Meanwhile, Shalom Meeni, winner of the People’s Choice Award, highlighted the medium’s transformative power. She referred podcasting as a powerful tool for storytelling that connects people and amplifies diverse African experiences.
Podcasting is Africa’s Future
Freddy Mulli, CEO of Youth+ Africa, emphasized the importance of podcasting in Africa. “Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic podcasting talent. We are proud of the finalists achievement, and we look forward to supporting them as they build on their success.” He noted that podcasting is not just about storytelling but also a path toward sustainable livelihoods and income generation.
In addition to their cash prizes, the winners secured full-season podcast production, marketing, branding support, and three months of mentorship from industry leaders. Other honourees included Teresa Loch for the Impact Award, Kellyne Njoge for the Breakthrough Idea Award, and the duo of Ngina Mualuko and Mahak Dagar for the Wazo/SemaBox Award.
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This competition, organized in partnership with Legally Clueless by Adelle Onyango, Semabox Africa, and Joyride Studios, aligns with the theme of International Youth Day 2024, “From Clicks to Progress – Digital Pathways for a Sustainable Future.” It reflects Youth+ Africa’s mission to empower young people across the continent through social entrepreneurship, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives, leveraging the growing potential of podcasting as both a creative and economic force.
As podcasting continues to evolve in Africa, initiatives like Youth+ Radio PodQuest provide a launchpad for the next generation of creators to bring their unique stories to a global audience, shaping narratives and challenging perceptions of Africa’s diverse cultures, experiences, and aspirations.