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Hello, Audio Creatives,
As we wrap up July, we're excited to bring you a roundup of all the fantastic happenings in July.
This month was another exciting one. If you're like us and sometimes lose track of time, don't worry—we've got your back. Our July roundup is here to catch you up on all the amazing things that have happened this month. So, let's dive in!😉
Stay Up-to-Date with APVA’s Annual Calendar!
We’re excited to announce that our annual calendar is now available! This calendar will inform you about our upcoming events, workshops, courses, and conferences. Stay connected and never miss an update!
Submit Your Events At APVA Calendar
Great news for our partners and members: You can add your events to our calendar for free! This is a fantastic way to boost your event’s visibility and reach a wider audience.
If you’re one of our partners or members, click the link below to submit your event for review and approval.
Not a partner or member yet? No problem! You can still get your event featured on our channels and tap into our network. Just ask us for a rate guide to get started.
Industry Updates
Join the Largest African Directory for Audio Creatives, Studios, Brands, and Hubs!
Africa’s largest and fastest-growing catalogue of audio creatives, studios, hubs, and agencies has officially launched, and APVA is calling on the continent’s finest to be part of it.
The Creators’ Rolodex is more than a directory; it’s a strategic platform built to spotlight African voice artists, sound engineers, studio owners, agencies, and creative hubs. Designed to drive visibility and open doors to continental and global opportunities, the Rolodex aims to reshape how the world discovers and connects with African audio talent.
Whether you’re looking to collaborate, cast, or get cast, submissions are now open. This is your chance to put yourself on the map.
Check out The Creators’ Rolodex now!
A & A Podcast: Coach or No Coach: How Do I Grow and Market My Voiceover Career?
In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Ugbeye, a voiceover artist and coach, who answers two powerful questions from our community: “Do I need a voiceover coach, or can I teach myself?” “How can I market myself effectively as a voice actor?
Stephanie gives it to us straight, breaking down the pros and cons of being self-taught, what to look for in a good coach, and why intentional training makes all the difference. She also dives into practical marketing tips, from building a brand identity and showing up online to the power of collaboration and industry connection.
Click on the link below to listen to the latest episode.
Sector Updates/Insights
Future Of Community Radio In Africa Is At Risk
– BMA Report
A new Broadcast Media Africa report, “The Future of African Radio,” warns that chronic underfunding is threatening community radio across the continent — the grassroots stations where so many African podcasters and voice artists first learned the craft.
Built on 100+ broadcasting leaders across 11 markets, it names five forces reshaping African radio: AI adoption, fragmented audiences, new monetisation models, community-radio sustainability, and a widening gap between tech and regulation.
If you are passionate about where African audio talent comes from, this one’s worth your time
Inside the Deal That Brought Ukonwa Ojo to a Lagos Animation Studio
This article tells the story of two friends who founded Taeps Animation Studios in Lagos with a vision to tell African stories through world-class animation.
Their breakthrough came with Ewa, a short film that gained over 100,000 YouTube views and earned an AFRIFF nomination, attracting the attention of former Amazon executive Ukonwa Ojo, whose venture studio, Zaia Ventures, invested in the company in 2024.
This year, the studio joined Animation Nigeria’s delegation to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, reflecting its growing presence on the global animation stage.
Read the full article via the link below.
African Voiceover Artist: What Brands Should Know Before Hiring
by Eniola Keshinro
Ever wonder why some brand campaigns sound completely flat to African audiences, even when the voice technically has the right accent?
Eniola Keshinro, award-winning Pan-African voiceover artist, breaks down what actually separates authentic voice casting from generic reads. It’s not just accent. It’s cultural fluency, live-direction skills, clarity on usage rights, and knowing that “African voice” isn’t a single, interchangeable category. A Nigerian, South African, and East African voice each carry different cadences and reference points.
If you’re a brand, a casting director, or a fellow voice artist, this is worth your time.
Visit the link below to read more.
Opportunities Station
Radio Presenter Opportunity in Namibia
If radio is where you want to build your career, IUM Radio is currently recruiting a presenter for its Late Night and Weekend Shows. The station is looking for someone with confidence behind the microphone and strong communication skills.
Deadline: 07 August, 2026
Visit the link below for more information.
TVAAS 2.0 Opens for Voice Artists: The Voiceover Battle Audition
The Voice and Artistry Showcase (TVAAS 2.0) is calling on aspiring and professional voiceover artists to showcase their talent in the Voiceover Battle Audition.
The competition invites participants to bring their range, energy, and creativity across categories including Commercial and Narration.
Selected voices stand a chance to receive an award of excellence, free demo creation worth ₦150,000, a voiceover training scholarship worth ₦70,000, one-month collaboration and mentorship worth ₦250,000, and other prizes.
Submission Deadline: 30 August 2026
Visit the link below for more details.
Find Your Voice & Be Heard Training for Aspiring Voice Artists and Podcasters
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a podcaster or voice-over artist but aren’t sure where to begin, Find Your Voice & Be Heard offers a practical introduction.
The online masterclass covers equipment, studio setup, getting started, and developing consistency, making it ideal for beginners.
Date: 9th October 2026
Time: 07:00 PM WAT / 08:00 PM CAT)
Venue: Google Meet
Course Fee: ₦2,500 (NGN)
K 70 (ZMW)
$5 (USD)
Visit the link below for more details.
Upcoming Events
Poetry Dose: An Evening of Poetry, Music and Connection in Kigali
If you’re in Kigali this August, Poetry Dose promises an evening of poetry, music, books, and meaningful conversations. Organised by Wrikan Events, the gathering celebrates spoken word while creating space for readers, performers, and creatives to connect in person.
Date: 7 August 2026
Time: 7:00 PM.
Entry is 3,000 RWF
Visit the link to register now!
Verses & Vibes Celebrates Spoken Word and Live Performance in Nairobi
Looking for an evening of poetry, music, and live performances?
Verses & Vibes brings together established performers and emerging voices for a community event celebrating spoken word. If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to perform, arrive early to secure one of the available open mic slots.
Date: 29 August 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Hooyos Kitchen and Poetry, Nairobi
Entry Fee: KSh 500
Visit the link below to sign up.
VOAfrica 2026 is Back! Super Early Bird Opens Soon
One of Africa’s biggest gatherings for voice artists returns this October.
VOAfrica 2026 will bring together professionals from across the voice-over industry for two days of learning, networking, and career development.
If you’ve been planning to attend, Super Early Bird registration opens on 1 August, offering the lowest available ticket pricing.
Event Date: 16–17 October 2026
Venue: Hyatt Regency DFW, Dallas
Don’t miss out on the excitement. Visit the link below to get your ticket now!
Media
Things Fall Apart Festival 2026
The festival celebrates the legacy of Chinua Achebe’s landmark novel Things Fall Apart and continues to create a platform for conversations around African literature, identity, culture, and storytelling.
This year’s edition, marking the 68th anniversary of the novel’s publication, will explore the theme “Named, Unnamed, Renamed: Power, Identity and the Right to Self-Definition”. The seven-day programme will feature lectures, panel discussions, book conversations, performances, exhibitions, and community dialogues.
Date: 18–24 October 2026
Visit the link below for more information.
Netflix Announces First ScreenCraft Pathways Cohort of 14 Young South African Creatives
Netflix has announced the first 14 young South Africans selected for its inaugural ScreenCraft Pathways programme, a year-long initiative created in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
The selected individuals will receive paid placements, mentorship, and hands-on experience across leading film, television, and post-production companies in South Africa.
They have also confirmed that the programme will return for a second cohort in 2027, continuing its investment in developing the country’s next generation of screen professionals.
Visit the link below to learn more about the program.
Creative Showcase
Alternative Convos Podcast
Episode: Faith and Power- The Role of Christianity in Shaping Africa’s Development
On this episode of the Alternative Convos Podcast, Charles Kojo Vandyck sits down with Deborah Abbey to discuss the role of Christianity in shaping Africa’s development.
Their conversation explores how faith influences leadership, society, and the continent’s progress, while reflecting on Christianity’s role in driving positive transformation across Africa.
Click on the link below to listen to the full episode.
Resources Station
⏰[Opportunity]: Poetry Africa Slam Jam Competition 2026 | Competition | Deadline: July 31, 2026. Click here
⏰[Opportunity]: Shorts, Shorts & Shots Opens Call for Short Animation Films | Competition | Deadline: 1 August 2026. Click here
[Opportunity]: Night of Shorts 5.0 Opens Short Film Submissions | Competition | Deadline: August 31, 2026. Click here
[Opportunity]: VO Launchpad Voiceover Training | Webinar | 5 September – 10 October 2026. Apply here
⏰[Event]: Collage Lagos: A Community Poetry & Audio Installation from The Global Cento. Date: 1–3 August 2026. Click here
[Event]: The Voice and Artistry Showcase (TVAAS) 2.0 is back with ‘Sound Tapestry’. Date: 11 September 2026. Click here
[Event]: World Poetry Slam Championship Comes to Durban. Date: 5–10 October 2026. Click here
[Event]: Lagos International Theatre Festival Returns in 2026. Date: 14–15 November 2026. Click here
[Insight]: Spotify Opens Joburg Office As Company Expands African Operations. Click here
[Insight]: Reality Often Tells Truly Compelling Stories by Precious Asuai. Click here
[Insight]: Milestone Moment: Why Am I Still Single? Hits 1,000 Downloads in One Day. Click here
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With Love,
APVA Editor.
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