YouTube Music has announced the 30 independent artists from 15 countries who will be part of the Global Foundry Class of 2022. The program aims to help these musicians build long-term careers as the next generation of global music stars with support from platforms like YouTube.
Since its inception in 2015, the program has assisted over 250 emerging artists from more than 15 countries, including Africa. Members of the alumni include Dua Lipa, Kenny Beats, Rema, Rina Sawayama, ROSALÍA, Tems, Tenille Arts and many more talented musicians.
In 2021, the program welcomed 27 musicians from 14 countries, including Bella Shmurda from Nigeria. This was the largest class ever. These artists were known for their storytelling and innovative approach to music.
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The 2022 class is the second largest to date, with musicians from various genres and stages of their careers, including two African acts, Black Sherif from Ghana and Joeboy from Nigeria.
Being an independent artist simply requires me to be at the centre 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 now and then.
Joeboy, Nigerian Music Artiste
Black Sherif said, “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.”
As part of the program, artists participating will receive dedicated partner strategy support, marketing promotion from YouTube as well as seed funding invested in the development of their content. This great support and resources will help these artists create and launch their music careers with greater impact and global reach.
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.
SSA YouTube Music Lead, Addy Awofisayo
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Below is the YouTube Music Global Foundry Class of 2022 (in alphabetical order per country)
| Music Artistes | Country |
| Genesis Owusu | Australia |
| Kaike | Brazil |
| ÀVUÀ | Brazil |
| Nemahsis | Canada |
| Roxane Bruneau | Canada |
| Skiifall | Canada |
| Jossman | Colombia |
| Kader Diaby 4Real | France |
| Black Sherif | Ghana |
| ART | Germany |
| Kayan | India |
| Noor Chahal | India |
| Haru Nemuri | Japan |
| Bruses | Mexico |
| Yoss Bones | Mexico |
| RIMON | Netherland |
| Joeboy | Nigeria |
| BIBI | South Korea |
| French The Kid | United Kingdom |
| Obongjayar | United Kingdom |
| TSHA | United Kingdom |
| Thuy | United States |
| Sudan Archives | United States |
| Snow Tha Product | United States |
| Mehro | United States |
| Magdalena Bay | United States |
| Danielle Ponder | United States |
| BabyTron | United States |
| Ashley Cooke | United States |
| Amari’ Noelle | United States |
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