Home Awards & Recognition Youth+ Radio Awards 6 Champions in Kenya’s First Podcasting Competition

Youth+ Radio Awards 6 Champions in Kenya’s First Podcasting Competition

In addition to their prize money, the winners received full-season podcast production, marketing and branding support, and three months of mentorship from industry leaders.

by Brian Yatich
0 comments

Kimani Maina and Shalom Meeni have on Wednesday emerged as the top winners of the inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest2024.

Maina clinched the coveted Ready for Market Award, receiving Ksh.50,000, while Meeni, recognized with the People’s Choice Award, took home Ksh.40,000.

The competition, spearheaded by Youth+ Africa, aimed to uncover Africa’s next generation of podcasting talent.

Over the span of eight weeks, the PodQuest attracted 80 enthusiastic participants, culminating in a challenging selection process that whittled down the field to 11 finalists.

The finalists underwent rigorous one-on-one mentorship from industry experts prior to showcasing their pilot episodes at a vibrant Live Demo Day held at The Alchemist in Nairobi.

Reflecting on his victory, Kimani Maina stated that the 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.

Shalom Meeni echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of podcasting: “It is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I’m eager to continue creating content that connects people and amplifies diverse African experiences.”

Freddy Mulli, CEO of Youth+ Africa, praised the participants’ achievements and their potential to make waves in the podcasting arena.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic podcasting talent. We are incredibly proud of what the finalists have achieved, and we look forward to supporting these young creators as they build on their success. Podcasts are becoming a powerful medium for storytelling and income generation, and these creators are leading the way.”

In addition to their prize money, the winners received full-season podcast production, marketing and branding support, and three months of mentorship from industry leaders. The winners were acknowledged in various categories, including:

  • Ready for Market Award: Kimani Maina- People’s Choice Award: Shalom Meeni- Impact Award: Teresa Loch- Breakthrough Idea Award: Kellyne Njoge- The Wazo/SemaBox Award: The Disruptors (Ngina Mualuko and Mahak Dagar)
  • The Good Company Award: The Bigger Picture (Mitchelle Gathii and Austin Morara)

The Youth+ Radio PodQuest2024, organized in collaboration with Legally Clueless by Adelle Onyango, Semabox Africa, and Joyride Studios, serves to highlight the potential of podcasting as a medium for education, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods for youth aged18 to35.

The initiative was launched in alignment with the International Youth Day 2024 theme, “From Clicks to Progress – Digital Pathways for a Sustainable Future.”

You may also like

Leave a Comment

OKB price
5909.46 KES+1.8%