Big Changes, Bigger Dreams:
APVA Takes a New Path
APVA’s Next Chapter: We’re Evolving, and We Need You!
Dear APVA Community,
I write to you today with a mixture of excitement and reflection, knowing we stand at a crossroads in the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) journey.
As the founder, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible growth of our community, the powerful stories we’ve amplified, and the talent we’ve celebrated across the continent. It has been an honor to build something so meaningful alongside all of you.
However, as we look to the future, it’s clear that to continue growing, we must take a bold leap of faith.
After much careful thought, we have decided to pause the APVA Awards as we transition into hosting the event bi-annually or once every four years. This pause is not a step back but a necessary move forward.
By giving ourselves this time, we can ensure that the awards evolve into the full in-person celebration they deserve to be, hosted across African countries, far beyond the current watch party format. This shift will allow us to honor the excellence of African audio creatives in a way that is bigger and more meaningful.
But this is not just about the awards. Many know APVA primarily for the African Podcast and Voice Awards, but our work goes far beyond that. We are committed to deepening our efforts across all expressions of APVA, including:
The African Podcast and Voice Academy, where we empower and educate future leaders in the audio space.
The African Voices Script Repository (AVSR), is a home for the unique stories and scripts that reflect our continent’s rich diversity and an opportunity for emerging voices to hone their skills
Utukufu, celebrating the glory of African voices through #AfricaDay annually
APVA Sounds, connecting our creativity through a 24/7 Podcast radio
APVA Match, fostering collaboration between audio creatives and the world.
As we take this next step, I want to invite you to walk with us. The leap we are taking is a significant one, and we cannot do it alone.
We need your support – whether through collaboration, partnerships or simply cheering us on as we transition and build something that will last. Every voice matters in this journey, and yours can help shape the future of APVA.
This is a time of growth, of reimagining what we can achieve together. While we press pause on the awards, we press play on so much more. Let’s deepen our impact, celebrate the richness of African audio, and continue to amplify the stories that matter.
Thank you for being part of the APVA story so far. Together, we will make the next chapter even greater.
With gratitude and hope,
Bidemi Adedire
Founder,
The Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists [APVA].