(L-R) Massawe Japanni, Swahili Radio Host, Shalom Meeni People’s Choice Award winner, Mariah Mariah, Media personality and 1/3 at Mic Cheque podcast, pose for a picture with dummy cheque at the Inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024 Award Ceremony at Alchemist, Westlands.
Kenya’s podcasting scene hit a milestone as the winners of the inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024 were announced, marking a significant moment for Africa’s next generation of podcasting talent. Kimani Maina and Shalom Meeni emerged as the top champions, securing Ksh. 50,000 and Ksh. 40,000, respectively, as part of a broader range of prizes in Kenya’s first-ever youth-focused podcasting competition.
The Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024, spearheaded by Youth+ Africa, was designed to uncover and nurture podcast talent among African youth. Over an eight-week period, 80 participants applied, with 11 finalists selected to undergo one-on-one mentorship from industry experts. The competition culminated in a Live Demo Day at The Alchemist in Nairobi, where the finalists presented their pilot episodes to a live audience and panel of judges.
Kimani Maina, winner of the Ready for Market Award, expressed his excitement about the opportunity. “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,” he said.
Shalom Meeni, who won the People’s Choice Award, was equally enthusiastic: “Podcasting is a powerful tool for storytelling, and I’m eager to continue creating content that connects people and amplifies diverse African experiences.”
The competition also recognized four other creators in distinct categories:
- Impact Award: Teresa Loch
- Breakthrough Idea Award: Kellyne Njoge
- Wazo/SemaBox Award: The Disruptors (Ngina Mualuko and Mahak Dagar)
- The Good Company Award: The Bigger Picture (Mitchelle Gathii and Austin Morara)
The winners received not only prize money but also full-season podcast production, marketing and branding support, and a three-month mentorship with top industry leaders.
(L-R) Barrack Bukusi, Communications strategist and host of financially Incorrect Podcast, Kimani Maina, Ready-For-Market Award winner, and Mark Masai, Journalist, Media personality and Host of the Social Newsroom (semabox) pose for a picture with dummy cheque at the Inaugural Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024 Award Ceremony at Alchemist, Westlands.
Freddy Mulli, CEO of Youth+ Africa, commended the talent on display: “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.”
Youth+ Radio PodQuest 2024, organized in partnership with prominent names such as Legally Clueless by Adelle Onyango, Semabox Africa, and Joyride Studios, underscores the potential of podcasting to serve as a tool for education, creativity, and sustainable livelihoods. The competition’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress – Digital Pathways for a Sustainable Future,” aligns with International Youth Day 2024, reflecting the growing influence of digital platforms in empowering young voices across Africa.
This initiative further strengthens Youth+ Africa’s mission to empower young people through social entrepreneurship, mentorship, and capacity-building initiatives. The Youth+ Radio platform continues to spotlight inspiring stories of Africa’s young entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of digital media for the continent’s future.
With the success of the inaugural competition, the future of Africa’s podcasting industry looks bright, with creators like Maina and Meeni paving the way for a new wave of compelling, homegrown content that reflects the diversity and creativity of African youth.