Somewhere in Nairobi, a letter arrives that would make even Lady Whistledown pause her gossiping quill. Not a scandal-laden missive, but something far more consequential for Africa’s creative landscape: Wakio Mzenge’s formal appointment to the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) Board of Advisors.
Beyond the mere ceremonial formality of the Thursday letter, this was more of stamping of relationship and a strategic move that could redefine how African voices resonate globally.
It is with great enthusiasm that we formally appoint you as a Member of the APVA Board of Advisors.”
The Perfect Alliance
If APVA were setting the stage for a cultural shift, they couldn’t have chosen a better partner. Wakio isn’t just another decorated voice artist collecting accolades like vintage stamps; she embodies everything APVA seeks to amplify. Her decade-spanning career reads like a masterclass in African creative excellence: from voicing Dante’s Divine Comedy in Swahili to earning Cannes Lions for Stain Not Shame, she brings not only technical brilliance but deep cultural fluency.
Her dual victories at APVA’s 2022 inaugural awards—Best Commercial Performance (TV) and the Africa Innovation Award—cemented her as a foundational figure in the organisation’s ecosystem. Her 2023 SOVAS nomination for Outstanding Animation Character underlines her unique ability to compete globally while staying rooted in African storytelling.
Wakio’s journey isn’t just a success story. It’s proof that African creativity can honour its traditions while taking centre stage globally.
APVA’s Evolutionary Moment
Founded in 2021, APVA has evolved from a Lagos-based nonprofit into a continent-wide cultural force. With over 2,000 nominations and 70,000 votes from 20+ countries in its inaugural awards, APVA has shown the enormous potential of Africa’s audio-creative economy.But APVA is no longer about a curtain call moment. Through the APVA Academy, the Creators’ Rolodex, and the Creators Support Initiative, it has pivoted toward long-term business sustainability. And this is where Wakio fits seamlessly: a voice artist who understands not just performance but infrastructure, mentorship, and market-building.
Her trajectory from Radio France Internationale to founding Beyond the Mainstream Storytellers is entrepreneurial at its core. Her experimental theatre and directorial work (Ujumbe) show a creator unafraid to redraw boundaries. Her vision aligns perfectly with APVA’s evolving mission to discover and elevate diverse African narratives.
Cultural Resonance and Global Positioning
Wakio’s appointment reflects APVA’s sharpened understanding of African creative expression in the global arena. Her portfolio, which includes educational content, corporate campaigns, cultural preservation, and contemporary animation, proves what’s possible when African creativity operates without constraint.
And she arrives at a pivotal moment. The continent’s audio-creative industry is booming, driven by mobile access, local demand, and an appetite for authentic content. Yet challenges persist in the name of funding gaps, infrastructure limitations, and the tension between global standards and local authenticity.
Her appointment signals APVA’s readiness to become a standard-setting institution with both strategic vision and cultural depth. With a two-year renewable term starting May 22, 2025, Mzenge’s role positions APVA to navigate its next chapter with strengthened capacity and sharpened focus.
The letter may have been formal, but its implications are revolutionary. It didn’t arrive with fanfare, but with the quiet confidence of something that matters: this particular missive promises to echo across a continent where voices have always carried weight, amplifying a new chapter of influence.
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