Bella Shmurda Joins YouTube Music 2021 Foundry Class
Nigerian music artist Bella Shmurda will represent Nigeria alongside 26 indie artists from 14 other countries in the new Foundry class 2021.
The program received the most applications ever this year with a 450% increase in the number of applications from last year.
Artists on the Foundry program will receive a grant to invest in their content and channel development, access to YouTube partner support and workshops, and marketing, social, and press promotion.
Artists will also have combined access to resources and teams that will enable them to create and launch their music with greater impact and global reach.
Since 2017, It has supported more than 150 developing artists across 15 countries, including breakout alumni like Arlo Parks, Dave, Dua Lipa, Lime Cordiale, Gunna, HARDY, Natangel Cano, Novelbright, Omar Apollo, Rosalía, and Tems. The foundry class of 2018 included Niniola and Adekunle Gold, Lagos based Tems was part of the 2020 class.
“Being an independent artist can mean funding your career personally, leading and working with your team to achieve all your goals. Foundry is an opportunity to elevate my career, and being a part of the program is a big win for me and for my team,” says Bella Shmurda.
This year, Foundry alumni will be paired with artists from the new class for conversations about navigating the industry on their own terms. Tems will be paired with Bella Shmurda and Enny, an artist from England.
The 2021 Foundry Class reinforces YouTube’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s next generation of global music stars; playing a part in developing individual talent.
The full list of the Foundry Class of 2021:
Ambar Lucid United State
Bad Milk Colombia
Bella Shmurda Nigeria
Blessd Colombia
chilldspot Japan
Doul Japan
Ebhoni Canada
Enny England
Fana Hues United States
Junior Mesa United States
Marina Sena Brazil
Meekz England
Paranoid 1966 Spain
Paris Texas United States
Raveena United States
Reggie United States
Rote Mütze Raphi Germany
SE SO NEON South Korea
Seedhe Maut India
Shygirl England
Sinead Harnett United States
Snail Mail United States
SoFaygo United States
Sycco Australia
Tenille Arts United States
Tokischa Dominican Republic
Tuyo Brazil
S.I/Pulse
