"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the 18 Solid Gold Podcast and Audiobook clients who have been nominated as finalists that will compete in 13 categories of the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards (APVA)," says Gavin Kennedy, founder and CEO of Solid Gold Podcast Studios.

The 2024 APVA theme is 'King of The Game', which celebrates African audio creatives' resilience, creativity and leadership. In 2024, the awards aim to reflect on its collective journey toward excellence, innovation and the mastery of its craft, affirming that every voice can shape the world.

"Each of these nominees embodies the resilience, creativity and leadership that we celebrate with the theme. Their work is a testament to the power of African voices to shape our world," says Bidemi Adedire, founder of APVA.

Solid Gold Podcasts and Audiobooks was established in 1993 and has since been on many adventures with its broad base of clients, with whom it has collaborated to expand the reach of the audio industry and those who have something to say. 

"The entrants' hard work and dedication to being understood by raising your voice to #BeHeard is commendable. The entire Solid Gold family is proud of your achievement and celebrates the APVA nomination with the entrants. We wish everyone the best to win and take the gold in their nominated category. We truly appreciate that they are leveraging the power of audio to create compelling content with us," adds Kennedy. 

The awards are judged by 12 expert judges (representing 70% of the judging) and by public votes (representing 30%) from across the continent, evaluating structure, originality and the sheer brilliance of content and sound.

The Solid Gold Podcast Studios APVA 2024 finalist nominees are as follows:

  1. Safari Conversations — The Singita Podcast: Rising Talent of the Year
  2. Convos and Cocktails by Lesego Tlhabi: Comedy
  3. Epokothweni with Babalwa Nonkenge: Finance
  4. Shotgun Story: Music
  5. Just Us and the Climate: News and Current Affairs
  6. EduThink: Education
  7. The One-Eyed Man with Mike Stopforth: Career and Entrepreneurship
  8. The Chai Lounge with Safeera Kaka: Spirituality
  9. Power of Sleep with Restonic: Health and Wellness
  10. Heal Your Mind with Tracey-Lee Kotzen: Health and Wellness
  11. Being You with Lisa Raleigh and Stafford Masie: Health and Wellness
  12. ZedAlpha with Dean McCoubrey: Technology and Innovation
  13. Solid Gold Story Time with Lynn Joffe: Children
  14. ZedAlpha with Dean McCoubrey: Children
  15. Safari Conversations — The Singita Podcast: Podcast Art of the Year
  16. Stars of the Morning: Best Audiobook Performance
  17. Wildlife and Warfare: Best Audiobook Performance, and
  18. Halley's Comet: Best Audiobook Performance. 

Kennedy is elated by the fact that the APVA Awards are highlighting and acknowledging the excellent and underserved podcasters, spoken-word and voice artists across the African continent and are giving them due recognition for their work, according to the studio.

"It is fantastic to know that so many of our fellow adventurers (18) are being recognised for their efforts and that the APVA Awards exist. Best of luck to all the final nominees," concludes Kennedy. 

Individuals are encouraged to vote before the deadline on Saturday, 10 August. 

For more information, visit www.awards.apva.africa. You can also follow the APVA Awards on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor