Emmanuel Afemikhe, better known as King E, is not just a voiceover artist; he’s a pioneer shaping the future of the industry in Africa. With over a decade of experience, King E has built Voiceover Workshop and Media into a thriving, tech-enabled platform that empowers aspiring voice actors and drives the growth of the African media and content space.
His journey began unconventionally, starting as a gospel rap artist and MC. This early passion for voice laid the foundation for his future endeavors. But it was a need to fund his education that propelled him into the world of voiceover. Landing a voiceover job that paid for his university fees opened his eyes to the power of voice to create opportunities.
“The reason I started voiceover was really simple: to leave the industry better than how I met it,” King E shared in a recent interview with Innovation Village. This powerful “why” has fueled his commitment to elevating the voiceover profession in Africa.
King E’s path was not without its challenges. He faced the typical hurdles of an entrepreneur in Nigeria, from financial constraints to infrastructural limitations. He vividly recalls working from a converted room in his house, gradually building his business and expanding his reach.
But King E persevered, driven by his vision and belief in the potential of voiceover in Africa. He emphasised the importance of consistency and deliberate effort in achieving success: “Consistency has a way…constantly putting into the business, constantly learning, constantly, you know, looking for better ways to improve, constantly showing up and showcasing yourself.“
King E founded Voiceover Workshop and Media to provide voiceover services and train aspiring voice actors. Recognising the need for accessible training, he embraced technology from the outset, offering online courses and utilising platforms like Zoom to connect with students across the continent, breaking down geographical barriers.
“We run some of our courses online,” King E explains. “So we apply technology to make sure that happens.” This tech-driven approach extends to developing self-paced online courses and partnering with organisations to offer accessible training through their websites, expanding the reach of his training programs and creating new revenue streams for the company.
King E is also a champion of innovation. He organised the first and biggest voiceover event in Africa, the Voiceover Conference, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts from across the continent and beyond. He also launched the Vo Star Africa competition, providing a platform for aspiring voice actors to showcase their talents and gain recognition.
Looking ahead, King E sees a bright future for voiceover production in Africa. He believes that the growing demand for African content, coupled with advancements in technology, will create numerous job opportunities for talented voice actors. He envisions a future where African voices are prominently featured in animation, gaming, and various other media.
But King E’s vision extends beyond just creating jobs. He aims to empower individuals by helping them find their voice and build confidence. He believes that voiceover training can equip people with valuable skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, King E offers sage advice: identify your “why,” be consistent in your efforts, and trust in the power of faith and prayer. He believes that a combination of hard work, smart work, and divine guidance is essential for achieving success.
King E Afemikhe is more than just a voiceover artist; he’s a visionary leader, an innovator, and an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa. His story is a testament to the power of voice, perseverance, and a commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the world.
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