Written By: Mosimiloluwa Kupoluyi
The voiceover space is fast changing, and African talents are feeling the heat. Online voiceover marketplaces are becoming less reliable by the day, as voices created by artificial intelligence, also known as AI voices, are permeating the industry at an alarming rate. Insufficient audition opportunities, coupled with ridiculous offers, have frankly not helped matters.
Moreover, the adoption of AI technology by popular P2P site Voices.com into its business has helped in providing “ethically sourced” voice data and licensed AI voice clones. This has further raised a surge of anxiety across the VO industry, with whispers of a potential AI takeover.
In a recent newsletter, eminent VO actor and coach, Tolulope Kolade, popularly known as TCode, founder of Voiceverse NG, addressed these worries.
“It’s a big concern, really. It feels like the era of online VO marketplaces is dying.” He said, insisting that voice actors must shift from depending on platforms to positioning themselves more strategically.
Among other tips, he urged African talents to take direct marketing and branding seriously, practice professionalism, build knowledge, and treat voiceover like a business.
Against this backdrop, here are 8 essential tips you need to thrive in the AI era as a voiceover artist, as highlighted by TCode.
- Take direct Marketing and Branding seriously
The rise of AI and foreign clients reaching out directly to African talent, either due to growing distrust in platforms or a desire for cheap labour, has become a notable trend. This means direct marketing and branding must be embraced, according to Tcode.
In his words, “this is the time to take direct marketing & branding seriously.“
“Foreign Clients are reaching out to African talents directly these days due to either a lack of trust in the platforms or a desire for cheap labour in the African VO space, as many do not yet understand the pricing, negotiation, and value,” he added.
He noted that it’s time for African talents to take advantage of this wave, as foreign clients will most likely gravitate towards talents who either can reach them first or have a professional and convincing branding.
- Get Knowledge
TCode explained that understanding usage rights, quoting, boundaries, and confident communication is a real advantage. Clients can sense mastery, and confidence often seals the deal. He noted an example of a South African VO who doubled her rate simply by explaining usage rights clearly. This is proof that knowledge changes how clients value you.
Another way to seek knowledge is by listening to podcasts by industry professionals with enough experience to share about the industry.
- Improve your Audio Quality
Poor audio shuts doors immediately. Many talents lose roles because of the room noise. You do not need expensive gear, but your sound must be clean and professional because audio quality is often your first impression, which often speaks before you do in this industry.
According to TCode, you either upgrade your voiceover gear, treat your space, or find a proper studio for use.
- Seek Mentorship
Of course, no one grows alone, and the significance of mentorship for voice actors cannot be overstated. It helps one avoid pricing mistakes, weak communication, or unnecessary conflicts with clients. Like TCode rightly pointed out, “you won’t know it all.” Have someone you can ask for guidance when you need negotiation or audio tips.
Many Nigerian VOs credit mentors for boosting their confidence and helping them avoid long-term setbacks because a mentor sees blind spots you never knew existed.
- Build Relationships and Practice Professionalism
Inconsistency, late replies, defensiveness, and missed deadlines quickly break trust. The talents who build relationships and show reliability often earn more than those who chase fast gigs. Clients remember how you made them feel long after the file is delivered.
In his words, “Protect your relationships and make every working experience professional. This is not the time to raise pitchforks, attacking any client who seems to be derailing in your bargain. Know how to ask for what you want diplomatically without sounding negative or overly protective/defensive. The goal is to win trust with clients. Be punctual, professional, reply to emails and DM on time, and fulfil your promises.”
- Stay Connected to Community
Take industry events and community meetings seriously. The power of community, from WhatsApp groups to workshops and industry gatherings, is real.
According to TCode, it’s the cheapest way to stay informed and build a strong relationship with your colleagues. You have no idea how much you are losing by operating in isolation. Often, big gigs come through referrals, not platforms, and community connections open doors that algorithms may not.
- Prepare a Quality Demo
“Get real quality demos, especially if you don’t have a professional voiceover you’ve done for a client in the past; you need a real demo,” he said.
Talents are also reminded that a demo is about readiness. Auditions come up suddenly, and you will not always have time to record something fresh. A strong demo keeps you in the conversation even when you are not online.
- Treat Voiceover like a Business
The best way to make a very decent living from voiceovers is to have as many return clients as possible and get international gigs. Using a simple analogy, TCode explained that one international gig of $250 a month, combined with a few returning local clients, can total around 700,000 naira or more. His point is that consistency and structure build income.
Nigerian voice actors who stay visible, build systems, and keep improving are already experiencing this. Growth is intentional work. The global voice industry may be experiencing a shift, but African talents, nonetheless, can still thrive.
This is a sign to take voiceover seriously. Learn, adapt, build relationships, and treat your craft like a real business. With the right habits, the opportunities will always find you.
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