Home / Business and Economy / YouTube Exec Tuma Basa Departs After 8 Years
YouTube Exec Tuma Basa Departs After 8 Years
4 Apr
Summary
- Tuma Basa, YouTube's director of Black music & culture, announced his departure.
- He spent eight years at the streaming giant, joining in 2018.
- Basa was known for championing African artists like Burna Boy.

Tuma Basa, a key figure in YouTube's music division, has announced his departure after eight years with the company. His exit follows a distinguished career where he served as director of Black music and culture.
During his tenure, Basa was celebrated for his role in elevating African artists. He played a crucial part in increasing their visibility and success in the United States, with Nigerian artist Burna Boy being a notable example of his influence.
Basa's career in music programming began with roles at BET, MTV, and REVOLT. He also made significant contributions at Spotify, where he headed global hip-hop programming and curated the influential Rap Caviar playlist.
Originally from Zaire (now Congo) and raised in Iowa and Zimbabwe, Basa's background informed his approach to music and culture. His departure from YouTube signifies a new chapter after a impactful period.