Cabra rapper and hip hop mogul Kojaque is one of 11 international artists featured in YouTube Music’s Foundry programme, which aims to bring their music and stories to new audiences and build lasting relationships with their fans. Previous artists featured in the programme include Dua Lipa.

“My mentality towards music has all been DIY; independence when it comes to creativity is key for me. My YouTube channel has given me the opportunity to showcase that output to the world without interference.” says Kojaque. “Having the support of YouTube Music Foundry means I can continue to create art with my friends exactly the way we want to make it.”

This year’s Foundry inductees include: midwestern psych-soul guitarist Omar Apollo; London poet-turned-songwriter Arlo Parks; Chicago singer and rapper Ann Marie; Houston and Chihuahua, Mexico-based regional mexican songwriter Abraham Vazquez; Tokyo rock band Ace Collection; Port-au-Prince DJ and producer Michael Brun; Los Angeles R&B singer iyla; London-via-Lagos rapper Flohio; Seoul production duo GroovyRoom; and Brussels rapper ICO. The program will welcome an additional set of artists later this year.

Foundry will complement other YouTube Music initiatives that aim to support and promote artists, such as the Artist Spotlight Stories series and Artist On The Rise program for artists on the cusp of superstardom.