The Rise and Global Impact of African Voiceover Talent

with Tom Dheere

BOSSes Anne Ganguza and Tom Dheere examine the state of the voiceover industry a few months into 2025. They discuss the direct impact of political and economic events on booking trends and content. The conversation explores how corporate messaging is adapting to cultural and policy changes, the ongoing role of authenticity, and the evolving, perhaps less threatening, landscape of AI. Ultimately, they offer a message of adaptation, education, and resilience for voice actors navigating the current climate.

This episode takes a realistic look at the voiceover industry in early 2025, featuring insights from hosts Anne Ganguza and Tom Dheere on navigating the current landscape. Discover their perspectives on the impact of global events, the evolving role of technology like AI, and the enduring importance of genuine performance in connecting with clients and audiences during a time of change.

Chapter Summaries

Navigating the Voiceover Industry in 2025

(00:03) This chapter examines the current state of the voiceover industry in 2025, highlighting how external factors, including political changes and economic disruptions, are affecting the voiceover business. We reflect on the impact of the 2024 election on advertising budgets and the resurgence of commercial voiceovers. We discuss evolving content trends in e-learning and corporate voiceover, the importance of brand messaging and cultural relevance, and how events like shifts in DEI policies shape voice acting jobs.

Adapting to Evolving Voiceover Trends

(10:28) This chapter explores how voice actors can adapt to evolving voiceover trends by navigating social media effectively while managing their fear. s. We analyze the resilience of the voiceover industry in the context of past economic recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand the continued demand for voiceover talent despite challenges like SAG-AFTRA strikes. Discover the importance of adaptability, the actor's mindset, and staying informed about industry changes for voiceover business success.

AI Impact on Voiceover Industry

(13:44) This chapter examines the impact of AI on the voiceover industry, including the use of synthetic voices. We explore the current sentiment towards AI in voiceover, focusing on protecting voice actor rights and compensation. Learn about AI in business processes and the importance of authenticity in voice performances. We discuss the challenges faced by new voice actors due to AI advancements reducing the number of entry-level voiceover jobs and the broader economic implications of AI on voiceover employment.

Embracing Growth in the Voiceover Industry

(20:11) This chapter emphasizes voiceover business growth through continuous learning, adaptation, and evolution. We discuss the "Educate, adapt, evolve" mantra for navigating the voiceover industry. Learn from experiences on taking business risks, making investments, and overcoming the fear of irrelevance. Understand the power of collaboration and hiring talent for voiceover success, and the importance of embracing change for a thriving voice acting career.

Boosting Voiceover Business Like a Boss

(25:24) This chapter focuses on empowering listeners to boost their voiceover business through effective networking strategies and leveraging industry tools. Learn how to access exclusive content, valuable tips, and effective business strategies. Take your voiceover career to the next level by adopting a proactive and strategic "boss" mindset for greater success.

Top 10 Takeaways

External Events Significantly Impact Voiceover:

The voiceover industry is directly influenced by real-world events, such as political elections and economic shifts, which impact advertising budgets and booking trends. The uncertainty surrounding the 2024 US Presidential election led to a noticeable dip in work, particularly in commercials.

Commercial Work Resurgence in Early 2025:

With the absence of major political campaigns in early 2025, commercial voiceover work has seen a rebound, filling the ad space.

Authenticity Resonates Across Cultures:

While influences exist, embracing your unique cultural voice and storytelling style is a powerful asset that can connect with global audiences.

Evolving Content and Context:

The type and messaging of voiceover work are evolving, particularly in non-broadcast sectors such as e-learning and corporate training, reflecting current cultural and societal shifts. Companies are increasingly mindful of their brand messaging and aligning it with prevailing values.

Policy Changes Drive Voiceover Needs:

Governmental and organizational policy changes, such as those related to DEI, can directly create the need for updated voiceover work in corporate training and communications.

Economic Factors Remain Crucial:

The overall economy, including the impact of tariffs and potential unemployment increases, will continue to influence advertising budgets and hiring practices within the voiceover industry.

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword:

While social media can keep voice actors informed about industry trends, it's essential to manage the potential for fear and misinformation. Critical thinking and reliable sources are key.

Voiceover Industry Resilience:

Despite economic downturns and technological shifts, the voiceover industry has historically demonstrated resilience, as businesses continue to need to sell, teach, and communicate effectively using voice.

AI's Evolving but Not Dominant Role:

While initial fears surrounding AI stealing voiceover jobs have somewhat subsided, the focus has shifted to protecting voice artists' rights regarding synthetic voice usage. AI is becoming more integrated into business management but isn't seen as a complete replacement for human voice actors, especially those with strong acting skills.

Authenticity Remains Paramount:

In marketing and voice performance, authenticity and genuine human connection are increasingly vital for capturing audience attention and building trust.

Referenced in this Episode

Direct links to things we brought up ++

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Anne Ganguzza - female voice talent with blond hair, black glasses and red lipstick. She is smiling at the camera and wearing blue headphones.

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