How To Become A Voice Over Artist In South Africa (2025)

Voice-over artistry is a lucrative and growing field in South Africa, offering opportunities in radio, television, animation, video games, e-learning, and corporate narration. With the increasing demand for voice-over artists in both local and international markets, it’s an exciting career path for those with a great voice and the ability to bring scripts to life.

If you’re interested in becoming a voice-over artist in South Africa, this guide will provide a step-by-step approach to help you break into the industry.

1. Understand the Role of a Voice-Over Artist

A voice-over artist provides narration or character voices for different types of media. Their job is to convey emotions, engage the audience, and deliver messages clearly. Voice-over work is required for:

• Commercials (TV, radio, and online ads)
• Animation and Cartoons
• Audiobooks
• Corporate Videos
• E-learning and Training Modules
• Video Games
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) Systems
• Podcasting and YouTube Content

Each type of voice-over work requires a unique skill set, so it’s essential to determine which area you want to specialize in.

2. Develop Your Voice and Acting Skills

While having a pleasant voice is an advantage, voice-over work is about performance, emotion, and clarity. You need to be able to:

• Control your voice – Work on your tone, pitch, and modulation.
• Perfect your pronunciation and diction – Articulate clearly for different types of recordings.
• Express emotions – Deliver emotions convincingly for various roles.
• Develop multiple character voices – If you’re interested in animation or gaming.

How to Improve Your Voice:

• Practice reading aloud daily.
• Record yourself to analyze and improve your delivery.
• Take acting or voice-over classes.
• Work with a voice coach if possible.
• Learn proper breathing techniques to improve vocal endurance.

3. Set Up a Home Studio

A professional home recording setup is crucial for auditions and freelance work. Many voice-over jobs require artists to record from home. Here’s what you need:

Essential Equipment:

• Microphone – A high-quality condenser microphone like the Rode NT1-A or Audio-Technica AT2020.
• Audio Interface – Converts your voice into a digital format (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2).
• Headphones – Closed-back headphones to monitor recordings (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M50x).
• Pop Filter – Reduces harsh sounds like “P” and “B” sounds.
• Soundproofing – Use foam panels or a closet with blankets to reduce echo and noise.
• Recording Software (DAW) – Free options like Audacity or professional software like Adobe Audition or Pro Tools.

Starting with a basic setup and upgrading as you progress is a smart approach.

4. Build a Strong Demo Reel

Your demo reel is your voice-over résumé. It showcases your voice, tone, and versatility to potential clients and agencies.

Tips for Creating a Professional Demo:

• Keep it short (60–90 seconds).
• Feature different styles (e.g., commercial, narration, character voices).
• Use high-quality recording and clear sound.
• Show personality and range.
• If you’re unsure, work with a producer or voice-over coach to refine your demo.

A well-crafted demo can make a significant difference in landing gigs.

5. Get Training and Coaching

Taking voice-over training or acting lessons can enhance your skills and help you understand industry standards. Consider:

• Voice-over workshops
• Acting classes (helps with character voices and delivery)
• Online courses (e.g., Udemy, Coursera, or YouTube tutorials)
• One-on-one coaching from experienced voice-over professionals

In South Africa, institutions like the South African Voice Over Academy (SAVOA) and Vocal Booth SA offer courses and coaching.

6. Gain Experience Through Small Projects

Before landing big gigs, start with smaller projects to gain experience and build your portfolio.

Where to Find Entry-Level Work:

• Freelance platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, Voices.com, Bunny Studio)
• Community radio stations (volunteer to do voice-overs)
• Local businesses (offer to record ads or narrations)
• YouTube and Podcasts (collaborate with content creators)

Doing unpaid or low-paying jobs initially can help you develop confidence and credibility.

7. Join Voice-Over Agencies and Platforms

To secure steady work, register with voice-over agencies in South Africa. Agencies help match your voice with clients looking for specific tones and accents.

South African Voice-Over Agencies:

• Voicebank
• Tongue Twisters
• Bladeworks
• Big Mouth Studios
• SAVOA (South African Voice Over Academy)

Additionally, Voices.com and Voquent allow you to get work internationally.

8. Market Yourself and Network

The voice-over industry is competitive, so self-promotion is crucial.

Ways to Market Yourself:

• Create a website showcasing your demo, experience, and contact info.
• Use social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter) to promote your work.
• Network with producers, sound engineers, and ad agencies.
• Attend industry events like film festivals or radio conventions.
• Cold email production companies with your demo.

Building a personal brand increases your visibility and attracts clients.

9. Understand Industry Rates and Payments

Voice-over rates vary based on the type of work, usage, and client budget.

South African Voice-Over Rates (Approximate):

• Radio Ads: R1,500 – R5,000 per ad
• TV Commercials: R5,000 – R20,000+ (based on usage)
• Corporate Videos: R2,000 – R8,000 per project
• Audiobooks: R1,000 – R5,000 per finished hour
• E-learning Modules: R500 – R3,000 per project

Payment Methods:

• Direct deposit (EFT) – Local clients
• PayPal or Payoneer – International clients
• Freelance platforms – Secure payment through escrow services

Always negotiate fairly and understand the usage rights before signing contracts.

10. Keep Improving and Stay Consistent

Success in the voice-over industry requires continuous learning, persistence, and adaptability.

Ways to Improve:

• Regularly practice and refine your skills.
• Take advanced voice-over courses.
• Stay updated on industry trends.
• Expand into new voice-over niches.
• Seek feedback and adjust your delivery.

Patience and consistency will help you build a sustainable career in voice-over artistry.

• Narration – Reading scripts for documentaries, audiobooks, and educational materials.
• Character Voices – Creating unique voices for animated characters, video games, and radio dramas.
• Commercials – Recording voiceovers for TV, radio, and online advertisements.
• Dubbing – Replacing the original dialogue in foreign films and shows with voiceovers in a different language.
• Corporate & E-learning – Providing narration for training videos, explainer videos, and instructional materials.
• IVR & Announcements – Recording automated phone system messages, GPS directions, or public service announcements.

Voice-over artists need strong vocal skills, versatility, and sometimes acting ability. Many work from home studios using professional microphones and editing software

1. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance

• You can work from home with a professional setup.
• You set your own schedule and take on projects that suit you.

2. Diverse Opportunities

• Work in different industries like animation, commercials, audiobooks, video games, e-learning, and more.
• You can explore various character roles and storytelling styles.

3. High Earning Potential

• Experienced voice actors can earn a significant income, especially in fields like commercials and video games.
• Passive income is possible through royalties and residuals.

4. Low Start-Up Costs

• With a good microphone, software, and soundproofing, you can start recording from home.

5. Creative Expression

• It allows you to use your voice to bring scripts to life and experiment with different tones and emotions.

6. No Physical Appearance Required

• Unlike traditional acting, your looks don’t matter—only your voice and performance skills.

7. Constant Learning & Growth

• You’ll improve your vocal skills, diction, and acting abilities over time.
• Opportunity to work with different languages, accents, and characters.

8. Global Reach

• Your work can be heard by audiences worldwide through various media platforms.

9. Job Satisfaction

• Helping brands, authors, and creators bring their projects to life can be deeply rewarding.

10. Networking & Community

• The voice-over industry has a supportive community where artists help each other grow and find opportunities

1. Jeremy Mansfield (Late)

• A legendary radio presenter and voice-over artist.
• Known for his work on “Rude Awakening” on 94.7 Highveld Stereo.

2. Johnathan Pienaar

• A well-known voice-over artist, actor, and screenwriter.
• Voiced numerous commercials and documentaries.

3. Sello Maake ka-Ncube

• A respected actor and voice-over artist.
• Famous for roles in “Generations,” “The Queen,” and various narrations.

4. Tumisho Masha

• Actor and voice-over artist, known for narrating corporate ads and TV shows.
• Recognized for hosting Top Billing and starring in “Isidingo.”

5. Claire Johnston

• Lead singer of Mango Groove.
• Frequently does voice-overs for commercials and branding campaigns.

6. Bongani Bingwa

• A journalist, radio host, and documentary narrator.
• Known for his work on Carte Blanche and corporate voice-overs.

7. Rina Nienaber

• One of South Africa’s most experienced Afrikaans voice-over artists.
• Popular for TV and radio commercials.

8. Adam Behr

• One of the most recognizable commercial voices in SA.
• Known for voicing promos, ads, and corporate content.

9. Fiona Ramsay

• A veteran actress and voice coach.
• Highly regarded for her clear and engaging voice work.

10. Graeme Richards

• TV presenter, actor, and well-known voice-over artist.
• Regularly does promos and corporate narrations