Carry1st, the prominent South African mobile games publisher and consumer payment provider, is expanding its reach beyond gaming with a strategic partnership with Audiomack, a leading music streaming platform boasting over 30 million monthly users. This collaboration aims to streamline music subscription payments across Africa by leveraging Carry1st’s localized payment solutions.
The partnership addresses a significant challenge in the African digital content market: access to seamless and convenient payment options. With Carry1st’s integration, Audiomack users will now be able to purchase subscriptions using familiar and accessible methods such as mobile money, digital wallets, and bank transfers. This move is expected to significantly enhance the user experience and drive growth in the music streaming sector across the continent.
“We’re really excited to be partnering with such an important platform like Audiomack, which champions entertainment and shares our passion for providing options to African consumers in the entertainment space,” says Guillaume Noé, VP of Growth for Platform at Carry1st. “This partnership is a testament to our growth and the versatility of the Carry1st Shop. Not only are we unlocking popular games, but we’re now also unlocking the music that people love.”
This sentiment is echoed by Charlotte Bwana, VP of Marketing at Audiomack, who notes: “Audiomack is incredibly excited to partner with Carry1st to expand our presence across Africa and make it easier for music fans across the continent to access premium features. Carry1st has been impactful in growing Africa’s gaming industry for creators and users, and we are confident we can replicate this approach in the music space.”
Carry1st has been making significant strides in the African tech scene. In 2021, the company raised $27 million in a Series A extension round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Google and Avenir Growth Capital. This followed a $20 million Series A round led by a16z in 2020, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the company’s vision and potential.
Furthermore, Carry1st has attracted investment from industry giants like Sony, who recognized the company’s potential to transform the gaming landscape in Africa. Carry1st’s own gaming publishing platform has been instrumental in bringing popular mobile games to African audiences, further solidifying its position as a key player in the continent’s digital entertainment industry.
By venturing into the music streaming sector with this Audiomack partnership, Carry1st is demonstrating its commitment to expanding access to digital content across Africa. This move not only benefits consumers but also empowers creators and businesses by providing them with a reliable and efficient platform for monetizing their content.
The collaboration between Carry1st and Audiomack marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and accessible digital future for Africa. By simplifying payment processes and expanding access to diverse content, this partnership is poised to drive growth and innovation in the continent’s burgeoning digital economy.
