Kenyan music distribution platform Mdundo is set to pay an unrivaled $1.5 million in royalties to artists for the 2023/24 period, demonstrating its commitment to supporting African musicians and advocating for rightful compensation.
Mdundo, established in Kenya in 2013 and committed to delivering music conveniently and legally across Africa, has grown to be a top Pan-African music service. The firm experienced a surge in users to 30.8 million monthly active users after listing its shares on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark in 2020.
For the period of 2023/24, artists are anticipated to receive a payout between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, benefiting roughly 156,000 artists across Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana.
“Our commitment goes beyond just producing music; we are dedicated to preserving the spirit of African music. Our Artist Royalty Payment Program illustrates our commitment to empowering artists, ensuring their music is appreciated and their earnings justified,” stated Wanjiku Koinange, Head of Music and Licensing at Mdundo.
Recently, Mdundo partnered with Kenya’s top telecommunications company, Safaricom, to launch a subscription service exclusive to Safaricom customers. Collaborations like these aim to enhance music monetization for artists, offering steady income and fostering sustainable music careers.