The Kenyan music distribution startup, Mdundo, is on track to make an unprecedented move in the music industry by projecting a record payout of up to US$1.5 million in royalties to its artists for the fiscal year 2023/24. This initiative is a part of Mdundo’s ongoing efforts to empower African musicians and advocate for fair compensation within the music industry, signaling a significant step forward in its commitment to support the creative community.
Established in Kenya in 2013, Mdundo has rapidly ascended to become the leading pan-African music service, with a mission to make music accessible legally and effortlessly across the continent.
The platform’s dedication to fostering a sustainable music ecosystem where artists can thrive has been evident since its inception. In 2020, Mdundo took a significant leap forward by listing its shares on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark, a move that has since propelled the company to new heights.
Following the listing, Mdundo experienced a substantial increase in its user base, boasting 30.8 million monthly active users who enjoy a vast catalog of music from over 172,000 content providers.
Mdundo’s success story is not just about its impressive growth metrics but also reflects a broader narrative of African innovation and the potential of the digital economy to transform traditional sectors like music distribution. By prioritizing the rights and earnings of artists, Mdundo is setting a new standard for how music platforms can operate sustainably and ethically, benefiting both creators and consumers across Africa and beyond.
Artists across Africa are poised for a groundbreaking payout ranging from US$1.2 million to US$1.5 million in royalties for the 2023/24 period, with an estimated 156,000 artists from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Ghana set to benefit from this initiative.
Wanjiku Koinange, the Head of Music and Licensing at Mdundo, expressed the company’s deep commitment to the African music scene. “Our mission goes beyond just distributing music; we aim to cultivate the rich heritage of African music. The Artist Royalty Payment Programme at Mdundo stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering artists by ensuring their work is valued and they receive the earnings they rightly deserve,” Koinange stated.
Furthermore, Mdundo has recently embarked on a strategic partnership with Safaricom, Kenya’s premier telecommunications provider, launching a subscription service tailored exclusively for Safaricom customers. This collaboration is designed to enhance the monetization opportunities for artists, offering them a reliable source of income and fostering sustainable careers in music. Such initiatives underscore Mdundo’s dedication to supporting the African music industry’s growth and ensuring artists are compensated fairly for their creativity and hard work.
