Spotify is a pioneer in music streaming and is arguably the best-known service, Apple Music runs second to Spotify in terms of subscribers. However, there are African-focused music streaming platforms that you can explore.
By 2024, Africa’s music streaming revenues are expected to have hit a 12% annual growth that will see the market reach a volume of $822 million.
A research by Weetracker revealed that 50% of Africa’s homegrown music streaming platforms require users to pay a subscription fee. Furthermore, 37.5 % of these platforms have adopted the freemium business model and 12.5% of them have incorporated both the freemium package and the premium package.
In this article, I curated a listicle of some of these platforms. Boomplay
Launched in 2015 by Transsnet Music Limited, Boomplay primarily focuses on African local and urban music content. Currently, the platform has over 5 million music tracks and videos with 42 million monthly active users. 85% of the users are African residents, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania.
With Boomplay , you can either use the free or the premium option. Once installed, you automatically have access to ad-supported content on the app. However, you can download only selected music while on the free version.
With 899 Naira ($2.15), you can have access to a one-month subscription to Boomplay premium. This option gives you exclusive access to download unlimited music to play offline [and save data], it is also ad-free. Mkito
Mkito is a Tanzania online music app launched in 2014 by Sune Mushendwa to help Tanzania artists with music distribution. For Mikito, users have a limited number of music downloads they can make for free every month, thereafter they are required to pay a fee. audioafrica
audiofrica offers global music with African roots. It was launched in 2017 by Appsfrica in Boston Ma in the United States Of America. For instance, the app allows you access to the Black Panther movie song playlist as well as customized playlists and DJ mixes for every mood.
The app is free for the first 60 days. After the free trial, users can opt for the following subscription options: $1 for 90 days or $5 for 180 days. Mdundo
Founded in 2012, Mdundo is an Africa-focused music streaming service based in Kenya. Last December, Mdundo had 1.7 million international songs on its platform and 367,000 tracks uploaded by 122,000 African musicians. Artists listed on the platform get over 50% […]
