Amapiano musician Kamo Mphela was among an impressive list of musicians who went to Afro Nation. Many of the hits of yesteryear will now also be available to a younger generation thanks to the launch of the new service.Global media and music brands are racing to claim a stake in Africa’s music market as internet and smartphone penetration popularise artists and genres far beyond the continent’s borders.
Music streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Boomplay are also entering the market with dedicated and expanded offerings and services. Franck-Alcide Kacou, MD of Universal Music Africa and the new Virgin Music Africa Label, said it has more than 15,000 music titles, 50 partner labels and about 100 artists from 25 countries., Congo’s Lokua Kanza, Magic System from Ivory Coast and Cabo Snoop from Angola.
“It’s a real opportunity for countries that are also experiencing this digital transformation to integrate all this heritage into the cultural offer that is made on platforms,” said Kacou.