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Mdundo Projects $1.2M Royalties for African Artists by 2026


Africa’s leading music distribution platform, Mdundo, has announced that it is targeting royalty distributions of $1.2m by 2026, backed by projected revenues of $1.7m to $2.2m.

The company said this growth would be driven by expanded subscription services, stronger partnerships with telecommunications companies, and the increasing global adoption of its Progressive Web App.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mdundo reiterated its commitment to Nigerian artists as part of its broader mission to reshape Africa’s music industry. The company said its artist-first model was helping creators distribute, promote, and monetize their work more sustainably.

Since its launch, Mdundo disclosed that over 300,000 artists have received royalties through the platform, underscoring its role in building a sustainable African music ecosystem. The platform now boasts over 39 million monthly active users across multiple African countries, consolidating its leadership in digital music distribution.

A major driver of Mdundo’s success in Nigeria has been its partnerships with MTN Nigeria and Globacom. These collaborations, the company explained, have expanded affordable music access to millions of subscribers while also creating new revenue opportunities for artists.

“Our collaborations with MTN Nigeria and Glo have been instrumental in opening up wider access to music and, in turn, boosting artists’ earnings. Together, we’re strengthening the Nigerian music ecosystem,” said Mdundo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sowari Akosionu.

The partnerships combine subscription-based services with innovative product integrations, enabling consumers to legally access music at low costs while ensuring artists are compensated fairly.

In January 2025, the company began its bi-annual royalty payout cycle for rights holders across Africa, including thousands of Nigerian musicians. This structure, Mdundo said, provides consistent income for artists and reinforces its role as a reliable partner in the continent’s creative economy.

Martin Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Mdundo, said the platform’s mission remains focused on providing African musicians with a sustainable avenue for income and growth.

“Our mission is to offer African artists a sustainable platform to grow. By delivering consistent income, we are contributing not just to the success of individual artists but also to the long-term development of the African music industry,” Nielsen said.

Beyond global hits, Mdundo’s catalog is tailored to Africa’s cultural diversity. In Nigeria, the platform hosts mainstream Afrobeats alongside indigenous genres like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo music. This localized approach, the company explained, not only deepens engagement with listeners but also boosts visibility for regional talent.

Mdundo believes that such inclusivity is critical for the continent’s music future, as it provides opportunities for grassroots artists to share their work with global audiences.

Founded in Kenya, Mdundo has expanded to Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa, among others. By focusing on mobile-friendly, affordable music streaming, the company has become a key driver of Africa’s digital music revolution.

The firm’s strategy also reduces music piracy by offering accessible, legal alternatives, thereby ensuring that artists and rights holders benefit financially from their work.

With its targets for 2026, Mdundo said it is positioning itself as both a growth platform for artists and a catalyst for Africa’s wider music economy.

“Looking ahead, Mdundo targets royalty distributions of $1.2 million by 2026, supported by projected revenues of $1.7m – $2.2m. Growth will be fueled by expanded subscription services, deeper telco integrations, and the global reach of its Progressive Web App. With its artist-first focus, Mdundo is paving the way for a more inclusive and profitable future for African music,” the statement read.

As more Nigerian artists seek reliable platforms to monetize their creativity, Mdundo’s expanding ecosystem appears set to play a defining role in strengthening the industry — from the streets of Lagos to global stages.

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