Roster launches Star Power tool to compare artists using public music data

Developed by Roster founder and CEO Thabiso Khati, Star Power generates a score out of 100 and a five-star rating for artists based on measurable public reach and engagement. Users can search for artists and view available global and regional figures, leading listener markets and cities, as well as platform-specific song rankings.

The tool also generates shareable cards that users can post on social media or share in group chats.

“Fans already debate music the way they debate sport,” Khati said. “Who is bigger? Who has the stronger following? Who is getting attention beyond their home country?”

“In sport, people bring statistics into those conversations all the time. We want music fans to have that same opportunity. Pick your artist, check the numbers and bring your receipts. The argument gets a lot more interesting when everyone has something to put on the table.”

Roster said Star Power uses available public data, with sources identified where possible. Figures that cannot be accessed are marked as unavailable rather than recorded as zero. The company said scores represent snapshots of measurable public reach and engagement and may change as the underlying data is updated.

The tool does not assess an artist’s creative or artistic quality.

Khati said the project builds on his experience in the South African music industry, where he has worked with artists and music companies across different stages of their careers.

“From day one in this business, I have always looked beyond what is happening now. I have asked what we could do differently that would ultimately benefit the music and the artists,” he said.

Khati cited his early work in the record industry, including founding an independent hip-hop label, as well as his involvement in developing South African hip-hop acts and the Cashtime Life movement with rapper K.O.

“Now I am taking that instinct into technology. I know what it takes to build an artist’s career, and I know how much harder that work becomes when useful information and the right tools are out of reach,” he said.

Star Power forms part of Roster’s wider plans for a music business operating system aimed at artists, managers, labels and booking agents. The professional platform is designed to bring functions including releases, rights, royalties, bookings and fan relationships into one system.

“Star Power gives people a glimpse of what Roster can do with data: bring information together, make it understandable and give people something useful to work with,” Khati said.

“The fans can enjoy the debate. For artists and their teams, the bigger ambition is to help them understand and run the business behind the music.”

Star Power is available to the public at Roster’s website without requiring a subscription or sign-up.