Mdundo reports royalty payouts to over 200 thousand artists

The company said the milestone underscored its commitment to building a sustainable music ecosystem for African artists.

“Our mission has always been to offer African artists a sustainable platform to thrive,” Mdundo CEO, Martin Nielsen, said. “By delivering consistent and substantial earnings, we are contributing to the growth of individual artists while supporting the long-term development of the African music industry as a whole.”

The company said it was expanding opportunities for artists to distribute, promote, and monetise their music, adding that its user base had grown to over 38.7 million monthly active users across multiple African countries.

Mdundo attributed much of its growth to strategic partnerships with major telecommunications companies, including Safaricom, MTN, Glo, and Vodacom. It said these collaborations had helped expand the platform’s reach, increase revenue, and improve earnings for artists. Through innovative product integration, the platform stated, it had made music more accessible to millions of users while broadening exposure for African musicians.

The company also reported that its catalogue had expanded through agreements with international labels such as Africori, Mavin, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music, alongside regional players like Slide Digital and Content Connect Africa. In addition to mainstream content, it had prioritised hyperlocal music, incorporating genres such as kalenjin and kamba music in Kenya, singeli in Tanzania, and hausa music in Nigeria.

“Mdundo remains focused on empowering African musicians by ensuring fair and timely compensation,” Mdundo head of licensing, Phiona Nafuna, said. “This is central to our mission to support artists, enhance the structure of the music industry, and contribute to the growing legal and financial framework within the sector.”

Looking ahead, the company said it aimed to distribute between $1.5 million and $2 million in royalties by 2026, with a particular focus on supporting hyperlocal artists and promoting their music on a global scale. It added that it remained committed to expanding its partnerships and diversifying revenue streams to provide African musicians with greater opportunities for growth.