Spotify launches Talks Africa series

Central to this is how music streaming platforms like Spotify can contribute to growth on the continent. The panellists are drawn from across the industry and will include artists, producers, artist managers and Spotify sub-Saharan Africa team members who will provide insights into the role of streaming in the industry.

Planned to be released quarterly, each episode is themed around specific issues in the music industry, ranging from how music streaming is keeping legacy acts alive to the lived experiences of women in music.

“The African music industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years due to a variety of factors, including collaborations with local and international artists, music streaming and social media,” Spotify said.

“However, only a select number of artists are enjoying this success, and many talented creators are still struggling to break through. This is why Spotify has launched Spotify Talks Africa, a video series that brings the continent’s music industry stakeholders together in conversation.”

The first episode is hosted by Kenyan media personality Mariam Bishar and features Them Mushrooms band leader John Katana Harrison, Kenyan rapper Wangechi, who recently returned from a three-year hiatus, and Spotify’s artist and label partnerships manager for East Africa, Monica Kemoli-Savanne.

The discussion explores music royalties, the tools needed to grow as an artist and the role technology plays in the music industry.

Speaking about how streaming has changed the music industry, Harrison said: “I think it’s a great thing, we are surprised people are listening to our music. It’s brought in a new avenue where music can be taken anywhere within the country and beyond.”

Kemoli-Savanne also urges artists to use the Spotify for Artists platform to access data that can be used to strategise for future releases.

“You can see the demographic of who is listening to your music from age to gender and location,” she said. “The industry is poised for even more growth and if Them Mushrooms are anything to go by, relevance and longevity go hand in hand.”

Them Mushrooms’ participation in Spotify Talks Africa makes part of various activities by the streaming company to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary.