Warner Music’s exciting licensing deal with Mdundo

“We are very happy to announce this partnership. There’s a huge demand among African music fans for international as well as local repertoire,” CEO of Mdundo Martin Nielsen said.

Nielsen further added that the deal makes Mdundo more appealing and beneficial to its users, African musicians and the app’s commercial partners. With almost two million monthly users across Africa, Mdundo aims to make music easily accessible to fans and fight piracy, which has been the bane of the continent’s music industry.

“We are delighted to be working with the committed team at Mdundo, giving our artists the opportunity to promote and sell their music legitimately in these countries,” South Africa's Warner Music managing director Tracy Fraser said.

Renowned record labels under the group include Atlantic, East West, Elektra, Warner Classics, Warner Bros. and Warner Music Nashville. Some household names signed under the group include Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Phil Collins, Ed Sheeran, Cher and Rod Stewart.

Fraser, who is optimistic about the partnership, noted that higher smartphone penetration rates across the continent are providing digital music services with opportunity and opening doors to more investment in local music by international record companies.

"What is particularly exciting for us is the interest shown by artists and repertoire worldwide in African music. Producers are coming here looking for new beats and we’re seeing interesting collaborations and artist signings. It’s a very exciting time for African music."