Mdundo signs music distribution partnership with Universal Music Group
Mdundo signs music distribution partnership with Universal Music Group
Kenyan-based music streaming platform Mdundo signed a deal with the world’s leading music-based entertainment service provider Universal Music Group(UMG).
The deal licenses Mdundo to make available music from UMG’s broad global catalogue. This widens the scope of content for Mdundo’s 17 million active monthly users across the continent, giving them a rich variety.
Mdundo CEO Martin Nielsen said the deal is in line with the company’s vision. “Our focus is to provide a relevant service to the hundreds of millions of potential users in Africa that are getting online.” Nielsen said, adding that Mdundo’s fan base will benefit greatly from the new deal. “we are extremely pleased to work with Universal Music within Africa towards our vision of providing Africa with an easy and legal solution to accessing music that fits the local consumers”.
Mr.Nielsen added that Mdundo has had “explosive growth,” increasing active monthly users from 5 million in June 2020 to between 19-20 million in June 2022, representing more than 220% growth in revenue.
Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya and Ghana are cited as Mdundo’s main markets, with the company focusing on local African catalogs. In recent years, Mdundo has partnered with Vodacom Tanzania, MTN Nigeria and Airtel in Nigeria to make its catalog available to the masses.
The Universal Music Group has expanded and grown its reach on the continent. Its regional headquarters are in Johanessburg, South Africa and Abidjan, Ivory Coast. It also has offices in Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Kenya and Morocco.
Sipho Dlamini, UMG’s South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa CEO said, “We welcome Mdundo as a partner and are excited to provide its users greater access to some of Africa’s most exciting musical talent, as well as UMG’s unrivalled catalogue of international artists.”
In Africa, Mdundo is battling for a cake of the pie with Spotify, Boombaplay and more than 20 other services.
