Sony Music removes catalog from Africa music streaming service Boomplay

Boomplay, a music streaming platform in Africa with over 98 million monthly active users, has recently hit a rough patch with major music labels. Sony Music, a leading global rightsholder, has pulled its entire catalog from Boomplay, leading to concerns about late royalty payments from other labels.

Owned by Transsnet Music, a joint venture between TRANSSION Holdings Group and NetEase, Boomplay secured licensing deals with Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group in 2019. It also signed a deal with independent label agency Merlin in 2021.

Since its launch in 2015, Boomplay has become the top music streaming and download platform in Africa. Initially started in Nigeria by TECNO Mobile, Boomplay now operates in Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. Offering ad-supported and premium tiers, Boomplay competes with Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and local platforms like Mdundo.

The departure of Sony’s catalog from Boomplay follows the resignation of Phil Choi, the former Managing Director of the service, last month to join Warner Music Group. Despite these challenges, Boomplay continues to raise funds and expand its presence across Africa.

Boomplay’s growth parallels the rapid expansion of Sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music market, the fastest-growing region according to the IFPI in 2023 and 2022. As the platform navigates its relationships with labels, its position in the African music streaming landscape remains pivotal.