Tanzanian music streaming startup Jibu has launched a differentiated offering it claims gives a larger chunk of revenues to independent artists as opposed to labels and distributors.
Launched in December of last year by Godfrey Kilimwomeshi, Jibu Music aims to provide independent music artists and labels with affordable and equal access to all digital music channels worldwide.
Kilimwomeshi experienced firsthand the difficulties faced by artists when he recorded two albums that failed to receive a distribution contract with a notable distributor. This led him to reinvent technology as a channel to leverage himself and other aspiring independent artists across Africa.
“While conventional streaming platforms give a large chunk of their revenues to record labels and distributors, the artists, producers, and copyright owners who use Jibu Music to deliver music through its partnership can maintain an independent and highly successful music distribution, while having access to a fully-transparent accounting of royalty earnings and having their songs available across multiple digital platforms and gadgets,” he said.
More than 1,000 artists are already registered, with over 4,500 songs distributed so far. Jibu Music makes money by charging annual subscriptions and revenue commissions for those who choose the freemium plan. Artists are also offered diverse subscription options, up to a label plan at US$39.99.
