It has long been hailed as one of Africa’s most exciting music streaming platforms, with more than 98 million monthly active users as of the end of 2023 and a steep growth trajectory.
But now Sensational Relations with major music rights holders around the world look rocky.
MBW has confirmed that Sony Music has withdrawn its entire catalog from the service this week, including by orchard and start.
Meanwhile, sources told MBW that other rights holders are increasingly concerned about the platform’s overdue royalty payments.
Boomplay is owned by Cross-network musicIt is a joint venture between Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Transsion Holdings Group and Chinese Internet giant NetEase (owner of streaming service NetEase Cloud Music).
The streaming service struck a licensing deal with Sony Music in 2019 and previously signed deals with two other major music companies, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.
Boomplay also signed a licensing deal with independent record label Merlin in 2021.
Five years after Boomplay raised $20 million in a 2019 Series A round to fund its expansion in Africa and help it build its catalog, news of tensions between Boomplay and its rights holders outgoing.
Sources told MBW the company is currently raising additional funding.
Boomplay claims to have become “Africa’s number one music streaming and downloading platform” since its launch in 2015.
It was originally launched in Nigeria by a company called TECNO Mobile. Today, Boomplay also has offices in Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania.
The platform offers ad-supported and premium services, partnering with the likes of Audiomack as well as global streaming giants Spotify and Apple Music, as well as local players such as rhythm.
The platform’s rise coincides with the growth of sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music market, which will be the fastest-growing music region in 2023 and 2022, according to IFPI.
Sony’s catalog was revealed last month after news emerged that the Africa-focused music streaming service’s former managing director Phil Choi was leaving after six years to join Warner Music Group Exit from the platform.global music business
