Sony Music Removes Its Entire Catalog From Music Streaming Platform, Boomplay

Since its launch in Nigeria in 2015, Boomplay has become one of the most popular and exciting music platforms in all of Africa. By 2019, it had secured deals with all three major labels, and in 2021, it signed a licensing agreement with Merlin, a digital rights music licensing partner for independent record labels. Currently, Boomplay boasts over 98 million monthly active users.

However, the period of prosperity may soon end, as it was confirmed that Sony Music and its subsidiaries AWAL and The Orchard removed their catalogs from Boomplay in early December 2024. Additionally, other rightsholders are rumored to be considering a similar action. The reason? Late royalty payments. In fact, reports suggest that Boomplay has failed to pay royalties to rightsholders for the last two years.

The setback comes approximately five years after the company raised $20 million in a 2019 funding round to expand its services across Africa and grow its catalog of tracks. It was reported that Boomplay is currently seeking additional funds.

Last month, it was also announced that Boomplay’s Managing Director had left his role after six years to join Warner Music Group. What’s more, rumor has it the platform is on the verge of closing down its office in Ghana.

Boomplay’s rising success over the years has coincided with the growth of Sub-Saharan Africa’s recorded music market, the world’s fastest-growing music region in 2022 and 2023. It would, therefore, be tragic to see a platform like Boomplay potentially collapse after many years of prosperity and advancement.

Unfortunately, rumors of royalty non-payments among smaller artists have persisted throughout the last year. So far, the withdrawal of Sony’s music catalog has impacted major artists like Davido, Wizkid, and Tems.