One of the amazing projects I worked on as a Music Supervisor, "Adire" is live on Netflix. This project is really special as it was amazing working with the FilmOne team on this movie.

One of the interesting moments for me on this project is the re-emergence of Abasi mi Ayaya by Fadabasi Udo Effiong onto our screens. The way it weaves threads of nostalgia for late millennials and early Gen Z, who first encountered this musical masterpiece in the CD era, where it soundtracked childhood memories. Seeing its integration into the FCMB TV commercial, then cinema, and now Netflix is what makes the business of intellectual property fulfilling.

This newsletter won’t be complete without adding two important licensing trends that occurred in 2023.

Dinachi Onuzo feature on Netflix and the rising Count on Music Discovery and Streaming Platforms

In the dynamic landscape of music synchronization to media, an intriguing trend unfolded in 2023, marking a noteworthy shift in the cultural fusion of Nollywood and Afrobeat genres. A pivotal discovery emerged with the inclusion of Dinachi Onuzo's “A Song For Dolu” in the Nollywood movie "The Black Book," a revelation that reverberated across the industry.

The trend, exemplified by Dinachi Onuzo's feature on The Black Book, underscores the significant role that licensing plays in introducing artists to new audiences. As the demand for Afrobeats (Nigerian commercial tracks) in Nollywood movies continues to soar, the prospect of witnessing more captivating moments akin to sync breakthroughs becomes an exciting prospect, further solidifying the intersection of music, film, and cultural expression in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.

The interplay between storytelling onscreen and the infusion of vibrant Afrobeat rhythms not only enhances the viewing experience but also contributes to the global recognition of African musical talent.

Canva announces the inclusion of over 500,000+ popular songs to its platform:

Canva, an online graphic design platform that is used to create social media graphics and presentations announced in November the inclusion of over 500,000 tracks.

Shortly before the announcement, Canva inked a deal with one of the majors Warner Music Group, and Merlin the largest and most important organization on behalf of independent labels, distributors, and other rightsholders. What’s the impact of this in the African licensing Framework?

This creates a source of revenue for recorded music as right holders will earn royalties when clips of their songs are used in published Canva designs. While the commercial music tracks are not available for Canva users in Africa yet, it is something worthy of looking forward to and seeing the impact on the use of Afrobeats music beyond the clubs and streaming platforms.

In conclusion, Adire is still streaming on Netflix.