March was a crazy tight month but somehow we managed to squeeze out the following. Also, I imagine this recap thing would be helpful especially to newer subscribers.

Afrobeats’ Live business has Reached a Ceiling...

There were so many different success stories happening at once, then artists began replicating each other’s success – choosing the same venues: Brixton, then the O2, then Wembley, etc.

While this was a testament to the talent pool, it led to predictability, which unfortunately dulled demand.

Umjolo: The Gone Girl, The Black Book, Blood & Water, Lísàbí are the Most-Streamed African Titles on Netflix in the Second Half of 2024

Other African films that gained considerable traction in the second half of 2024 include Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n and Òlòtūré, each drawing in around 500,000 views during this period.

Nigerian Artists Earn ₦58 Billion on Spotify in 2024 But...USD Growth Stalls at 0.25% YoY

A Spotify spokesperson said,

“We do not adjust for inflation to make sure we're clear and consistent in how we report at both a global and a local level on a year-over-year basis.

With that said, we're pleased to be able to report an overall trajectory of growth for Nigerian artists in our payouts, even accounting for inflation. Particularly as the number of Nigerian artists finding success with listeners from around the world continues to grow.”

"Streaming success is important as it'll enable you do bigger business," Wurld tells Spotify Fresh Finds Alumni

Fresh Finds, originally a playlist designed to spotlight rising stars, has morphed into an IRL artist development initiative. Over three days, select artists and producers engaged in collaborative recording sessions, music business workshops, and media training, all with the goal of helping them navigate the complexities of the modern music business.

Ultimately, the Fresh Finds program is a testament to the evolving music industry, where artists must think beyond the studio and embrace the realities of digital success. Streaming isn’t just mere metric as many might think, instead it’s a gateway to bigger opportunities & partnerships, better negotiations & deals, and attracting investors. The most successful artists today understand that in the business of music, visibility and viability go hand in hand.

CCHub Launches Free Entertainment Hub, Lowering Barriers to Creative Expression for Nigerian and Kenyan Creatives

We got a glimpse of this mission in action through Africa No Filter’s grant initiative, which awarded ₦5 million each to Deborah Johnson and Victor Felix.