Kenyan-based music streaming platform Mdundo has projected $1.2 million in royalty payments to African Artists by 2026. This follows its latest announcement that it has paid a collective $1 million in royalties to over 300,000 artists between January and July 2025.

According to the company, the achievement is expected to be driven by strategic partnerships with mobile network operators and the increasing adoption of web-based applications. Mdundo is also targeting revenues from subscriptions, expected to be pushed by a rise in its subscriber base.

“Looking ahead, Mdundo targets royalty distributions of $1.2 million by 2026, supported by projected revenues of $1.7m to $2.2m. Growth will be fueled by expanded subscription service and deeper telco integrations,” part of the statement reads. 

The platform noted that its artist-first style is an avenue to penetrate and gain entry to drive more African music for subscribers. It added that the goal is to make Mdundo a place where both artists and the industry thrive. 

As part of the process to promote African music, Mdundo is also championing the fight against piracy. The company noted that it’s putting in measures to ensure artists and right holders gain the maximum benefit from their struggles. 

Founded in 2012 by Danish nationals, Martin Nielsen, Francis Amisi, Jura Sidorenko and Kresten Buch, the platform has now seen over 39 million monthly active users across several African countries. This has reinforced its presence as a leading music streaming and download platform in Africa.

With a heavy presence in Kenya, Mdundo has extended its footprint across 15 Sub-Saharan African countries. The platform has also gained significant traction in Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana.

Other African countries in which it operates include South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Rwanda, Congo and Malawi. 

Also Read: Kenya-Based Music Platform, Mdundo Raises $6.4m to Expand Across Africa.

Mdundo is deepening its presence in the Nigerian market 

In 2025, Mdundo has started gaining additional ground in the Nigerian market. 

With a market value of $1 billion, the Nigerian music industry is not only a powerhouse in Africa but also leading globally through Afrobeats. Mdundo is aiming to bank on this performance and have collections of prominent Nigerian music artists, including Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Tems and Burna Boy. 

In a strategic move, the streaming platform is projecting its commitment to Nigerian artists through recent partnerships with MTN Nigeria and GLO. The deal is aimed at attracting Nigerian artists, expanding its reach and gaining more subscribers on the platform.

Mdundo explained that Nigerian artists are at the core of its plan to reposition Africa’s music industry. 

“Our collaborations with MTN Nigeria and Glo have been instrumental in opening up wider access to music and, in turn, boosting artists’ earnings. Together, we’re strengthening the Nigerian music ecosystem,” it said.

Explicitly, the partnership with the Nigerian telecommunications giants will mix subscription-based services with innovative product integrations. In return, subscribers will leverage legal and affordable music streaming that ensures artists are properly compensated.

Mdundo’s platform is strategically tailored to promote African music.

For the Nigerian scene, the platform features mainstream Afrobeats alongside indigenous genres like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo music. This approach, according to the company, boosts regional visibility and users’ engagement.

Earlier this year, the music streaming platform launched its bi-annual royalty payout cycle for rights holders across Africa, including thousands of Nigerian musicians. The move is backed by the company’s commitment to ensure artists have a consistent income and to re-establish itself as a trusted partner in the music industry. 

“Our mission is to offer African artists a sustainable platform to grow. By delivering consistent income, we are contributing not just to the success of individual artists but also to the long-term development of the African music industry,” the company said.