Revenue from recorded music in sub-Saharan Africa posted the second fastest growth last year after increasing by 22.6pc to stand at $110 million (Ksh 14.2b).
The International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Regional Director of Sub-Saharan Africa Angela Ndambuki attributes the SSA revenue growth to strategic actions taken by the organization and record companies to create opportunities for recording artists as well as consumers.
“The region has over the past few years registered significant growth in digital revenues, especially subscription streaming. Without a doubt, technology is an important driver of this success and, therefore, it is crucial for the region to prioritise the improvement in national policies and regulatory environments so as to attract further investment in the wider recorded music business,” said Ndambuki.
The organization backs the industry to sustain the revenue growth trend backed by innovation, emerging technologies, and investment in both artists and global music ecosystem.
According to the Global Music Report 2025 by IFPI, total global revenues grew for the 10th consecutive year to reach $29.6 billion in 2024, a 4.8pc increase.
“These positive developments don’t happen by accident. They reflect the brilliant creativity, vision and hard work of artists and songwriters around the globe, powered in part by the work, investment and passion of record companies and their teams. In the case of record labels, returning revenues enable them to be patient, long-term, consistent investors in artists, innovation and culture,” said Victoria Oakley, IFPI Chief Executive Officer.
IFPI is bow exploring the potential artificial intelligence (AI) will have on music industry as it is backed to help record labels enhance creativity and develop new and exciting fan experiences.
“However, it is very clear that the developers of generative AI systems “ingesting” copyright-protected music to train their models without authorisation from the rightsholders poses a very real and present threat to human artistry. We are asking policymakers to protect music and artistry. We must harness the potential of AI to support and amplify human creativity, not to replace it,” she added.
Music revenue from Middle East & North Africa grew fastest at 22.8pc, followed by Latin America, Europe and Australia with 22.5pc, 8.3pc and 6.4pc respectively.
During the period, music revenue from USA and Canada grew by 2.1pc while the Asian market posted a 1.3pc growth last year.
