Boomplay and Merlin bring the world’s best independent music to Africa

09 December 2019 - Press release

A landmark licensing partnership with Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the independent label sector, will ensure that Boomplay, Africa’s biggest and fastest growing music service, now has access to the world’s most coveted and in-demand independent music repertoire. 

Established in 2008, Merlin’s membership currently embodies more than 20,000 record labels and distributors from over 60 countries - commanding in excess of 12% of the digital music market. These independent businesses include the most recognised and culturally significant music brands, and represent some of the world’s most important and successful artists. 

With over 62m users, Boomplay is the leading music streaming and download service in Africa. 

Today’s partnership will increase substantially the range and depth of repertoire available across the service. 

Boomplay’s Director of Content & Strategy Phil Choi: “We are so excited to be working with Merlin and introducing the world’s largest network of independent labels into Africa. Boomplay continues to be at the forefront of developing the African music industry and this partnership will enable a far greater range of international artists to access our market.” 

Boomplay’s Head of Marketing Africa, Tosin Sorinola: ”This is an important partnership, and offers our African listener base a stronger opportunity to access and enjoy a greater range and depth of music. Boomplay’s vision is to build the largest and most reliable music ecosystem in Africa, and working with Merlin brings us significantly closer to that goal.” 

Charlie Lexton, Chief Commercial Officer, Merlin: “Merlin is a globally-facing business, and I am delighted that our independent members will now be at the heart of Africa’s exciting and fast-evolving music market. We look forward to working closely with Boomplay, to further developing this partnership, and building deep and lasting connections across the continent.”