Several record labels, including Sony Music, Orchard, and Awal, are withdrawing their catalogues from the Nigerian music streaming platform Boomplay due to longstanding issues with non-remittance of royalties. Boomplay, one of Africa’s leading music streaming services, expanded to Nigeria in 2015 and has grown to 95 million active monthly users, becoming a popular platform for both premium and freemium music consumption.

Reports by TurnTable Charts indicate that Boomplay has failed to pay royalties for the past two years, with some labels claiming that payments dating back to 2021 remain outstanding. The departure of global music companies like Sony Music, Orchard, and Awal comes after they ceased distribution of new releases on the platform.

Economic challenges, including Nigeria’s high inflation rate and a significant reduction in spending power among the population, have further impacted Boomplay’s ability to retain paying subscribers. The platform’s transparency issues regarding royalties have also been criticized, with music executive Igbokwe Amaechi highlighting the lack of accountability.

The departure of these major labels signals ongoing economic and operational challenges for Boomplay and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s music industry to attract foreign investment and sustain its growth.