Zakes bantwini talks about ownership in African music.

African music is becoming more popular around the world. From Amapiano to Afrobeat and Afro House, African artists are gaining international recognition and performing on bigger stages. However, an important question remains: Who actually owns the business behind African music?
South African musician and Grammy Award winner Zakes Bantwini is raising this question. He believes that Africans should have more control and ownership of the global music business instead of allowing companies from other countries to benefit most from African talent.
What Zakes Bantwini Said About Music Ownership
According to a recent interview published by IOL Entertainment, Zakes Bantwini explained that making successful music is not enough. African artists and business owners should also own the companies, organisations and platforms that help take their music to international audiences.
He shared an example from a performance in Portugal. Although many South African artists were present, the company responsible for bringing them there was based in the United Kingdom.
This made him question why African artists could travel around the world and represent their culture without African companies owning a share of the business behind those opportunities.
Through his company, Mayonie Productions, Bantwini hopes to build a stronger African presence in the international music industry.
Why Music Ownership Matters to African Artists
Music ownership is important because it allows artists to benefit financially from their hard work, even when they are no longer performing regularly.
Many African musicians create successful songs, but they do not always control the businesses or rights connected to their music. This can make it difficult for them to earn their full potential.
Bantwini also believes Africa needs more professional music managers, lawyers, publicists and record label executives. These people help artists negotiate contracts, protect their work and make better business decisions.
If more African companies own record labels, music distribution platforms and entertainment businesses, more money and opportunities can remain within the continent.
A Simple Example of Where Music Money Goes
Imagine an upcoming Nigerian artist releases a song that becomes popular internationally.
The song is streamed millions of times on platforms such as Spotify. However, several people and companies may be involved in making money from that song.
The artist: Receives money based on their contract and ownership rights.
The record label: May earn a share if it funded or owns rights to the recording.
The music distributor: Helps make the song available on streaming platforms and may charge a fee.
The songwriter and producer: May receive royalties depending on their contributions and agreements.
The streaming platform: Keeps part of the revenue generated by its business.
This means that creating a hit song does not automatically mean the artist receives all the money it generates.
That is why ownership and understanding music contracts are important.
The Future of the African Music Business
Zakes Bantwini's message is bigger than his personal career. He wants to see African companies build international businesses that can compete with established entertainment companies around the world.
His vision is also a reminder to young African musicians that success should not only be measured by followers, streams, awards or international performances.
It should also include building something they can own and benefit from in the long run.
African music has already gained global attention. The next important step is making sure Africans have a bigger ownership of the business behind that success.