Accra, Ghana – February 4, 2026
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, Stonebwoy highlighted the stark contrast between the global reach of African music and the minimal revenue artists receive from streaming.
Award-winning Ghanaian dancehall and reggae star Stonebwoy has publicly raised concerns about the financial challenges African musicians face with global music streaming platforms.
He noted that while platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have expanded access to African songs internationally, the payouts for streams remain significantly lower than those of artists in the West.
“Streaming has opened doors, but it is not sustaining our careers,” Stonebwoy said. “Artists are working tirelessly, yet the returns from our music online barely cover basic costs.”According to him, many African musicians earn only a few cents per stream, which makes it nearly impossible to rely solely on streaming income to sustain a career in music.
The situation, he explained, forces artists to diversify income sources, relying heavily on live performances, sponsorships, endorsements, and brand collaborations to survive financially. Stonebwoy stressed the need for more equitable digital distribution systems, urging music bodies across Africa to negotiate better terms with streaming companies.
He highlighted that without structured support, many talented African artists may give up music altogether, limiting the continent’s creative potential. The artist also called on policymakers and stakeholders in the creative industry to implement frameworks that protect and reward artists fairly for their work.
His speech at the dialogue emphasized not just financial challenges but the broader issue of recognition for African music globally.
Stonebwoy’s comments resonated widely with other African artists, many of whom have previously expressed similar frustrations about streaming economics. Industry analysts agree that while streaming platforms help promote African music globally, the monetization models currently in place disadvantage artists from developing markets.
For instance, an artist in the United States may earn significantly more per stream than an African counterpart, despite having a similar or smaller audience reach. Stonebwoy’s statement comes at a time when African music is gaining unprecedented international recognition, with Afrobeat and dancehall artists charting globally.
Despite this success, many musicians argue that recognition has not yet translated into financial sustainability for creators on the continent.“We are proud that our music reaches the world,” Stonebwoy added, “but pride alone does not pay the bills or support our families.”
He also stressed the importance of educating artists on digital rights, royalty collection, and how to maximize earnings from streaming platforms. Stonebwoy’s message has sparked conversations among music associations, with some industry groups now calling for collective bargaining with streaming platforms.
Observers note that the African music ecosystem relies heavily on live concerts, tours, and corporate endorsements, which can leave smaller artists at a disadvantage.
The dialogue also addressed the need for African governments to support musicians through policies, grants, and tax incentives that recognize the economic value of creative industries.
Stonebwoy encouraged young artists to remain persistent while advocating for systemic change in the industry, ensuring a fairer distribution of digital revenue.
The concerns raised have prompted African music associations to explore options such as regional streaming platforms and cooperative models that prioritize artists’ earnings.
Experts say that tackling these issues is critical to maintaining the momentum of African music as it becomes a global cultural force.
Stonebwoy concluded his address by emphasizing that creative talent is Africa’s export, and artists deserve both recognition and fair compensation for their work.
His statement has become a rallying point for African musicians, calling on industry leaders, streaming services, and governments to collaborate in creating a sustainable and profitable environment for African artists.
