AFRICA.ROCKS Sampler CD:
Distribution & Terms

AFRICA.ROCKS is a daily editorial platform dedicated to African rock and metal (news, interviews, features, reviews).

This sampler project is a promotional compilation designed to put participating bands directly in front of South African heavy music audiences via physical CD distribution + a Spotify playlist.

If you were invited to participate and you want everything clearly stated in writing, this page is for you.

Download the AFRICA.ROCKS Sampler CD Participation Terms (PDF): https://africa.rocks/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/africa-rocks-sampler-terms.pdf

What is the AFRICA.ROCKS Sampler CD?

A limited-run, professionally replicated CD featuring selected tracks.
Each CD includes a QR code linking to the sampler’s Spotify playlist so listeners can instantly stream/save/follow after hearing the physical copy.

Planned specs

• Format: CD in carton sleeve
• Replication: Single run – quantity as stated in your invitation email (e.g., 300 or 500 units)
• Track limit: max 5:30
• Audio delivery: WAV 16-bit / 44.1kHz
• Slots: limited (between 15-20)
• Target release window: As stated in your invitation email (approx.)
• Submission deadline: As stated in your invitation email

Fee & what it covers

Participation fee: As stated in your invitation email via PayPal Goods & Services.

The fee is used to cover practical costs such as:

• CD replication + print packaging
• artwork/layout preparation and admin
• shipping and handling into South Africa
• physical distribution logistics
• inclusion in the official Spotify sampler playlist
• a dedicated Supporter Interview feature on AFRICA.ROCKS (for non-African bands who back the project)
• supporting and promoting AFRICA.ROCKS (site running costs and ongoing editorial/promo work that helps grow the platform and audience)

What the fee does not buy

• a guarantee of streams, press coverage beyond the project deliverables, chart results, or label/booking outcomes
• exclusivity (you keep full freedom to release and promote your music anywhere)

1) Physical distribution: where do the CDs go?

Distribution partner (South Africa):
Emalyth (Johannesburg-based promoter/management hub).

How distribution works:

• The CDs are intended to be handed out directly to fans at South African heavy music gatherings, with a focus on high-density community events.
• Distribution is primarily in-person, because the goal is maximum “music in hands” impact (and QR-to-Spotify conversion).
• Distribution typically happens at the entry/exit flow, promoter desk/booth, and/or scene touchpoints at the event (depending on venue setup).

Distribution plan (target allocation, may shift slightly based on the live calendar):

• Major scene events (festivals / finals / large showcases): bulk of units
• Additional Emalyth shows (Johannesburg / Gauteng): ongoing handouts until stock is finished
• Media / community copies: a small portion reserved for local press, DJs, and scene connectors when relevant

Important: We will never claim “every attendee receives a CD.” Distribution depends on foot traffic, timing, and venue logistics. What we will provide is documented counts (see “Reporting & metrics”).

2) Partnerships & endorsements (Emalyth / Wacken Metal Battle Africa)

To avoid any confusion:

• This sampler is an independent AFRICA.ROCKS project.
• Emalyth is the South African distribution partner for the physical CDs.
• Emalyth is active in the South African live circuit and is involved in events connected to Wacken Metal Battle Africa.

What this sampler is not:

• It is not an official Wacken Metal Battle release.
• It is not endorsed by Wacken Open Air or Wacken Metal Battle unless you receive explicit written confirmation stating otherwise.

What we can say accurately:

• We may distribute sampler units at Emalyth-run events and at events where Emalyth is the local organizer/host, subject to event logistics and stock.

3) Reporting

We will share the official playlist link and confirm when/where the CD stock was distributed (city/event names where applicable). Because this is a physical handout campaign + third-party platform streaming, we do not offer audited metrics (attendance counts, per-event unit counts, QR analytics, or guaranteed streaming outcomes).

4) Written agreement: rights, duration, and non-exclusivity

Key terms (plain-language summary)

• You keep full ownership of your music and artwork.
• You grant AFRICA.ROCKS a non-exclusive license to:
  • include your submitted track on the sampler CD pressing
  • include your track on the official sampler Spotify playlist
  • use your band name, logo, and supplied press materials to promote the sampler and your participation
• Non-exclusive means: you can release, monetize, and promote your track anywhere else at any time.
• No transfer of copyright.
• Duration:
  • Physical CDs: permission is effectively tied to this single pressing (once replicated, those copies remain in circulation).
  • Digital playlist + promo use: time-limited (stated in the agreement) and can be ended early on request for future promotional uses.
• No “hidden label deal”: participation does not create management/label control or additional obligations.
• Content warranty: you confirm you control the rights (or have permission) to distribute the recording and that it does not infringe others’ rights.

What we need from participating bands

Reply to the invitation email with:

• band name + genre + country
• track title + WAV file (16-bit / 44.1k)
• Spotify link to the track
• If the track is not yet on Spotify, we can help you get it distributed digitally so it’s live in time (no extra fee for this help).

FAQ

Is this “pay-to-play”?

No. This is a supporter-backed compilation project. Participating bands contribute to make the pressing and distribution possible, and in return they receive placement on the physical sampler distributed in South Africa, inclusion in the official Spotify playlist, and participation visibility through AFRICA.ROCKS coverage. In simple terms: you’re backing the project and buying a real entry point into the African heavy scene, delivered through physical distribution and direct listener follow-through.

Will the CD be sold or given away?

The sampler is designed primarily for promotional hand-to-hand distribution. Any exceptions (e.g., limited-cost recovery in a specific context) would be stated explicitly in the agreement.

Can I withdraw after joining?

Withdrawal terms (and whether a refund is possible) depend on whether replication has already been ordered. This is stated clearly in the agreement.

Does AFRICA.ROCKS or Emalyth take ownership of my music?

No. You retain ownership. The project only uses your track under a limited, non-exclusive license for sampler purposes.

Who do I contact?

Reply to the email you received from AFRICA.ROCKS with your questions. If you need a formal confirmation letter for your records, request it and we’ll provide it in writing.