At AFRICA.ROCKS, we believe every artist deserves a global stage. That’s why we’re making digital distribution completely free for African bands and musicians who want to release their music worldwide.
You’ll be able to get your songs on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Deezer, and other major platforms, without paying any setup or upload fees.
How It Works
- Fill out this Excel document.
- Send us the document and the materials we request (see audio and artwork requirements below) to joelcosta@africa.rocks (please include “Digital Distribution” in the email subject line.)
- We take care of the release process with The Orchard, one of the world’s leading digital distribution services.
- You keep all the rights to your music. You’re free to move to another distributor at any time and there are no renewal or exit fees with us.
- Even if you’re signed to a record label, as long as the label is based in Africa and agrees to the distribution, we’ll handle the release too. Just include the label’s name in the document.
- If you don’t have a record label, simply write “self-released” or “independent” in that field.
- We can also distribute your past catalog, meaning previously released material is welcome.
- For new releases, make sure to send everything at least two weeks before the intended release date so we can ensure your music goes live everywhere on the right day.
Royalties and Payments
- You’ll earn between 80% and 90% of the royalties your music generates.
- AFRICA.ROCKS keeps nothing. The small remaining 10–20% goes directly to the distribution service that powers this system.
- All artist payments are made exclusively via PayPal, ensuring quick and secure transfers wherever you are.
Audio Requirements
- Format: WAV (.wav)
- Bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bit
- Sample rate: 44.1 kHz
- Codec: Microsoft PCM (uncompressed)
- Channels: Stereo
Artwork Requirements
- Size: 3000 x 3000 pixels
- Shape: Square
- File type: JPEG (.jpg)
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- Color mode: RGB
Why We Do It
AFRICA.ROCKS exists to support independent African musicians. We want to make it easier for artists across the continent to share their voices, stories, and sounds with the world.
