Audiomack launches Swahili Radio podcast

23 Jul 2021 - 11:58

Music streaming service Audiomack this week announced the launch of Swahili Radio, a new podcast highlighting music from East Africa.

The first instalment of Swahili Radio features a one-on-one chat with Tanzanian singer Nandy.

Audiomack allows artists, labels and distributors to share and discover music through a mix of real-time trending, top charts and curated playlists. Since setting up operations in Africa a year ago, the company has expanded its presence throughout the continent and is now available in all 54 African countries.

Hosted by media personality Lil Ommy, Swahili Radio will be made available on Mondays and comprises live performances and exclusive interviews, among other segments. The podcast, delivered solely in Swahili, is expected to provide an opportunity for millions of Swahili-speaking music fans to connect with their favourite East African artists.

The first episode features a one-on-one chat with Tanzanian singer Nandy, who discusses her Taste EP and takes listeners on a deep dive into her artistry.

Swahili Radio is the latest move in Audiomack’s commitment to promoting African artists and culture. It arrives on the heels of Audiomack’s April deal with MTN Nigeria to bring music streaming to more than 76 million subscribers at a zero data cost, and a partnership with entertainment provider Ziiki Media earlier this month to grow artists’ presence across East and South Africa.

The arrangement with Ziiki gives artists the opportunity to amplify their music through advertising campaigns such as posters, billboards, bus branding and live event activations.

“At Audiomack, we constantly work to identify challenges that exist in the music industry and pull our resources to overcome these challenges,” Audiomack Africa head of business development and media partnerships Charlotte Bwana said about the Ziiki partnership.

“We recognise the need for artists to reach existing and potential fans within their region and beyond through impactful marketing tactics, making this initiative a good step in the right direction. With this partnership, we aim to support the growth of the African music industry and we look forward to spearheading similar initiatives that propel the region’s music ecosystem.”