We Speak Music

Mdundo.com Champions Ghanaian Music, Boosts Artist Earnings in 2024 Payouts

Published

1 month ago

February 20, 2025

Mdundo, Africa’s premier music platform, is elevating Ghana’s music industry by ensuring artists receive timely royalties and global exposure. With 38.7 million Monthly Active Users and partnerships with MTN Ghana, Mdundo is a catalyst for Highlife, Hiplife, and Afrobeat talents in Accra, Kumasi, and beyond.

The 2025 royalty season is underway, benefiting Ghanaian artists. Over 200,000 African creators have earned through Mdundo since its launch, with Ghana’s vibrant scene seeing exponential growth.

This milestone reinforces Mdundo’s pledge to empower Africa’s creative minds. Martin Nielsen, Mdundo CEO, stated: “Our mission has always been to offer African artists a sustainable platform to thrive. By delivering consistent and substantial earnings, we are contributing to the growth of individual artists while supporting the long-term development of the African music industry as a whole.”

Mdundo’s catalog is enriched by ties with global labels like Warner Music and regional leaders like MicBurnerz Music. The platform spotlights Ghanaian genres like Highlife and hiplife, bridging local sounds with international audiences.

Phiona Nafuna, Head of Licensing, emphasized: “Our focus is fairness. By streamlining payouts, we’re helping Ghanaian artists build careers and grow the industry.”

By 2026, Mdundo plans to distribute $1.5–2 million in royalties, prioritizing Ghana’s rising stars. Through telco integrations, hyperlocal marketing, and seamless access, Mdundo is fueling Ghana’s music industry.

We Speak Music

Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go

Published

12 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Philomena Marie

Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.

At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.

‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.

What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.

‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.