Business

Apple Sets Eyes on Digital Stream, M.I. Signs Female DJ, DJ Lambo, Sony Sues Over Beyonce 4 Leak & More News!

Apple Inc LogoThere is no doubt that Apple Inc. changed the music game forever with the launch of iTunes back in 2003. They have managed to dominate the landscape for digital sales for quite some time, but it looks like they have their eyes on a new frontier- the digital stream. Recently, Apple Inc.’s Chief Executive, Tim Cook, met with Beats Electronics LLC CEO, Jimmy Lovine, to discuss a potential partnership involving Beats’ planned music-streaming service called “Project Daisy.” Both companies are remaining very tight-lipped about the details of the meeting; however, sources have said that Cook expressed interest in Daisy’s business model. For a bit of background, the business model for most of the streaming companies that you may be familiar with (Spotify, Pandora, Rdio etc.), is to offer a free service on your computer in the hope that you’ll pay a subscription fee which would eliminate annoying advertisements while enjoying your music.

Other players reportedly looking at expanding into music-streaming include Google Inc and Amazon.com Inc. Although Apple (and Google) would technically be late to the music streaming “party,” they are still positioned to change the music landscape again because of what we all carry everywhere—our smartphones. Just think about it. These companies are the grand-daddies of smart-phone distribution (i.e. iPhones and Androids). “Subscription and streaming only took off once 3G made it possible for you to carry your music with you everywhere,” (Matt Honan, Wired.com). Hypothetically, one day when you purchase or upgrade your smartphone, there could be a streaming service courtesy of these companies embedded in your phone. The overall streaming business could be massive.

In sum, the streaming industry is still a relatively small business in comparison to digital downloads, but it is a growing industry with huge potential, and Apple Inc. has taken note. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out in the coming year. I really don’t think it’s a question of if Apple will take a bite, but when. And when they do, they’ll probably gobble it up and dominate.

(Sources: Reuters; Wired.com; The New York Post)

DJ Lambo PicShe’s Playing Your Song: M.I. Signs DJ Lambo

This quote from DJ Reborn says it best: “Being female isn’t the hard part. What’s hard is remaining open enough to show ignorant people that a woman can do the work.” I was definitely glad to hear that M.I. has officially signed DJ Lambo to his record label, Loopy Music. Olawunmi Okerayi aka DJ Lambo started her career as an OAP in Ray Power 100.5FM. She moved on to Rhythm 94.7 FM and Love 104.5 FM in Abuja before switching to the turntables. Currently, she is the personal DJ for M.I. and occasionally opens for the Chocolate City’s DJ Caise. Her sound is a unique blend of house, techno, Afro pop and hip hop. DJ Lambo is making strides; she was recently nominated in the African Female DJ Of 2012 category in the African Global DJ Awards. It’s great to see her do her thing.

(Source: Hip Hop World Magazine)

Beyonce 4Oh No You Don’t: Sony Sues Over Beyoncé Leak

Late last week, it was reported that Sony Music filed a $233,000 lawsuit against a 47-year-old Swedish man who they say is responsible for leaking Beyoncé’s album ‘4’ in 2011. According to reports, the man uploaded the entire album on Pirate Bay, three weeks before its release date on June 24, 2011. Sony claims they suffered damages due to the leak because their working relationship with Beyoncé was “tarnished” as a result. Sony also says that Beyoncé’s own reputation took a hit. Hmm, I can understand the former claim, but not the latter. Beyoncé’s reputation seems to be intact, per usual. Beyoncé is currently prepping her follow-up to ‘4’. Last Wednesday, she may have had a Déjà vu moment (no pun intended) because an alleged track list of her upcoming album was leaked online. According to Entertainmentwise, the rumored track list shows collaborations with Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Solange and Lady Gaga. However, a supposed source close to the Beyhive camp has said that the track list is “absolutely fake.” We shall see.

(Sources: Entertainment Wise, New Age.com, The Huffington Post)

WawelaSAMRO Says: Introducing The Wawela Awards!

The “South African Music Rights Organisation” or SAMRO has announced categories for its recently launched Wawela Awards. The awards pay tribute to South African composers who have made a significant contribution on the international music scene. The Wawela Awards will take place on June 28rd 2013 and the official categories are classified into three broad sections, namely: the Special Awards, Statistical Awards and Standard Awards. According to SAMRO, the categories are meant to reflect the uniqueness of the event, and many of the awards look beyond just commercial success in rewarding musicians for their international achievements. Wawela is a Zulu word meaning “go beyond.”

“The Wawela Music Awards welcomes music of all genres and there are many categories in which you can compete – judged by a panel of industry heavyweights and music professionals. Here, you can find out how to submit your work, the categories, the rules and lots more. So why are you still reading this? Go enter now – and go beyond!” (Excerpt from the official website: http://www.wawelamusicawards.co.za/)
(Sources: Sowetan Live; Times Live)

Breathe SunshineSave The Date!: Breathe Sunshine Conference

“The African music industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, yet the continent still lacks the skills and established network of international counterparts…”

Our sentiments exactly! This inaugural Breathe Sunshine African Music Conference looks like it will be a breath of fresh air because it is truly trying to level the playing field for African artists. It can’t get any better than workshops discussing artist empowerment, an array of panel discussions, presentations, exhibition stands, a networking lounge, and concert showcasing African talent. Please, go and learn more about this groundbreaking event here:

Official Website: http://www.breathesunshineconference.com/

Times Live Article: http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/music/2013/03/12/new-cape-town-music-conference-set-to-ignite-africa

Dates: April 1 and 2, 2013 Venue: City Hall, Cape Town

-UBU

Udeme Uwan

Ms. Udeme Uwan is a licensed attorney in the State of California. A graduate of Howard Law School in Washington D.C., Ms. Uwan is an Africa Music Law intern whose editorial intern contributions are in the AML categories of "INDUSTRY NEWS" and "MUSIC". Look for her posts on AML on Tuesdays and Thursdays now until May 2013. Please give her your feedback and let her know how she is doing, what you like and don't like. Thanks!

You may also like...