AD
HomeFeaturedArticlesBoomplay Southern Africa Blames Low-Quality Content for Unpaid Zambian Artists

Boomplay Southern Africa Blames Low-Quality Content for Unpaid Zambian Artists

Published: August 21, 2025

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Boomplay Southern Africa has officially addressed widespread grievances from Zambian artists who claim they have not been paid royalties for years. In its statement, the platform attributed the non-payment to low-quality musical content, while encouraging artists to raise their production standards for better prospects.


Boomplay Southern Africa Zambian Artists Payment Controversy

This marks Boomplay Southern Africa’s first direct response to mounting complaints that have dominated industry discussions. Many Zambian artists allege they haven’t been compensated despite strong streaming numbers, fueling debates about fairness, transparency, and the platform’s treatment of regional musicians.

Earlier reports from zambiangospel.com revealed artists claiming over two years of missed payments, further intensifying frustration in the music community.


Platform Defends Quality Standards

According to Boomplay, content that fails to meet the company’s quality standards does not qualify for royalties—even if the music generates streams. The platform argues that sustainable compensation must be tied to professional quality and consistent improvement.

This defense stands in stark contrast to artist complaints and earlier revelations that Yo Maps admitted to controlling Boomplay royalties for more than 75 artists, removing those who criticized him online.


Quality vs. Platform Control

The Boomplay Southern Africa Zambian artists statement has sparked deeper questions: are non-payments truly about artistic quality, or do they reflect platform management flaws and control structures that allow individuals to influence others’ revenue?

This comes shortly after Drimz warned Yo Maps about arrogance and misuse of influence, highlighting ongoing tensions in Zambia’s music scene.


Mixed Industry Reactions

The response has divided the Zambian music industry. While some acknowledge the importance of raising creative standards, many criticize the subjective nature of quality assessments being used as grounds for withholding payments.

Even established artists—featured in our Top 20 Expensive Musicians in Zambia 2025—report facing royalty issues, suggesting that quality may not fully explain the breadth of the problem.


Calls for Transparency and Support

Artists argue that Boomplay has yet to provide clear criteria for measuring quality. Without transparent standards, many feel they are left guessing about what improvements are necessary.

Industry experts suggest platforms should support artist growth through training, partnerships, or incentive-based systems rather than denying payment outright. Current practices risk discouraging creativity and worsening financial struggles for local musicians.


Broader Implications for the Music Industry

Withholding royalties based on quality raises ethical and legal questions about fair compensation for creative work. Many artists depend on streaming revenue to sustain their careers, and unpaid royalties could cripple the growth of Zambia’s music ecosystem.

Moreover, if Boomplay applies different standards across regions, Zambian artists may be at a disadvantage compared to counterparts in other Southern African countries.


Moving Forward

Resolving the Boomplay Southern Africa Zambian artists payment controversy will likely require:

  • Transparent quality standards that all artists can access.
  • Open dialogue between Boomplay and artist representatives.
  • Development programs that raise production quality without withholding payment.

A balance must be struck between improving content quality and ensuring fair compensation for artists whose work contributes to the platform’s success.


Conclusion

The controversy underscores a crucial debate: should payment depend on audience engagement alone, or should quality control also dictate who gets paid?

While Boomplay Southern Africa urges Zambian artists to focus on better production, many argue that royalties are a right, not a privilege. The coming months will determine whether improved communication and fairer systems can rebuild trust between the platform and Zambia’s vibrant music community.

Walking-Computer
Walking-Computer
Blogger + Techie | Web Design | SEO | I write, build, and rank — all from one keyboard.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments