Dbanj Makes It Easier for Nigerians to Buy Foreign Songs With Their Phones

(Nigerian artist D’banj. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)

Nigerian artist D'banj has teamed up with international music company Cinq Music Group to bring selected overseas recordings to Nigerian fans through USSD.

Fans will be able to buy full-track downloads and caller ring-back tones at prices set for the Nigerian market.

The first song on offer is "Live Your Life" by American rapper T.I., featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna.

A statement from D'banj's entertainment platform, C.R.E.A.M., said the partnership makes global music easier to access through a locally owned platform.

Fans can pay through local channels built for Nigerians.

The platform also said that every completed purchase creates a transaction receipt.

This gives rights holders clearer data on how well their music sells in Nigeria.

D'banj said the model is meant to add value to music rights in Nigeria.

"When the receipt is generated here, the asset gets value here.

A stream is a data point.

A sale is a receipt. C.R.E.A.M. is owned here, priced here and pays here," he said.

He added that the aim is to bring artists and fans closer together.

"Our mission is to create direct access between artists and fans, with super fan engagement like never before," the statement quoted him as saying.

C.R.E.A.M. said the deal is part of its direct-to-fan model, which covers music discovery, distribution, earnings, fan participation and rewards.

It also plans to expand into other African markets, depending on rights deals, business agreements and local infrastructure.

More songs and new markets will be announced once the arrangements are confirmed.