Nigerian Afrobeats artist Oluwatosin Ajibade, widely known as Mr Eazi, has revealed plans to launch a music investment model that allows fans to buy shares in his songs and earn from streaming revenue.
The music star made the announcement on Wednesday via social media, describing it as an experiment aimed at giving fans more than just the joy of listening — a chance to benefit financially from the success of his tracks.
“On my next release, you’ll be able to buy shares in my song,” he wrote. “You’ll own equity and earn as it streams. Since 2016, I’ve consistently been one of the top five most streamed African artists — all thanks to my fans. It’s time to get you involved on the equity side.”
He went on to explain how fans could have benefitted if they had equity in past collaborations, such as his single with Nicki Minaj or his more recent track Lento featuring J Balvin.
“Imagine earning from those songs just by being a fan who helped make them hits. This is about turning listeners into stakeholders,” he added.
Why It Matters
If the initiative succeeds, it could change how music financing works in Africa. By opening up direct investment opportunities to fans and small investors, artists like Mr Eazi can generate funding for new projects while giving supporters a real stake in their success.
This approach may also provide Nigerians with alternative investment channels, particularly ones that can yield earnings in foreign currency — a notable benefit in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
Background
Earlier in July 2020, Mr Eazi announced the creation of the Africa Music Fund (AMF), raising $20 million to support emerging African music talent.
His goal was to build a sustainable funding structure for African entertainment, noting that traditional investors often overlook the potential in the continent’s creative industries.