April 06, (THEWILL) — Afrocentric audio platform Josplay has partnered with Sony Music Entertainment (SME) to give listeners worldwide greater access to African music.
The deal will bring a large part of Sony Music’s catalogue to Josplay, including recordings from “The Orchard” and the full catalogues of “Lusafrica” and “Africa Nostra”, both acquired by Sony Music France in 2025.
Together, these labels offer over 4,000 tracks spanning more than 30 years of Lusophone and African music.
The collection includes works by Cesária Évora, Bonga, Boubacar Traoré, and Lura, highlighting Africa’s diverse musical traditions.
Josplay said the partnership supports its mission to showcase African music as a rich global soundscape, rather than just “world music.”
The company also stressed that music plays a key role in cultural identity and connection for the African diaspora.
George Ogala, Josplay’s Chief Operating Officer, said the expanded catalogue strengthens the platform while staying true to its vision.
“African music is not one thing; it is Juju and Gnawa, Morna and Amapiano, Afrohouse and Tishoumaren. Our listeners know this. They live it. Every feature we build, and every partnership we announce, is in service of that truth” he said.
To celebrate the partnership, Josplay will expand ‘Frames’, an AI-powered feature that creates personalized listening sessions based on users’ cultural preferences, daily routines, and favorite artists.
The collaboration aims to enhance music discovery and deliver culturally relevant experiences to listeners in Africa and across the global diaspora.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
