Go Africa Dot Radio, an African digital radio station based in London, United Kingdom has announced plans to establish a physical presence in Africa.
In a statement, the head of A&R for Go Africa Dot Radio, Denzel Kabelo Mphisa, emphasised that the need to have a physical presence in the continent is very necessary.
According to him: “The company has reached a point where we have established very close relations with some big names in the African music industry, and most of these artists have expressed interest in further developing the African music industry, but then when it comes to logistical issues like delaying or even outright refusals of visas, this halts progress in the development and expansion of the African music industry.
“We have decided to set up base in two countries , Nigeria and South Africa, as we believe that these two countries are are the current leaders in the development and expansion of the African music scene.”
Chief Executive of Go Africa Dot Radio, Ikenna Okere, in another statement, added: “This was not part of the original plans for the Station, but I believe that the move is going to be beneficial to both the big players in the African music industry and also for Go Africa Dot Radio.”
The plans for Go Africa Dot Radio to set up bases in Nigeria and South Africa is going to cost around 1.2 million USD.
Part of the budget will go to state of the art equipment for a live and a recording studio and also obtaining a broadcast license, which we have already managed to secure.
Okere also spoke about plans to end the radio station’s subscription service for African countries.
He started: “I think it was a ridiculous idea in the first place, allowing African countries to pay subscription for a service that they own.
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“It’s like asking the head chef of a restaurant to pay for his own lunch in that same restaurant he works for.
“Although the free service will remain available for African listeners with low internet bandwidth, the premium version will provide an alternative but this time it’ll be free.
“Our aim is to push African music until it is recognised not only by Africans, but by music consumers all over the world,” Okere stated.
Go Africa Dot Radio is streamed in 102 countries and has recorded just under half a million monthly listeners, of which are predominantly based in mainland Europe.
He added: “We are hoping that this move further connects us to the best and brightest in the African music, great talents like Producer Omit ST, Female Vocalist Starr Healer, Producer DJ Khyber, Female Vocalist Basetsana, MFANA KAH GO GO and Poly Da Nqoe who has just joined Go Africa Dot Radio as a radio host.”
Go Africa Dot Radio is listed on over 32 radio directories and can be streamed on any Alexa & Google Smart devices and also the Deezer app.