Togo Music Industry Needs More Than Streaming

Togo's music industry is at a crossroads, with access to digital music platforms having changed the game for artists in the country. No longer do musicians need to be based in major cities like Paris, London, Lagos, or Johannesburg to release their music on international services like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

However, having worked with over 50 artists in Togo through projects in digital distribution and artist development, it has become clear that emerging artists face significant challenges in career development. These challenges include preparing releases, ensuring metadata accuracy, and devising effective release strategies. Without proper preparation, artists risk releasing songs that disappear into the vast digital marketplace.

One of the key issues is that distribution is often mistaken for career development. Uploading a song to a streaming platform is not the same as building a sustainable music business. Artists need stronger professional preparation before release, including correct information, artwork, credits, promotional assets, and a clear timetable. This lack of preparation can hinder an artist's ability to build a catalogue and a career.

## What's Needed To create sustainable music businesses, Togo's music industry requires greater attention to artist development and management. This includes developing more managers, distributors, media professionals, booking agents, and project coordinators. By doing so, pressure on musicians can be reduced, and stronger careers can be built.

## Why it Matters The development of Togo's music industry has significant implications for the country's emerging artists. With the right infrastructure in place, artists can build successful careers and contribute to the growth of the music industry. However, without proper support, talented musicians may struggle to make a lasting impact. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is essential that Togo looks beyond streaming and focuses on developing its professional infrastructure.

In conclusion, while access to digital music platforms has opened up new opportunities for artists in Togo, it is only the beginning. The industry needs to develop its infrastructure, including career development, distribution, and management, to support emerging artists and create sustainable music businesses.