Zonke is one of the most beloved live performers in South Africa. The Feelings hitmaker has been able to fund her independent releases via the revenue she makes as an in-demand touring artist. So much so that when she released her most recent album, she surprised the general public and her fans with the unconventional release.
As reported at the time:
In March 2023, Zonke took to Instagram to confirm the title of her fifth 15-track studio album titled Embo. Sharing the official cover for the album, Zonke then used the caption to confirm that with the release of the album she was going “old school.”
This is because she ditched the conventional avenue of releasing an album through digital streaming platforms (DSPs) first before making physical copies available. Moreover, she confirmed that the album was not going to be available via any DSPs. Instead, the album was set to be released only as a CD, vinyl, and USB.
At the time, her announcement did not make much of an impact. However, following the official release of Embo on Friday, 21 April 2023. Fans and lovers of the singer-songwriter then took to social media to share their various opinions on the unconventional release.
However, it seems that her decision to not release the album via DSPs was part of a grand plan from the artist to continue diversifying her independent streams of income through her music following her recent announcement.
Zonke launches music streaming platform with album Embo
Taking to social media recently, the mother of one recently launched her independently owned digital music steaming platform Orion. In light of the launch, she then confirmed that her latest album Embo, which was initially only available in physical format was now available to stream exclusively via the platform.
My new APP is ready, it’s live! This the only digital platform (my own) where you’ll find my new album #Embo 🤗 please go to android App Store, download, subscribe & enjoy 🙌🏾♥️🥳 pic.twitter.com/0PfV7D9SJ5
— ZONKE™️🇿🇦 (@ZonkeMusic) May 25, 2023
Moreover, not only is her latest album available to stream via the DSP. However, it seems her entire catalog is also available to stream.
Bae tells me the album is really really good…like “Ina Ethe” and I trust his taste. My only concern is that you have to pay this fee every month to listen to ONE Album??? No ways! I love Zonke but not like this. https://t.co/EF9N0gx1dT pic.twitter.com/xZ8vNKijiV
— Kamogelo (@KamoMaema_) May 28, 2023
Zonke has a loyal fan base. She sells out arenas around the country all the time. Her doing this actually makes sense for her fan base. The ones that actually go to her shows and buy those tickets. Cause she understands she’s not a streaming artist. https://t.co/UxqZgGxBf1
— Khanyiso. (@LwaziIsMyName) May 28, 2023
A description of the platform is shared as:
Orion is a music app designed to provide users with a seamless and personalized listening experience. With a variety of features and options, Orion aims to cater to the diverse needs of music enthusiasts.
User Registration:
To use our music app, users need to register and create an account. This process requires providing basic information such as name, email address, and password. This information is used to create and maintain the account and is kept secure and confidential.
Source-Zalebs
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