Seasoned music producer Tapps Bandawe has built a global online music market called Nsimabeats to act as a platform for Malawian music producers to export their work. He says producers can upload their works and connect directly with musicians, producers, artists and brands looking for music. Our News Analyst BRIAN ITAI caught up with the curator to learn more about the initiative. Excerpts:
Q: What exactly is Nsimabeats?
A: Nsimabeats is a digital platform that enables music producers to sell and licence their beats globally. It connects Malawian and African producers directly to artists, content creators, brand film and TV producers. It has the potential to turn music production into a scalable digital business, not just a one-time sale.
Q: What inspired you to come up with the initiative?
A: For years, I have seen incredible talent in Malawi, but no structured way for producers to access global markets. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world producers earn repeatedly from the same beat and their music is licensed across multiple industries. The idea is to explore what Malawian producers can attain if they had access to that same system. That’s how Nsimabeats was born.
Q: How is this different from previous music export initiatives?
A:Most past efforts focused on exposure, tours and promotion. Nsimabeats is different because it focuses on monetisation infrastructure. Its content will always be available online, globally accessible and built for recurring income. It is not just a campaign but a system.
Q: Why focus on cultural elements in the beats?
A: As Malawians culture is our strongest differentiator. Instead of copying global sounds, we are saying let us export what is uniquely ours. This gives Malawian producers a competitive advantage globally.
Q: How will producers make money?
A: Through beat sales, licensing fees, repeat purchases and exclusive rights sales. One beat can generate income multiple times across different users and territories.
Q: What does this mean for Malawi’s economy?
A: This has the potential to contribute towards foreign currency earnings. digital exports and generation of new creative industry jobs. It positions Malawi as a producer of global cultural value, not just a consumer.
Q: Is this only for Malawi?
A: It starts in Malawi but expands across Africa. The long-term vision is to have a Pan-African sound marketplace.
Q: When will the platform launch?
A: Producer onboarding has already begun, with a phased rollout. Nsimabeats is about turning Malawian creativity into global income.
