2021 has been a big year for music streaming in Africa. Global streaming giants are flocking to the African market with Swedish music streaming provider Spotify announcing a sweeping expansion to 40 new countries on the continent. As Spotify attempts to expand its reach in Africa, they may have to take a note from Transsion-owned Boomplay and shift their strategy. Though streaming services have increased in worldwide popularity during the COVID19 pandemic, it comes with literal costs to consumers and creatives alike.

Since the start of the pandemic, Boomplay, a music streaming app owned by Shenzhen-based mobile phone manufacturer Transsion Holdings, has given away an estimated $1,610,000 of free data to listeners to keep them engaged.