For too long, breaking into the music industry meant either giving up control or giving away profits. But Jacob Monday, CEO of Star Makers Distribution LTD, a standout applicant for Verto awards, is flipping the script, putting power, access, and revenue back into the hands of independent artists worldwide.
Founded with a clear mission to democratize music distribution, Star Makers Distribution is now one of Africa’s fastest-growing DIY platforms, empowering over 2,700 artists and labels from more than 50 countries to distribute, monetize, and market their music globally.
“We believe artists deserve more than just exposure, they deserve ownership,” says Monday. “Our platform exists to ensure that independent creators can reach global audiences without losing their independence or their royalties."
A free platform designed for the independent artist
Star Makers’ platform allows artists to distribute music to Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Audiomack, and over 200 additional platforms, with no upfront fees. Instead of charging $20-$30 like many competitors, the company operates on a simple royalty-sharing model, where artists keep 80% of their revenue.
The approach is clearly working. Since launching its self-service platform in 2023, Star Makers has drawn in thousands of users without paid advertising. Their client list includes prominent African artists such as Ortise Femi, Jaywon, Smur Lee, Rord Kelly, and BIGKHALID, but the majority of its users are rising talents eager to break into global markets on their own terms.
“Our DIY model means that whether you’re in Lagos or London, Accra or Atlanta, you have equal access to the world stage,” explains Monday.
Scaling globally with purpose
Star Makers isn’t just focused on numbers, it’s focused on impact. The company’s global ambitions are grounded in technology and inclusivity.
In the next 1-3 years, they plan to roll out the following key initiatives:
AI-powered mastering tools to help artists polish their sound with professional-grade quality,
An upgraded royalty accounting and rights management dashboard, and
Advanced music delivery technology (DDEX ERIN 3.8 & 4.3) to shorten distribution timelines to less than 24 hours.
These enhancements will give creators even more autonomy, speed, and precision when releasing new music.
How VertoFX enables Star Makers cross-border initiatives
Star Makers’ rise wouldn’t be possible without robust cross-border financial tools which is where VertoFX comes in.
“VertoFX eliminated the pain points of receiving and sending foreign currency in Nigeria,” says Monday. “We’ve used their EUR accounts to receive thousands of euros from partners and paid artists in NGN, USD, GBP, and EUR, all without hassle.”
This seamless multi-currency functionality has enabled Star Makers to scale confidently, even in the face of Nigeria’s notoriously tricky financial environment.
Eyes on the prize
Star Makers entered the Verto Award not just for recognition, but to further accelerate their platform’s development.
If they win, Monday says the prize money will go directly into advancing their music delivery infrastructure, and upgrading the royalty and rights management system for greater transparency and trust.
“We want to show the world that African platforms can compete and lead on the global stage.”
From WhatsApp uploads to a full-scale tech platform trusted by thousands, Star Makers Distribution is more than a music distributor, it is a movement for independence, innovation, and inclusion in the global music ecosystem.
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