New Streaming Platform Unlocks Monetization for Ethiopian Gospel Artists

An Ethiopian music school founded by well-known gospel artist Dawit Getachew is modernizing content distribution channels through an audio streaming platform dubbed Hasset. The subscription-based platform developed by Heavens Echo Music School was introduced two weeks ago at a Christian concert headlined by Kingdom Sound.

Hasset already features over a thousand gospel artists while also hosting sermons, audio bibles spiritual podcasts and several faith-based books.             

Rahel Asheber, Managing Director of Heavens Echo, hopes to see the Platform simplify challenges faced by gospel artists in monetizing their content and dealing with copyright issues. She says the project took three years of planning to develop a user-friendly service.

“We went door to door to approach the musicians and sign them onto the platform,” Rahel told Shega.

Kingdom Sound, which has been receiving regional acclaim for high quality production in recent years, handled audio production while availing their live performances for free on Hasset.

Users can register on the Platform using their phone number to access content available in multiple local languages for subscription fees ranging from 99 birr to 950 birr for year-long access. Hasset also offers playlist creation tools and content sharing features in line with the communal aspirations of its creators. Its payment system is integrated into local mobile money services like telebirr and Chappa while also offering access to international customers through Stripe and international cards.

“We tried to follow on international trends in streaming platforms,” says Fitsum Admasu, an advisor on the project.

The Co-founder of Stock Amba and Firma Media & Communication has observed Ethiopian gospel musicians struggle to benefit financially from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. He expects Hasset’s dashboard to allow artists to monitor how their content is performing with audiences.

Hasset does not enable direct downloads while it allows users to listen to content offline and as a background when they are using other applications.

Mintesinot Binyam, a professional drummer, expects the Platform to bring about a marked shift in gospel music consumption for Ethiopia. 

“Users can stream their favorite artists while ensuring fair compensation,” he told Shega. ” Copyright issues also won’t arise”

Hasset is currently available on Android and IOS platforms. In just two weeks of launching the Platform has attracted significant engagement from audiences. The Platform maintains a strong link with its audience through social media updates and event notices.

Hasset’s association with Kingdom Sound Ethiopia, which attracts several thousand attendees in its mega concerts has enabled it to tap into young audiences who have little in the form of options for spiritual content.