Zambian hip-hop star Jemax has taken to social media to express deep frustration over what he describes as non-payment of royalties by the popular music streaming platform Boomplay. Despite achieving a massive milestone of over 50 million streams for his widely acclaimed Boogeyman Album, the rapper says he has yet to receive any payment.
In a strongly worded public statement, Jemax wrote: “I’m disappointed with Boomplay. After getting over 50 million streams on the platform for my Boogeyman Album, I have never gotten any payment. We’ve tried countless times with my team to contact their support via emails and more — yet nothing fruitful has ever come out.”
The artist is now demanding accountability from the streaming giant, calling on relevant authorities to step in: “I demand answers and I’m calling upon relevant bodies such as ZAM, NAC, and the Ministry of Arts to intervene. It’s sad to learn that most artists are actually being owed hefty amounts of money by Boomplay, yet no valid excuse has ever been given.”
The revelation has sparked debate among fans, fellow artists, and music industry insiders, with many now questioning how streaming royalties are managed and why transparency remains an issue across African platforms.
Boomplay, one of Africa’s largest streaming services, has been a preferred choice for many artists seeking wide digital reach, especially in markets like Zambia and Nigeria. However, Jemax’s statement sheds light on a growing concern: that artists may not be fairly compensated for the value they bring to such platforms.
With the Boogeyman Album being a standout success in recent years, Jemax’s case could become a pivotal moment for how royalty payments are handled in the Zambian and broader African music scene.
It remains to be seen how Boomplay will respond, but the call for action from organizations like ZAM (Zambia Association of Musicians), NAC (National Arts Council) and the Ministry of Arts signals a potential shift in how such issues are addressed going forward.