A memorable night to remember in Melrose Arch, North of Johannesburg, as South African renowned hip-hop artist, Slikour whose real names are Siyabonga Metane, officially launched his groundbreaking fintech platform aimed at driving financial growth within the creative industry and the broader public. Slikour hosted industry colleagues, media and close friends at The Venue in Melrose Arch Last night, 30 May, where he officially unveiled The Unites States of Creatives, a project he’s been working on for nearly half a decade, which includes two cutting-edge financial technology platforms: SOLDistro and SOLWallet. SOLDistro, an online music distribution platform, enables artists to effortlessly release their songs on all major streaming platforms and stores, with unlimited free music uploads. While also introducing an artist investment fund overseen by Prowess. This platform also offers promotional and financial tools to help artists build their careers while taking only a modest royalty fee. Complementing SOLDistro is SOLWallet, an advanced transaction platform tailored to the needs of African creatives. Artists using international DIY distribution platforms who get paid their royalties through global fintech companies normally decide to forfeit their fees due to the tedious processes target is not built to accommodate locals. Members will also enjoy exclusive rewards and discounts, with plans to provide creator loans for creatives working with agents or musicians with a revenue track record from their streams soon. Slikour also unveiled 'BlackChain', a creator B2B marketplace connecting businesses with talented creative freelancers that have been quality checked by the procurement and production teams of SA's most established agencies. This platform will streamline the process of finding professional suppliers while promoting the work of creative individuals.
During the launch, the 42-year-old musician spoke of how this fintech solution will help and educate young artists on how to monetize their work and know how to handle their finances.
"This will not only help artists monetize their music but also educate them on how to handle their finances, I have also written a book to help these artists about finances and it is vital for them to read it as it'll educate them and they will get to know more," he said.
Celebrating this significant milestone, Slikour said, “Tonight, we didn’t launch something new. Distribution houses and financial platforms are already out there. But what we have launched is a journey for creatives to build their equity and value. These platforms are for the creators, the people who love music and the artists who create it.”
To show his appreciation for all those that helped him reach this next step of his journey, Slikour presented awards to VMLY&R, Hennessy, Coca-Cola executive Phindile Phiri and Stella Artois.
Slikour also announced that his book, Slikour: The Life Story of a Hip-Hop Pioneer, will be turned into an adaption – taking his career to unprecedented new heights.
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