In a digital age where the music industry is constantly evolving, visibility, ownership, and strategic growth have become more critical than ever for emerging artists.
For Qris Chinedu Ebeatu, CEO and co-founder of the platform formerly known as NextXtar, these needs have served as both a calling and a challenge.
With the recent rebranding of the platform to Singnify, Ebeatu signals a bold, intentional shift — one that aims not just to distribute music, but to empower artists, drive equity, and build sustainable careers in an increasingly globalized music ecosystem.
In this in-depth interview, Ebeatu shares the journey behind the rebrand, outlines Singnify’s mission to elevate Nigerian and African artists, and offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s music landscape.
From artist development and fair revenue models to tech innovation and global partnerships, this conversation reveals how Singnify is positioning itself as a transformative force in music distribution.
Whether you’re an emerging artist, an industry stakeholder, or a music enthusiast, this is a look inside the engine room of a platform reshaping the future of African music — and doing so with purpose, clarity, and unwavering passion.
About Singnify and Its Mission
What inspired the rebranding from NextXtar to Singnify, and how do you envision this new identity shaping the platform’s future?
The rebranding from NextXtar to Singnify was a strategic decision driven by our desire to create a stronger, more globally resonant identity. “Singnify” reflects our core mission: to give voice and significance to every artist. This new identity signals our evolution from a talent showcase platform to a full-service global music distribution hub. It sets the tone for our future as a platform deeply committed to empowering artists through visibility, technology, and connection.
Can you elaborate on Singnify’s mission to elevate Nigerian talent on the global stage, and what strategies are in place to realise this vision?
Our mission is to create a gateway for Nigerian artists to access international audiences. We achieve this by distributing music across all major digital platforms, offering marketing support, and providing analytics tools that allow artists to understand and grow their reach. We also prioritize partnerships with global music stakeholders to bridge the gap between local talent and global opportunity.
How can people get to use Signify?
Singnify is available for download on IOS and Playstore.
In what ways does Singnify aim to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Nigerian music industry?
We are committed to nurturing a sustainable music ecosystem by promoting transparency in earnings, offering fair revenue-sharing models, and equipping artists with educational resources. Additionally, we champion artist independence while creating pathways to mainstream recognition and collaboration with industry leaders.
What distinguishes Singnify from other music distribution platforms in terms of supporting and empowering artists?
Singnify goes beyond distribution. We provide artists with a free website, real-time analytics, and direct access to promotional tools. Unlike many platforms, we offer personalized support and guidance, helping artists not only distribute but grow strategically in a competitive landscape.
Could you explain how Singnify’s revenue-sharing model works and the key benefits it offers to artists?
Our revenue-sharing model is transparent and artist-centric. Artists retain full ownership of their music and receive the majority of their streaming revenue. There are no hidden fees, and our platform is designed to ensure that artists are compensated fairly for their work.
Can you walk us through the process by which Singnify promotes artists and connects them with record labels and industry stakeholders?
Once an artist distributes their music through Singnify, we leverage our promotional channels, curated playlists, and network of partners to increase visibility. For artists showing strong performance and growth, we facilitate introductions to A&Rs, labels, and influencers, acting as a bridge between talent and opportunity.
What is your perspective on the current state of the Nigerian music industry, and how do you foresee its evolution over the next few years?
The Nigerian music industry is vibrant and rapidly gaining global attention. We’ve seen unprecedented international interest in Afrobeats and other genres. Over the next few years, I believe we’ll witness more structural development, better rights management, and increased digital innovation supporting both mainstream and grassroots artists.
What major challenges do Nigerian artists face when entering the global music market, and how does Singnify aim to help them overcome these obstacles?
Challenges include limited access to international distribution channels, lack of promotional resources, and poor royalty transparency. Singnify addresses these by offering global reach, educational content, fair payment structures, and tailored support that helps artists navigate and thrive in global markets.
How does Singnify remain innovative and ahead of trends in such a rapidly evolving music and technology landscape?
We continuously invest in technology and data-driven insights. Our development team monitors industry trends closely, and we prioritize feedback from users to shape platform updates. We’re also building tools like AI-based promotional recommendations to enhance artist visibility.
What inspired you to launch Singnify, and what continues to fuel your passion for supporting Nigerian artists?
My passion stems from witnessing so many talented Nigerian artists struggle for visibility despite their brilliance. I wanted to create a platform that removes barriers and gives every voice a chance to be heard globally. The success stories of the artists we support keep me inspired every day.
Can you share a notable experience or lesson learned during your journey as a music industry entrepreneur?
One key lesson is that technology alone isn’t enough—you need genuine understanding of artists’ needs. Building trust and offering real value is essential. We’ve evolved by listening closely to the community and staying agile in our approach.
How do you balance the creative vision and business demands involved in leading a platform like Singnify?
It’s a delicate balance, but my team and I stay grounded in our purpose. I stay connected with artists to understand their creative needs while working with business leaders to keep Singnify sustainable and scalable.
What are Singnify’s growth and expansion plans for the next few years, both within Nigeria and internationally?
Singnify is global, because our app is on Android and iOS, meaning you can download anywhere and make use of it, we’re also building a mobile-first experience and onboarding regional representatives to support artists locally and globally.
Are there any new features, partnerships, or services currently in development that you can share with us?
Yes, we are launching advanced artist dashboards, royalty split tools for collaborations, and integrated social promotion kits. We’re also in talks with several global partners to bring artist funding and sync licensing opportunities to the platform.
Looking ahead, how do you see Singnify shaping the global music scene, and what lasting impact do you hope it will make?
Singnify will be known as the launchpad for African talent onto the world stage. Our lasting impact will be a more inclusive, artist-friendly global music industry where creators from every corner of the world have an equal shot at success.
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