The Independent Artist's Roadmap

A step-by-step guide to releasing music on Boomplay and Spotify in 2026

being an independent artist is no longer about "waiting to be discovered." It’s about being a CEO. As we navigate 2026, the barriers to entry have vanished, but the noise has doubled. For a creator balancing roots in Nigeria with a presence in the UK, understanding the technical pipeline of a release is the difference between a "flop" and a chart-topping single.

This guide outlines the exact roadmap for releasing your music independently on global giants like Spotify and Africa’s leading platform, Boomplay.

1. The Pre-Release Phase: Quality Control

Before you even think about an upload, your metadata and audio quality must meet industry standards.

The Master: Ensure your track is mastered at -14 LUFS (the standard for Spotify for Artists).
The Visuals: Your cover art must be a 3000x3000px JPG. Avoid "low-value" graphics; use high-quality photography that reflects the "Scorti-Samuel" brand—grounded, humble, but professional.

2. Choosing Your Distributor (The Bridge)

You cannot upload directly to these platforms. You need a distributor.

DistroKid/TuneCore: Excellent for global reach (Spotify, Apple Music).
Africori or Believe: Highly recommended if your primary focus is the African market and heavy rotation on Boomplay.
The "Scorti Tip": Upload your music at least 21 days before release. This gives the platforms time to index your song and allows you to pitch for editorial playlists.

3. Navigating the Boomplay Ecosystem

Boomplay remains the king of high-engagement streaming in Africa.

Boomplay For Artists: Claim your profile via the Boomplay For Artists portal.
The "Buzz" Section: Use the in-app social feature to engage with Nigerian listeners. Unlike Spotify, Boomplay acts like a social network; posting snippets of your "Documenting My Fits" series alongside your song link can drive massive local traffic.

4. The Spotify Pitch (The Global Push)

Once your distributor delivers the song to Spotify (visible in your "Upcoming" tab), you must pitch it.

Log into Spotify for Artists.
Select one song. Choose the genre (e.g., Afrobeats, UK Rap) and the mood.
The Narrative: Don't just say "cool song." Describe the journey—mention the cross-cultural influence of being a student in the UK while maintaining your Nigerian identity. This "human story" is what editorial curators look for.

5. Marketing: The "Renewed Hope" for Indie Artists

In 2026, a release doesn't end on Friday morning.

Short-Form Content: Create 5 distinct TikTok/Reels sounds from your track.
The "Street" Strategy: Don't neglect local blogs and WhatsApp status influencers in Lagos. Organic "word of mouth" in Nigeria is often more powerful than a paid ad in London.

Final Thought

Releasing music is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you are aiming for the BBC 1Xtra airwaves or the Boomplay Top 100, consistency is your only currency. Stay grounded, keep your production high-value, and let the data guide your next move.

The Complete Guide to Playlist Pitching

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