Finnish digital music store Spinlet is expanding its presence on the African continent with plans to set up shop in South Africa. The company boasts a catalogue of almost 700 000 artists, which, according to the company, represents the largest catalogue of African music and artists.

Spinlet’s entry into South Africa is its second launch in Africa after Nigeria, with its local office based in Cape Town.

“As smartphone and broadband penetration increases and data costs reduce across Africa, we have noted that the appetite for the type of entertainment services which Spinlet can provide has significantly increased,” says group CEO Neil Schwartzman.

Spinlet will launch a download website and mobile application to serve the South African market.

Spinlet focuses on supporting new musicians and shares revenue from sales with performers. New artists can register on the platform and upload their music. Fans are able to purchase tracks and connect with musicians, making it a social network of sorts.

“Because the medium is digital and global, African music is being shared not only with the diaspora but also with a growing and ever more appreciative worldwide audience that’s hungry for new sounds or a reminder of home,” says Schwartzman.

The Spinlet website is responsive and can be accessed from a PC, tablet or mobile smartphone using any browser. Users will be able to purchase individual tracks and albums. Although the South Africa website hasn’t been launched just yet, pricing on the Spinlet.com site lists singles for R5,99 and albums at R59,99. — (c) 2013 NewsCentral Media