A new media platform called Decoded has been launched with the goal of actively engaging the continent’s music community.
Speaking to HumanIPO, co-founder of the platform Chika Uwazie, revealed that among other things, the website is seeking to satisfy Africans who search the internet and elsewhere for the lyrics of their favorite songs.
Uwazie said the idea came about when partner and friend Julies Sea approached her to work on another project Keejul and subsequently realised lyrics were highly sought after on Google searches.
“We also thought the website called rap genius was really cool and knew that Africans could benefit from a similar website.
“So we did the research and saw that a lot of Africans are looking for lyrics to their favorite song and that is how we started working on decoded,” Uwazie said.
She added that the website will also promote upcoming artists in need of platforms.
She said: “Upcoming artists really do not have a platform to showcase their music and to be easily discovered. We are hoping to fill those gaps to aid in the discovery of music. “
According to her, the lyrics posted on the website are retrieved from various sources.
“We reach out to the artists and get lyrics directly from them. We also have users that submit lyrics and we edit them to make sure they are correct,” Uwazie said.
Uwazie also noted the sector’s structure is responsible for the difficulties often encountered when in search of lyrics for African songs.
She said there was already a structure in place in the United States, agencies already copyrighting them and supporting songwriters.
“In Africa we have not explored the use of songwriters. I also feel that we have not really held artists accountable to create better lyrics.
“We enjoy the best and rarely analyze the lyrics behind the song. I feel that as the music industry continues to progress these changes will occur,” Uwazie added.
