The shift from physical music sales to digital streaming has transformed the global music industry, improving access and reach but weakening income security for many artists. While streaming dominates music consumption worldwide, its financial model has proven far less sustainable for musicians, particularly in smaller markets. In contrast, the CD era offered more stable, direct and predictable revenue streams.
Before digital disruption, local artists operated within a functional physical production and distribution value chain. A key pillar was the CD printing plant in Zimbabwe, which serviced many Botswana-based musicians. The facility provided affordable, large-scale production, allowing artists to commercialise albums with relative ease. Once produced, CDs were sold through formal and informal retail channels, including Musica Botswana, mall vendors, street traders, and later digital marketplaces such as Setlhareng.com, which supported physical sales.
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