D’banj introduces paid foreign music in Nigeria with USSD

Nigerian afrobeats legend,  D’banj, has partnered with United States-based Cinq Music Group to make foreign music accessible in Nigeria through USSD downloads.

The development involved selling selected international recordings to Nigerian fans through USSD.

The service, announced on Friday, November 6, 2026 through D’banj’s platform C.R.E.A.M., will allow fans to buy full-track downloads and caller ring-back tones at prices tailored to the Nigerian market.

The launch offering is T.I.’s _Live Your Life_ featuring Rihanna.

According to the announcement, the partnership aims to make international music accessible through locally designed payment channels, integrated into C.R.E.A.M.’s existing system for talent discovery, distribution, monetisation, fan engagement and rewards.

The company said the USSD model would provide rights holders with clearer records of local demand, as completed purchases generate transaction receipts that can be used to measure commercial performance.

The announcement described the partnership as a milestone in making international music accessible through a locally owned Nigerian platform, allowing fans to pay through channels designed for the domestic market.

It added that the initiative is part of C.R.E.A.M.’s direct-to-fan model, which connects creatives with their audiences through music discovery, distribution, monetisation, fan participation and rewards.

C.R.E.A.M. said the partnership would expand the range of international recordings available to Nigerian fans while retaining its focus on direct engagement between artists and fans.

Nigeria will serve as the launch market, with plans to expand to other African markets subject to rights agreements, commercial arrangements and local infrastructure. Further details on participating recordings and territories will be announced when arrangements are confirmed.