How to Distribute Your Music on Apple Music as an Arewa Artist

I remembered just first time I heard a local Hausa beat on a global platform. It was a bus ride from Kaduna to Kano. A friend showed me an Apple Music playlist and there was a track with a voice I recognised from a village show. I asked who it was. He said, “Amina from Unguwar Sarki. She uploaded last month.” That moment made me realise something simple. The tools to reach listeners worldwide are available. What many of us need is a clear map to use them.

This guide is that map. It is written for Arewa artists who want to upload Hausa songs and reach the world via Apple Music Hausa and other streaming platforms. I show not only what to do, but how to do it step by step. No filler. Practical advice you can apply today.

Why Apple Music matters for Arewa artists

• Apple Music is used by listeners in Africa, Europe, and North America. Presence there increases discovery.
• Playlisting on Apple Music can lift streams quickly because of editorial and algorithmic placements.
• Apple Music reports are clean and can help you plan shows, merchandise, and partnerships.
• Claiming your artist profile gives you access to demographics, plays by region, and real-time data.

If you want to build a sustainable career, Apple Music should be part of your distribution plan.

Quick terms you should know

• Distributor / aggregator: the service that sends your music to Apple Music and other stores.
• ISRC: a unique code for each recording. It tells streaming services which track it is.
• UPC / EAN: a code for the release (single or album).
• Metadata: song title, composer, language, credits, release date. This matters for search and royalties.
• Apple Music for Artists: the dashboard you claim to see your profile and analytics.

First steps: Prepare the finished product

Before you upload, make sure these items are ready. Do not rush this.

1. Final master audio file
   • Format: WAV or FLAC, 16-bit or 24-bit, 44.1 kHz or higher.
   • Loudness: avoid chasing loudness. Let a mastering engineer balance dynamics.
2. Cover artwork
   • Size: minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels recommended.
   • No QR codes or web links on the image.
   • Title and artist name should be legible on mobile screens.
3. Song metadata
   • Exact song title, songwriter names, featured artists.
   • Language: mark Hausa if applicable.
   • Composer and publisher names.
4. Lyrics file
   • Helpful for lyrics display and for Apple Music’s lyrics feature.
5. Credits and roles
   • Producer, recording engineer, mastering engineer, session musicians.
6. Rights and ownership
   • Confirm you own or have clearance for the composition and the recording.

Choose a distributor and how to pick the right one

A distributor is the bridge between your music and Apple Music. You can choose a paid yearly service, a single-fee option, or a revenue-share service. Common, reliable names include DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto, and ReverbNation. Each has pros and cons.

How to choose:

1. Decide what you value most
   • Low yearly fee and unlimited uploads.
   • One-time fee per release.
   • Higher support and better payout splits.
2. Check payouts and payment methods
   • Does the platform pay to Payoneer, bank transfer, or PayPal?
   • How often do they pay you?
3. Look for delivery speed and store coverage
   • Some distributors push releases to Apple Music faster.
   • Confirm they support Apple Music pre-adds and pre-saves.
4. Metadata control
   • Ensure you can edit credits and ISRC after upload if needed.
5. Support for African banks and tax requirements
   • Verify if they accept your local payment methods or require Payoneer.

Recommended checklist when signing up

• Create an account with accurate legal name and bank details.
• Upload ID and tax info if required.
• Confirm the distributor issues ISRC codes or allows you to input your own.
• Read the terms on exclusivity and length of contract.
• Check whether they offer label services or playlist pitching for an additional fee.

Step-by-step: Uploading a single to Apple Music

Follow this checklist to avoid common mistakes.

1. Sign in to your chosen distributor account.
2. Click “Create Release” or “New Release”.
3. Choose release type: Single, EP, or Album.
4. Fill in release title and main artist name exactly as you want it on Apple Music.
5. Upload the master audio file (WAV or FLAC).
6. Upload cover artwork (3000 x 3000 px).
7. Add all metadata fields
   • Songwriter, composer, language (Hausa), recording date, producer.
8. Assign an ISRC for the track.
   • If your distributor issues it, note it down. If you already have one, enter it here.
9. Add the UPC for the release.
   • Distributor will usually provide one.
10. Select stores and territories
    • Choose worldwide unless you have region restrictions.
11. Set release date
    • Give at least two weeks lead time for Apple Music pre-adds. Four weeks is better.
12. Choose distribution rights and confirm you own the tracks.
13. Pay fees or confirm release details.
14. Submit for delivery.

After submission, the distributor will send the track to Apple Music. You will get confirmation emails. Keep screenshots of all confirmations.

Claim your Apple Music artist profile

After your music is live, claim your profile with Apple Music for Artists.

1. Go to Apple Music for Artists sign-up page.
2. Request access with the artist name exactly as on Apple Music.
3. Verify ownership
   • Apple will ask for an aggregator verification link or social media verification.
4. Once verified, update your photo, bio, and social links.
5. Use the analytics to find top cities, playlist sources, and listener age groups.

Claiming the profile lets you submit songs for editorial playlists and control your image.

Promotion ideas that actually work for Hausa songs

• Pre-save and pre-add campaigns: Use distributor tools or a simple link via Show.co or Feature.fm.
• Local radio and community shows: Send a polite press kit with a download link and lyric sheet.
• Short videos: Make 15 to 60 second clips for TikTok and Instagram Reels that show dance moves or story snippets.
• Local language captions: Use Hausa in captions and hashtags like #HausaMusic #Arewa.
• Collaborations with DJs and other Arewa artists: Cross-promotion brings new listeners.
• Engage with fans: Reply to comments, post behind-the-scenes footage, and show gratitude.

Case study: Aisha Danladi — a realistic example

Aisha is a fantastic singer from Zaria. She recorded a Hausa love single named “Zuciya Ta”. Here is her path in six steps.

1. Record and master
   • She worked with a local studio in Kaduna to get a clean master WAV.
2. Artwork and credits
   • She photographed a simple, strong portrait and added the song title in Hausa script.
3. Choose distributor
   • She picked a distributor with low annual fees and worldwide delivery.
4. Upload and schedule
   • She uploaded files six weeks before release, requested Apple Music pre-add, and set the release date.
5. Claim Apple Music for Artists
   • After the song went live she claimed the profile and added her bio in Hausa and English.
6. Local push and playlisting
   • Her manager sent the track to local radio stations and to a few curators. A regional playlist added the song in week two.

Result after three months

• 5,400 Apple Music streams.
• Small but steady growth in Kano and Abuja.
• A few paid gigs in nearby towns.

What Aisha did right

• She prepared good metadata and clear cover art.
• She gave herself time for pre-adds.
• She used both local promotion and online tools.

How royalties reach you

• Streaming payouts come through the distributor. They collect from Apple and send your share after taking their fee.
• To collect publishing royalties, register with a performing rights organisation such as COSON in Nigeria or an international PRO if you have a publisher.
• Keep records of songwriting splits and co-writers. This avoids disputes later.
• Use your distributor dashboard to monitor earnings and download monthly statements.

Common problems and how to fix them

• Wrong artist name on upload
  • Contact your distributor immediately to correct metadata.
• Track not appearing in Apple Music search
  • Wait 24 to 72 hours. If longer, check delivery reports from the distributor.
• Lyrics not showing
  • Upload a clean lyrics file and ensure composer credits are correct.
• Missing royalties
  • Compare streams in Apple Music for Artists against your distributor statement and contact support.

Expert and fan voices

“Many Arewa artists underestimate the value of clean metadata. A title with wrong spelling will hurt search and splits. Take time with credits.”
— Mallam Sadiq Umar, A&R and producer, Kano.

“When Aisha released her single, I shared it in our WhatsApp group. We listened and sent it to colleagues. Apple Music helped the track travel further.”
— Fatima, Isah’s fan, Abuja.

Actionable insights — what to do this week

• Finalise one song and create a WAV master.
• Design cover art at 3000 x 3000 pixels.
• Choose a distributor and create your account.
• Plan a release date at least two to four weeks ahead.
• Make an Apple Music for Artists account ready for claiming after release.
• Register your song with COSON or your local PRO for publishing rights.

FAQ

Final tips for Arewa artists

• Keep your artist name consistent across platforms.
• Keep a release calendar and stick to it.
• Save receipts and screenshots for every upload and payment.
• Learn to read analytics. Small patterns show where to play live.
• Build relationships with curators, DJs, and local promoters.

Call to action

Have you released a Hausa song on Apple Music before? Share your story or questions in the comments. If you want a checklist I used for Aisha, say “Send checklist” and I will post it here for you.