CD era offered better income than today’s streaming economy

While streaming platforms dominate global consumption, the revenue models behind them have left many musicians earning far less than they did two decades ago. The CD era, by comparison, offered structure, predictable income, and accessible distribution channels that made music a viable livelihood.

Before streaming disrupted the market, Botswana’s musicians benefited from a reliable production and distribution ecosystem. A major contributor was the CD printing plant in Zimbabwe, which served as a key manufacturing hub for countless local artists. Production was affordable, turnaround was quick, and artists could print in bulk without the complex licensing and digital distribution hurdles faced today.