Injustice Slavery: OBC Radio News Investigates the Exploitative Digital Platforms and the Plight of Musicians

By. Dr. Jermaine Gordon

Date: August 24, 2023

In the digital age, musicians have embraced streaming platforms as a means to reach a wider audience and share their art. However, a shocking investigation by OBC Radio News has uncovered an unfair system that exploits artists, leaving them with meager compensation for their hard work and creativity. Despite investing their money, time, resources, and energy, musicians are receiving shockingly low payouts from digital platforms. 

It is disheartening to learn that after pouring their hearts and souls into their craft, artists are often left with minimal financial reward. The numbers speak for themselves: on Spotify, an artist would need to accumulate a staggering 315 streams to earn a mere dollar. Similarly, Pandora requires 752 streams, Amazon demands 249 streams, Deezer necessitates 156 streams, Apple mandates 188 streams, and both Tidal and Tidal require 75 streams to earn just one dollar.

This vast disparity between the revenue generated by streaming platforms and the compensation received by artists raises serious concerns about fairness and justice in the music industry. While these platforms rake in millions of dollars in profit, many artists struggle to make ends meet. It is a disheartening reality that undermines the value of artistic expression and the livelihoods of countless musicians.

It is essential to recognize that artists invest not only their creative talents but also significant financial resources into their work. Studio time, production costs, marketing, and promotion all require substantial investments. Yet, the current streaming model fails to adequately compensate artists for their contributions, leaving them financially vulnerable and often unable to sustain their careers.

The impact of this injustice extends beyond individual artists; it affects the entire music community. As musicians face financial hardships, creativity and innovation suffer. The music industry thrives on diversity and fresh voices, but when artists are stifled by financial constraints, the industry as a whole suffers.

To address this pressing issue, it is imperative that digital platforms reevaluate their compensation structures and ensure fair remuneration for artists. A more equitable distribution of revenue must be established, one that recognizes and respects the value of artistic labor. Additionally, industry organizations, artist unions, and lawmakers need to collaborate to enact regulations that protect the rights and interests of musicians.

Furthermore, music consumers also have a role to play in supporting the artists they love. By actively engaging with artists’ work, attending live performances, purchasing merchandise, and advocating for fair compensation, fans can contribute to a more sustainable and just music ecosystem.

OBC Radio News is committed to shedding light on this issue and advocating for change. We stand with the artists who have poured their hearts and souls into their music, only to be met with a system that devalues their contributions. It is time for the music industry to recognize the immense worth of artists and work towards a fair and supportive environment that allows them to thrive.

Together, we can amplify the voices of musicians and demand a more equitable future, where their creativity and dedication are duly recognized and rewarded.

Dr. Jermaine Gordon

Dr. Jermaine Gordon migrated to Florida, U.S in 2009 in his early thirties. From the heart of Kingston Jamaica, Dr. Gordon is the perfect embodiment of former international Fashion Model meets business Savvy Expert. He is a Fashion Model that has hit runways all around the world in over 7 countries. He elevated his passion for Fashion and Modeling into his own brand. The Olanquan brand. This brand stemmed from the blood sweat and tears of Dr. Gordon a young kid that was bullied for the Fashion he wore, who now has his own clothing line designs, Fashion Show and magazines and more loved by hundreds of thousands worldwide. He not only has a great eye for design but also a great heart and doesn't forget his roots which is why he started The Olanquan Feed The Kidz foundation to give back to his community. Dr. Gordon, now rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers in society. They include Kimora Lee-Simmons an American model, Curtis Jackson aka Fifty Cent and former playwright Ralph Holness. " At age 17, I became a member of the Area Youth Foundation- a brilliant avenue for at-risk youths to express themselves through drama. Jermaine wrote a script for his group which won the Best Award. Ralph Holness a special guest at the event spotted Jermaine's acting talent and quickly drafted him into his production Balm Yard Affairs. He also played lead roles in Ruth Samuels, Hell A Pop A Yard and Hugh King's Night Work The opportunity took the young actor to three different countries with 700 shows to his credit. He was then in his early twenties. He further his academic studies receiving a Doctorate in Divinity at the Universal church in Seattle, Washington. He also did a diplomatic course at the University of London; later flew to Germany mastering a global governance course which covers management, a leadership and team development. Today, Dr. Gordon is the Founder and C.O.O. of Olanquan Broadcasting Company (OBC), 'He hope this will give a second chance to the forgotten voices.

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