South African artist-turned-entrepreneur Siyabonga Metane, widely known as Slikour, has launched an innovative platform aimed at revolutionizing how creatives earn from their work. The platform, dubbed United States of Creatives, offers tools to help artists seamlessly monetize their creations in a digital-first world.
A One-Stop Ecosystem for Creatives
The platform features two flagship offerings: SOL Distro and SOL Wallet.SOL Distro enables creators to distribute their music across streaming platforms while offering resources like legal guides and financial advice. The goal is to help artists manage their intellectual property effectively and even explore investment opportunities to build wealth beyond their art.SOL Wallet, a fintech solution, lets fans make purchases and send mobile money through a secure digital wallet linked to Mastercard. Creators can use it to sell tickets, merchandise, and even offer pre-orders for event-related products. A unique feature in development is the “Creators Loan,” aimed at bridging payment delays for artists collaborating with corporate clients.
Revenue Sharing and Creator-Friendly Policies
To ensure creators benefit maximally, the revenue split for SOL Distro follows an 80-20 model, favoring the artist. For other services, creators are charged transaction fees, with provisions for flexible negotiations in special cases.
Driving Adoption Through Technology
Slikour emphasized that the platform was born out of necessity, not ambition. “We built this to address real issues facing creatives—helping them maximize the value of their work,” he explained. By aligning with current trends, the platform is set to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s music and creative industries.As more artists look to leverage technology to enhance their financial independence, United States of Creatives is positioning itself as a timely and impactful solution.
