In a digital era where most distribution platforms focus on a single creative discipline, Eswatini-based platform Only Make Waves is taking a different approach by building what is to be the country’s first multi-artform distribution ecosystem.
Founded by Msimisi Dlamini alongside co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Wandile Mawelele, the platform is designed to help musicians, filmmakers, writers and visual artists distribute, monetize and showcase their work globally through one system.
While digital distribution has become essential for modern creatives, many artists still struggle to access infrastructure that supports multiple forms of expression at once. Music platforms focus on audio, publishing platforms focus on books, while visual art and film are often separated into their own ecosystems.
Only Make Waves is attempting to bridge those gaps by creating a platform that accommodates different artforms while tailoring distribution to the unique needs of each discipline.
Not New to This!
Having been operational for over three years, Only Make Waves says the growth of its client base continues to evolve daily, and encourages local artists to not hoard their work, because this is a tested and working system.
The Platforms’ founder reveals that it has already distributed more than 50 creative projects across different territories, including releases from artists such as Tribal Natives, Nakiso, Nocktik, Sebee from the United Kingdom, Sarandub from Ukraine and Taeenya from Russia.
“Our client base is growing consistently because we are not limiting ourselves to one type of creative or one region and are working with artists locally and internationally across different artforms, and that growth has shown us there is real demand for independent distribution platforms coming from Africa”
The platform says the expanding catalogue reflects its ambition to position Eswatini as an emerging player within the global digital creative distribution space.
Music remains one of the platform’s strongest pillars.
Artists are able to distribute singles, EPs and albums to major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer and TikTok libraries. Beyond visibility, the system also allows artists to earn royalties generated through streams and digital usage.
For emerging artists in Eswatini and across Africa, this creates access to the same commercial streaming ecosystem used by global acts.
The platform has also introduced a digital exhibition model for fine artists, allowing painters, photographers, illustrators and mixed media creators to showcase work online.
Unlike music, visual art relies heavily on presentation, discoverability and collector access. Only Make Waves therefore approaches art distribution as a virtual exhibition space aimed at helping artists overcome geographic barriers that often limit access to international galleries and audiences.
The platform also supports monetization opportunities connected to licensing, commissions, reproductions and commercial usage of artwork.
Short film distribution forms another key part of the ecosystem.
Independent filmmakers frequently struggle with distribution despite growing access to affordable production tools. Only Make Waves is addressing this by building a centralized hub dedicated to short-form cinema, giving filmmakers a structured space to archive and present their work beyond temporary social media uploads.
The platform says this approach improves discoverability while helping position short films as a sustainable creative category rather than simply a stepping stone toward larger productions. With a steadily rising film culture in Eswatini, this is a global launch.
Creative writing is also integrated into the ecosystem.
Writers can distribute poetry collections, essays, novels and short stories through digital publishing pathways connected to online reading marketplaces and e-book platforms. For many independent African writers facing limited publishing infrastructure, digital distribution provides a direct route to audiences while allowing creators to retain ownership of their work.
Royalties generated through readership and purchases also form part of the platform’s sustainability-focused model.
Beyond distribution itself, Only Make Waves is built around a broader vision of creative sustainability. The platform combines distribution, publishing, exhibition and artist support under one umbrella while encouraging creatives to treat their work as long-term intellectual property rather than content created solely for exposure.
Its interdisciplinary approach also reflects the changing nature of modern creativity, where artists increasingly work across multiple mediums at once.
As Africa’s digital creative economy continues to expand, platforms like Only Make Waves represent a growing shift toward locally built solutions designed around the realities of African creatives.
For Eswatini, the emergence of a platform of this scale marks a significant step in the country’s evolving creative and technology sectors, with local founders now building systems capable of connecting homegrown talent to international audiences.
To subscribe or distribute on the platform visit their official website https://onlymakewaves.net or contact the Founder directly on +268 7870 0218.
