A music distributor does not automatically place a song on Nigerian radio. Distribution sends an approved release to supported digital services. Radio airplay is a separate promotion process involving suitable stations, presenters, music directors, DJs, programme formats, and documented outreach.

ORB can distribute music to supported streaming platforms and provides promotion tools, but no ethical service should guarantee airplay or claim that paying for distribution forces a radio station to play a song.

How to get your song considered by Nigerian radio stations

Release the music officially

Distribute the final master with accurate title, artist name, credits, artwork, ISRC, and release date. An official release gives radio teams a stable reference and gives listeners somewhere to find the song after hearing it.

Prepare a radio package

Include:

• a clean radio edit where the original contains explicit language;
• a high-quality WAV file and a convenient private listening link;
• artist name, song title, genre, duration, release date, and contact person;
• concise artist and song context;
• approved cover art and press photograph;
• links to official streaming and social profiles.

Keep attachments reasonable and follow each station's submission instructions.

Research relevant stations and programmes

Target stations whose audiences and programmes fit the song. A Lagos pop programme, an Abuja talk format, a regional-language station, a campus station, and a specialist Afrobeats show have different requirements.

Build a list using current official station websites and verified professional contacts. Avoid bulk-spamming unrelated presenters.

Pitch the right person

Where available, contact the music director, programme producer, presenter, DJ, or authorized submission desk. Introduce the release briefly, explain why it fits that programme, and provide a clean listening link.

One respectful follow-up is reasonable. Repeated unsolicited messages can damage the relationship.

Create evidence of audience interest

Legitimate listener activity, social content, live performances, press coverage, and audience requests can help a programmer evaluate demand. Never buy fake streams, fake requests, or fabricated coverage.

Track outcomes

Record the station, programme, contact date, response, requested materials, and confirmed airplay. Do not report a station as supporting the song unless you have evidence.

Distribution versus radio plugging

Music distribution:

• Delivers music to supported digital outlets.
• Uses release metadata and audio masters.
• Does not guarantee streams.
• Produces store and royalty reports when available.

Radio promotion:

• Pitches music for editorial airplay consideration.
• Uses targeted outreach and a radio package.
• Does not guarantee airplay.
• May produce monitoring or campaign reports when evidence is available.

A company can offer both services, but paying for one should never be presented as automatic access to the other.

How to evaluate a Nigerian radio promotion service

Ask:

• Which stations and programmes match this release?
• Is the service pitching for consideration or promising guaranteed spins?
• What evidence will be supplied for confirmed airplay?
• Are fees, duration, deliverables, and refund terms written down?
• Does the provider use authorized contacts and lawful promotion methods?
• Will the artist approve messaging and materials before outreach?

Be cautious with anyone promising nationwide rotation, chart placement, or a precise audience number without verifiable reporting.

Frequently asked questions

Which music distribution platform gets songs on Nigerian radio?

Digital distribution and radio placement are separate services. Choose a distributor for store delivery and choose radio promotion based on relevant station relationships, transparent outreach, and verifiable reporting.

Can ORB guarantee Nigerian radio airplay?

No. Radio stations make their own editorial decisions, so airplay cannot be guaranteed. Any promotion activity should be described as submission or pitching for consideration unless confirmed airplay evidence exists.

Should I pay a radio presenter directly?

Use documented, authorized station or campaign channels. Undisclosed personal payments can create fraud, compliance, and reputational risks.

Do I need a clean version of my song?

Many programmes require broadcast-safe audio. Prepare a clean edit while preserving the original release metadata and recording identifiers where appropriate.

Promote the release beyond radio

Combine targeted radio outreach with playlist submissions, short-form video, release links, press, live performances, and transparent paid advertising. A coordinated campaign gives listeners several ways to discover and revisit the song.

Learn about ORB-managed music promotion or start distributing your release.