OpenWav Launches to Empower Indie Artists — Wyclef Jean Joins as Chief Music Officer

A new era in independent music just got a serious boost.

OpenWav, a new all-in-one platform designed for indie artists, has officially launched with bold plans to “redefine the future of independent music.”

The platform made its debut at A2IM Indie Week in New York, where it positioned itself as a next-gen hub for streaming, merch, ticketing, and superfans — all under one roof.

Led by 88rising co-founder Jaeson Ma and COO Eric Tu, OpenWav isn’t starting from scratch. It originally launched as OP3N, with an early focus on blockchain, Web3, and AI.

The platform made waves in 2021 with a $10 million funding round, followed by a $28 million Series A in 2023 backed by Warner Music and other major players.

But the real game-changer might be the team behind it.

Legendary artist and producer Wyclef Jean has signed on as Chief Music Officer, bringing serious industry credibility.

Former Sony Music and Amazon Music executive Madeline Nelson is also on board as a senior advisor.

OpenWav is promising to give independent artists something the traditional platforms rarely deliver: serious income and direct fan engagement.

“In early testing,” the company revealed, “artists generated five figures per week on OpenWav, exceeding what the vast majority of artists earn in a year from streaming.”

For African creators and collectives, this platform could open powerful new doors — especially in regions where access to global music revenue remains limited.

OpenWav’s focus on superfans, merchandise, and ticketing aligns perfectly with how many African artists already engage their communities.

As Big Masterz Africa continues to champion artist independence and innovation, we’ll be watching OpenWav closely. Whether you’re in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, or Joburg — this could be a tool to turn local heat into global fire.

Big Masterz Africa
Empowering Africa’s music creators with tools, insight, and inspiration.