Broadcaster and co-founder of music streaming service, Aftown, has dispelled the notion that GMX is the first Ghanaian music streaming platform.

Speaking to DJ Slim on Hitz FM, Antoine said although he supports the plurality of local businesses, the fact that his streaming app Aftown is the first to have emerged in Ghana by Ghanaians, cannot be erased.

“I saw the tag line of GMX being promoted as the very first from our end. Like I said in the beginning there is nothing wrong with new ones coming into the market but tagging it as the first, I personally felt like it’s not the right tag. They need to rephrase that.

So internally, between me and my partners we were like ‘really?’ If you are bringing a new platform, there is nothing wrong with that but let’s tag it right,” he said. 

Launched in October 2016, Aftown is a company that consists of two main platforms: streaming and downloads. The aftown app is free and generates revenue through premium subscriptions and advertisement from free users.

Antoine's comment comes on the back of the launch of the GMX music streaming platform at the De Icon Centre in Accra on October 30, 2024. 

The platform owned by GMX Multimedia and designed by Omni Strategies, is being operated with support from the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.

Present at the launch, Dr. Bawumia expressed his hope of helping boost music business in Ghana with the partnership.

"The Ghana Music Xperience is more than just a music streaming device as it was just illustrated. It is much more than that. It is an embodiment of what it means to preserve our culture, support our artistes and leverage technology to foster economic growth within the creative arts.

There are a myriad of music streaming platforms, however, having one that is purely dedicated to Ghanaian music and musicians is a welcome addition in our digitalisation journey as a country," he said.

Also speaking at the launch was the General Manager of Omni Strategies, the owners of the Ghana Music Xperience, Ato Aduenu Tandoh called on stakeholders of the music industry and music consumers to help make the app achieve its aims.

"GMX is homegrown, reflecting our commitment to a 'Ghana First' agenda. It is also a call for action. We invite private entities, investors, and creative minds who share in our vision, to join us. Together we can ensure that every artiste has the tools and the opportunities t thrive," he said.

Also in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman; the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer; the President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Bessa Simons; the Marketing Manager of Ghana Music Xperience, Akissi Ackah, among others.

The Ghana Music Xperience will be operational from January 2025.