African music takes centre stage in Netflix’s The Polygamist with Downtown Music Publishing Africa works
The global appetite for African storytelling continues to grow, and with it comes an exciting opportunity for African music to travel across borders and connect with new audiences. We’re proud to share that several works represented by Downtown Music Publishing Africa have been licensed for the popular Netflix series The Polygamist, placing some of South Africa’s most celebrated voices on one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.
This achievement is more than a sync placement — it is a reflection of the increasing demand for authentic African music in international film and television productions. Through these placements, the emotional depth, cultural richness and sonic diversity of South African music become part of a story experienced by viewers across the globe.
The works featured in The Polygamist
“Vum Vum” — Brown Dash
A kwaito classic that remains deeply embedded in South African popular culture, Vum Vum brings unmistakable energy and nostalgia to the series. Brown Dash’s contribution to the evolution of kwaito continues to resonate with audiences both old and new.
“Bomi Bam” — Zahara
Zahara’s music has always carried a rare emotional honesty, and Bomi Bam is no exception. The song’s heartfelt storytelling and soulful delivery make it a powerful addition to the series’ soundtrack, reinforcing the enduring legacy of one of South Africa’s most beloved artists.
“Mdali” — Buhlebendalo Mda
Representing a new generation of African creatives, Mdali showcases Buhlebendalo Mda’s distinctive artistry and spiritual musicality. The placement highlights the growing international recognition of contemporary African voices and the importance of nurturing emerging talent.
“Victory Lap” — AKA
Bold, aspirational and unmistakably iconic, Victory Lap captures the ambition and confidence that made AKA a defining figure in African hip hop. Its inclusion in the series serves as another reminder of his lasting influence on the continent’s music landscape and beyond.
Why this matters
Sync placements in global productions create meaningful opportunities for songwriters, composers and rights holders. They generate new revenue streams, introduce music to international audiences and help position African catalogues alongside the world’s most sought-after repertoire.
At Downtown Music Publishing Africa, we are committed to ensuring that African creators are not only heard, but properly represented and compensated when their works are used across film, television, streaming and other media platforms.
A growing global footprint for African music
The inclusion of these works in The Polygamist is part of a broader movement that is seeing African music become an increasingly integral part of global entertainment. From amapiano and hip hop to soul and traditional influences, the sounds of the continent are shaping soundtracks, influencing culture and expanding the reach of African storytelling.
We celebrate Brown Dash, Zahara, Buhlebendalo Mda and AKA for this milestone and look forward to seeing even more African creators take their place on the world stage.
Interested in sync opportunities for your catalogue? Downtown Music Publishing Africa works with creators, publishers and rights holders to unlock global opportunities across film, television, advertising and digital media. Get in touch with our creative team to learn more about how we can help your music travel further.
