As the global music industry continues to recalibrate around ownership, technology, and independence, Merlin has announced its newly elected Board for 2026 — a gathering of some of the most influential leaders shaping the future of independent music across six continents.

Among the newly elected Board members is Bugwu Aneto-Okeke, CEO of Measurable Accurate Digital Solutions (MAD Solutions), Nigeria, marking a significant moment not just for the company, but for the broader African independent music ecosystem.

Merlin, the world’s leading digital music licensing partner for independent labels and distributors, represents tens of thousands of rightsholders across more than 70 countries and accounts for approximately 15% of the global recorded music market. The organisation negotiates premium licensing agreements with major global platforms including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Meta, Canva, ElevenLabs, and over 40 other innovative digital services worldwide.

At its core, Merlin operates differently. It exists solely for the benefit of its members, without venture capital pressure or investor exits, and is funded entirely through a modest 1.5% administrative fee. This structure allows independent music companies to retain control of their digital futures while benefiting from world-class deals and shared global leverage.

For MAD Solutions, Bugwu Aneto-Okeke’s election to the Merlin Board is both recognition and responsibility.

His appointment reinforces the importance of African-led companies being present where global digital policy, licensing, and strategy are being shaped,” the company notes. It is an opportunity to bring informed perspectives from emerging markets into conversations that have traditionally been dominated by the Global North.

The 2026 Merlin Board brings together leaders from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania, reflecting the increasingly borderless nature of the independent music business. Alongside Bugwu Aneto-Okeke, newly elected Board members include Charles Caldas (Exceleration, Portugal), Manami Ogawa (STARBASE, Japan), Rachel Buswell (Domino, UK), and Sascha Lazimbat (Zebralution, Germany).

Speaking on the new Board, Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, emphasised the organisation’s long-term vision:

“Merlin’s dedication to delivering unique benefits and best-in-class deals is at the heart of our mission. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, our Board’s experience across markets and business types is an invaluable resource in ensuring we continue to deliver premium value to our members around the world.”

The Board also includes a strong mix of returning members, ensuring continuity and institutional memory, while Dan Waite (Better Noise, UK) and Verónica Rojas (Casete, Mexico) join as Board Observers.

For MAD Solutions, this moment represents more than an individual appointment. It signals the steady rise of African digital music companies into global decision-making spaces — not as observers, but as architects.

As the music industry enters a new phase defined by AI, platform diversification, and evolving consumption models, voices with hands-on experience in emerging markets are increasingly essential. Through Bugwu Aneto-Okeke’s role on the Merlin Board, MAD Solutions is positioned to contribute meaningfully to conversations that will shape how independent music is licensed, valued, and protected worldwide.

Merlin also extended appreciation to its outgoing Board members for their service and contributions, reinforcing the collaborative ethos that continues to define the organisation.

For MAD Solutions, the road ahead is clear: global participation, African perspective, and independent ownership at the centre of the digital music economy.