A new South African-built radio music submission and feedback platform, Plugm8, has officially launched, aiming to streamline how artists, record labels and radio stations interact around new music.
Designed as a centralized submission system, Plugm8 allows artists and labels to submit tracks in a structured way, while radio music compilers retain full editorial control over what they choose to listen to, review or broadcast. The platform does not guarantee airplay or paid placement, positioning itself instead as a transparent submission and feedback tool.
The platform has already onboarded several commercial radio stations, signaling early uptake within South Africa’s broadcasting sector. Plugm8 is now live nationwide, with plans to expand into international markets.
Plugm8 was co-founded by former radio music compiler Jodie Ova and independent artist Lea Heart, who say the idea grew out of their firsthand experience of the challenges on both sides of the music submission process.
“Artists often submit music via emails or third parties and never know if their track was actually heard or even considered,” Ova said. “At the same time, radio compilers are overwhelmed by unstructured submissions coming from everywhere, with no simple or consistent way to manage them.”
According to Ova, Plugm8 was developed to bring clarity and organization to that process by creating a single, dedicated space for submissions.
“Artists know exactly where and how to submit their music, and radio compilers can view everything in one place, on their own terms,” she said. “It removes noise and confusion on both sides and replaces it with a fair, respectful process that reflects how the industry actually operates.”
A key feature of the platform is the separation of access and decision-making, which the founders say protects editorial independence.
“Artists and labels get a clear way to submit their music, while radio compilers retain full editorial independence over what they listen to, review or play,” Ova said. “The platform exists to support discovery, not to influence decisions.”
Rather than promising outcomes, Plugm8 focuses on structured feedback. Artists receive a clear response indicating whether a track has been playlisted, shelved for potential future consideration, or rejected.
“Instead of silence, artists receive a simple response,” Ova said. “A rejection shouldn’t feel like the end, a shelve can signal potential, and a playlist is a moment of celebration.”
The founders say their combined experience in radio and as independent artists strongly influenced the platform’s design, with an emphasis on practicality and transparency.
“As female founders, we also hope Plugm8 signals to young women that there is space for them to build, lead and innovate in both music and technology,” Ova added.
Plugm8 is currently available to artists, labels and radio stations across South Africa, with an international rollout planned as the platform grows.