The global conservation initiative Sounds Right has launched a groundbreaking platform, FEAT. NATURE, allowing musicians worldwide to officially feature NATURE as a recording artist on their music, with half of the generated streaming royalties directed toward conservation efforts.
Kenyan music icons Blinky Bill and Bien are among the first artists to join the expanded global lineup, releasing new tracks that weave in the authentic sounds of the Congo Basin. The move comes ahead of COP30 in the Brazilian Amazon and is set to enable more African artists to use their platform to support conservation on the continent.
The FEAT. NATURE platform, accessible via soundsright.earth/feature, provides a world-first pathway for artists to upload songs featuring natural sounds—from forests, oceans, and wildlife—and release them on major streaming services. The unique proposition is a 50:50 royalty split between the artist and NATURE.
Proceeds from NATURE’s share flow directly into the Sounds Right Fund, which supports community-led conservation projects selected by an independent panel of Indigenous leaders, scientists, and conservationists.
“Today, in a world first, we’re giving artists a simple and impactful way to credit NATURE in their music — helping restore nature’s presence in popular culture while directing new music royalties to frontline conservation,” said Gabriel Smales, Global Programme Director, Sounds Right – UN Live.
Blinky Bill’s new track, Kata Matin (feat. NATURE), is a reimagining of a classic Luo gospel song.
“Kata Matin is an old Luo Gospel song that’s been passed down generations and what’s drawn me to it is how the mood lifts and how beautiful the melody is when it’s sung, particularly in the village. I wanted to give it a contemporary feel that places it in the here and now…” Blinky Bill commented on his collaboration.
Bien, alongside other prominent African artists like Juls and Olivetheboy (Ghana), Lady Donli (Nigeria), and Phila Dlozi (South Africa), is also participating, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to integrating environmental advocacy with creative expression.
Since its initial launch last year—which saw collaborations with major artists including Hozier, Ellie Goulding, Bomba Estereo, and David Bowie x Brian Eno—the artist NATURE has garnered over 26 million listeners across 181 countries.
These streams have already generated significant funds. Royalties have enabled the Sounds Right Fund to direct an additional $400,000 to Indigenous- and community-led conservation projects in the Amazon and Congo Basin regions, building on $225,000 directed to the Tropical Andes in 2024.
The initiative, led by the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live, seeks to reverse the declining cultural connection to nature, which a recent study found has fallen by approximately 60% since 1800. By weaving nature’s sounds back into music, Sounds Right hopes to inspire a greater sense of belonging and responsibility toward the planet.
The platform is powered by a new global music distribution pathway in partnership with DistroDirect, making it easier than ever for independent artists worldwide to join the movement.