Global music- and video-streaming platform Tidal, in partnership with the leading communications operator in Uganda offering mobile and fixed telecommunications, has announced a first-of-its kind collaboration.
The partnership provides MTN Uganda customers a variety of options for a data-inclusive Tidal membership as part of their mobile plan to gain access to exclusive high-quality streaming music, videos, concerts and more.
“Africa is a continent that has long been an inspiration for music heard around the world and Tidal is excited to highlight the vibrant musicians on our platform,” said Lior Tibon, Tidal COO. “Tidal is also thrilled to bring a new wave of digital music to Uganda as part of this collaboration.”
The partnership, launched in Uganda but set to be rolled out in other MTN operations across Africa, comes with an array of membership options where customers can tap into one-, three-, seven- and 30-day memberships, all of which include data and a free 30-day trial for first-time members.
On the importance of MTN’s partnership with Tidal, artist-owner Damian Marley noted:
“I remember hearing stories about my father’s records being destroyed once they got to Africa. They didn’t want the people to hear the message in the music. What a beautiful day it is now when Africa will not only have access to my family’s music but to all music that exists.”
Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Jason Kpana, senior vice president of artist and label relations, said:
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with Uganda’s musicians and helping to bring the Tidal music streaming experience to fans across the country. We know MTN customers will love the diverse playlists, livestreams, videos and original content available on Tidal.”
The content on Tidal offers a deeper look into not only the repertoire of artists, but the music that inspires the work they do, the company said. Editors across the globe showcase the best tracks across all genres and create soundtracks for key cultural moments — life, death, civil revolutions, works of literature, and movies that have caught the cultural zeitgeist, Tidal said.
In celebration of the Ugandan music industry and the start of a digital music revolution, Tidal and MTN Uganda announced advanced plans in organizing an exclusive Collaboration Conference and ‘The MTN Tidal Experience’ which will be held Sept. 27 -28.
“The Collaboration Conference will exclusively be attended by artists, music producers and promoters,” said MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer Olivier Prentout. “The conference aims to bring artists together to learn about the evolution of the music industry across the globe and how to expand locally along with the help of Tidal.
“Following the conference, ‘The MTN Tidal Experience,’ featuring dancehall artist Kranium, will be for a select group of fans. Other confirmed performers include Nigeria’s DJ Spinall, our very own Beenie Gunter and local DJs are set to host the experience which will be held at the MTN headquarters,” Prentout said.