Econet Wireless has lit up the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) with its recently-launched Buddie Beatz music app that features an extensive choice of music by top local and African artists.
In what could well become the hub of African music, Econet’s ZITF stand has been abuzz with visitors donning ‘silent disco’ headphones to sample their favourite artists’s songs at the company’s stand.
The Buddie Beatz App features Gospel, R’nB, Zim Dance Hall, Traditional, Jazz and many other popular music genres and, in a first for Zimbabwean artists, will ensure musicians’ work is protected from piracy.
“First we have ensured that artists are fully protected and rewarded for their work,” said Econet Chief Operating Officer Mr Fayaz King as he engaged visitors to the Econet ZITF stand.
“And then for our millions of customers for whom the service is targeted, this is really about harnessing digital to deliver entertainment to them – right where they are – as and when they choose to experience it,” said Mr King.
“With the capabilities we now have, ensuring that the artists got their due reward for creating the content and producing the music was of paramount importance to us. So the Buddie Beatz Music App will ensure that everyone in the music value chain gets rewarded for their effort and that they get value for their money,” Mr King said.
Describing the Buddie Beatz Music App at the company’s digitally themed ZITF stand, Econet General Manager for Marketing Ms Mellany Mariri told visitors to the stand that customers could download the app on Google Play, and download their favourite artists’ music on the app once-off.
“It’s very simple; the music will be preloaded on the app. And so customers simply click on the artist they want to listen to, and start enjoying the music,” she said, adding that several popular artists were already on the Buddie Beatz app.
Visitors to the Econet stand have been enjoying the company’s Augmented Reality(AR) experience when they scan a special Zappar code that instantly allows them to listen to music from any of their favourite local artists.
“As we speak, Janet Manyowa, Gary Tight, Minister Mahendere, Jah Prayzah, Amai Charamba, ExQ, Killer T, Sebastian Magacha , Andy Muridzo, Sulumani, Patience Masiyambiri, Lipsy, Roque, Guspy Warrior and Sir Calaz are already on the Buddie Beatz App, and visitors to our stand just can’t seem to get enough of the fun – its exciting,” said Ms Mariri.
Beyond ZITF, the Buddie Beatz Music App is expected to give Zimbabwe’s music loving public a handy and convenient way to acquire and listen to music of their choice anytime, wherever they are.
Besides the promotional freebies at the Fair, Ms Mariri said outside the ZITF, customers could listen to their favourite music online or offline at very affordable subscription packages of RTGS 50c, RTGS$2 or RTGS$5, with an option to create personalised playlists (for songs downloaded on the App).
She added that any recorded artists wishing to have their music featured on on the Buddie Beatz app should email buddiebeatz@econet.co.zw, or whatsapp 0786025045.
Meanwhile, Mr King said Econet would continue to nurture and promote local talent by working with music content providers “to create magic” for Econet customers, and for the artists’ fans.
