The Sunday News
Sunday News Reporter
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 artistes.
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 artistes’ songs at the company’s stand.
The Buddie Beatz App features Gospel, R’nB, Zim Dancehall, Traditional, Jazz and many other popular music genres and, in a first for Zimbabwean artistes, will ensure musicians’ work is protected from piracy.
“First, we have ensured that artistes 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 artistes 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 artistes’ 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 artiste they want to listen to, and start enjoying the music,” she said, adding that several popular artistes 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 artistes.
“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.
