Nigerian music streaming platform uduX links with MTN

UduX says it is the first African-owned music streaming platform to sign major music rights holders to its service, and the new partnership with MTN will offer the telco’s subscribers discounted data bundles to view content and stream unlimited music on the uduX app.

MTN Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest mobile service providers with more than 60 million users in the country. Subscribers can use credit cards, pay-as-you-go airtime or data packages to pay for the service.

The uduX app is available for download on Google Play and the App Store, and users can register for the service via the MyMTN app.

‘‘With all three global major record companies signed to uduX, among many others, we will be bringing our MTN-uduX audience the creme of the global music scene and its international superstars, and of course we are committed to showcasing the very best of our African artists,” uduX CEO Chidi Aneto-Okeke said.

“Our partnership with MTN bodes well for the entire music streaming chain, and especially for the artists who will get a chance to earn from locally generated streaming revenue.”

MTN Nigeria chief digital officer Srinivas Rao said: “Our young customers are passionate about music. That is why we have consistently supported the development of the local music industry.

“We’ve partnered with uduX because we believe in their capacity to deliver high-quality curated music from around the world, and contribute immensely to the continued growth of the music industry in Nigeria. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth of indigenous companies and content through active collaboration.”

In April last year, Universal Music Group partnered with uduX and became the first major music company to license its catalogue on the music streaming app, adding the likes of Mafikizolo, Brenda Fassie, Tekno, Dr Tumi, Nasty C, Hugh Masekela, AKA, Mr Eazi and Jah Prayzah to the service. The platform aims to promote local music content and compete internationally.

Meanwhile, Chinese-owned Boomplay, which is the biggest music streaming service in Africa, is another platform that has signed deals with the big three record labels.