Bereng Mpaki
ECONET Telecom Lesotho (ETL) yesterday unveiled a new platform through which its customers can stream over 30 million songs.
MusicTime as the service is called, is operated through installing a software application (app) on a handset to stream and download music from both local and international recording artists.
The telecommunications giant’s customers would be charged from their data bundles for accessing the service, while the artists whose songs will be carried on the platform will also receive compensation from ETL.
According to ETL’s Chief Executive Officer Leon de Fleuriot, the new platform brought convenience to customers with their favourite music just a tap away.
“This service will excite the people of Lesotho by offering music on their own terms. The massive music library will continue to grow and will also house local music. This service will bring you all the music you love right onto your handset with no hidden costs,” he said.
ETL’s General Manager – Products and Services Lebeko Sello chipped in saying the new service was accessed by downloading the MusicTime app and then dialling *100# to register.
“This service allows you to stream or download music. In music streaming, you go on the internet and find the song you want to listen without having to save it on your phone first,” he said.
“However, you can also download the songs to listen to them when you are not connected to the internet. Every time you play the song, you pay with your data bundles.”
Mr Sello also revealed all new registrations would enjoy free 60 minutes listening time which is valid for seven days.
He said the app enables users to create their own playlists, follow stars and celebrities and also see what other people are listening to.
The service is currently available to prepaid subscribers but plans are underway to avail it to post-prepaid customers.
Commenting on the development, music producer Thulo Monyake commonly known as T- Mech or Lemekoane, welcomed the initiative, saying it was going to empower local artists through royalties.
“Given that music royalties in Lesotho are still not a reality, I see this initiative as the right way to go since it would allow us to generate income from our music,” said Mr Monyake who is the managing director Magic In Progress (MIP).
He said the initiative would also encourage local artists to be more professional and to produce better quality music which can be accessed by anyone from anywhere in the world.
“This has amplified our hunger for making music towards a bigger market, especially now that there is a large group of local artists joining the music industry,” added Mr Monyake.
