Showbiz
Monsooq Streaming Service Makes Entry into Nigerian Market
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mondia, a leading mobile technology company specialising in the marketing and distribution of digital content, has announced the launch of the ground-breaking time-based entertainment platform, Monsooq, in Nigeria.
According to a statement, the launch, which took place on Wednesday, is the second one on the African continent following the initial launch in South Africa.
Monsooq is the first-of-its-kind model which utilises time as the currency. Users pay only for the time they spend consuming content and are not required to take out any contracts or subscriptions.
Monsooq’s unique time-based model allows consumers to buy entertainment time just as they would mobile airtime and use that time to consume any content they choose, including movies, sports, educational content, books, series, games and music – all on a single, convenient, end-to-end entertainment platform.
New users to the platform will receive 60 minutes complimentary access and a 50 per cent discount on content during the launch, after which pricing is N20 per hour.
Whether a consumer wishes to play a game for 30 minutes while commuting or binge a new series for six hours, they are able to load that amount of time to their profile securely using a debit or credit card. And when their time ends, they simply top up with more.
Speaking on this, Mr Amadeo Rahmann, Mondia Group CEO, said: “Africa is the next frontier in regard to digitalisation. Our extensive footprint, increasing customer base and significant experience in the region make Africa a natural choice of focus for us.”
“African markets, especially Nigeria with its large population and growth of digital streaming services, are primed for the democratisation of the content.
“Mondia is firmly focused on changing the way people consume entertainment. We have incredible reach and deep understanding of the geographies in which we operate, with over 1.4 billion potential users in these countries.
“COVID-19 has had such a dramatic impact on economies globally, deeply affecting consumers’ disposable income. We believe that the Monsooq model is reflective of the changed financial situation of consumers while bringing much-needed entertainment during these difficult times,” Mr Rahmann added.
Mondia believes that Nigeria is a great local content hub for Africa with its media and entertainment industry, Nollywood, providing world-class content. Nigeria is also currently the second-largest film producer in the world in terms of the number of movies.
The local industry employs about one million people and generates over $7 billion for the economy and Mondia is excited to help provide another platform for this content noting that it sees exceptional potential in the continent.
According to research conducted by PwC South Africa in 2019, entertainment and media (E&M) spend in Nigeria saw a 25.5 per cent rise in E&M revenue in 2017 to $3.8 billion.
In December 2019 more Africans (526 million) accessed the internet than North Americans and with a total internet penetration level of just under 40 per cent, as compared to penetration in the rest of the world of 63.2 per cent. While streaming services have proliferated across Africa, there is an increasing need to deliver enhanced value, choice, and innovation in terms of pricing and content.
Monsooq also represents a new frontier of content monetisation for entertainment providers, giving them direct access to customers who are not interested in a traditional subscription model.
It features a world-class recommendation engine to ensure consumers find the content they love. Content will be localised and customised, with a mix of local, regional and international content. Mondia aims to build the content economy and bring value across Africa as Monsooq expands.
The platform has partnered with leading regional content providers such as Viva Nation and Wi-flix, as well as well-known international TV channels, sports and games providers, and offers over 20 000 hours of entertainment including, Esport and EPIC ON. In addition, Mondia will also feature their own entertainment services which boast leading games and music titles.
Monsooq launched in South Africa in November, which incorporates a deal with LaLiga as a premium content partner, and now launches in Nigeria, it noted that other markets will follow from 2021.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A popular Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie, has lost his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, to the cold hands of death.
According to a report by Vanguard, the Nollywood star’s son was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after he was unconscious.
The 16-year-old deceased was said to have prepared for his school examination on Tuesday night, and after the exercise the next day, he joined his friends to play football, where he allegedly slumped and was quickly taken to the hospital for medical attention.
However, the teenager could not make it alive as he was said to have given up the ghost, leaving his parents devastated.
The death of Kambilichukwu came about two months after his parents, Yul and May Edochie, celebrated his 16th birthday.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To support emerging artists in Ghana, a global streaming platform, Spotify, has announced a multi-year investment through its Creator Equity Fund by donating to Accra-based Vibrate Space.
Vibrate Space, a non-profit organisation operated by Surf Ghana, is a community recording studio and music business programme offering education, mentorship and space to young Ghanaian artists so that they can create, connect and collaborate.
Spotify first partnered with Vibrate in September 2022 with a donation that facilitated the launch of the studio. Over the past six months, the platform has registered over 200 studio bookings and hosted many more creators for events and classes.
To help Vibrate achieve its robust plans to grow and support the creative economy in Ghana, Spotify is making a sizeable donation from its Creator Equity Fund to be administered over multiple years.
“Since Spotify’s arrival in Africa five years ago, we have worked to identify opportunities to support artists in ways that speak directly to each of our markets.
“The partnership with Vibrate allows us to continue supporting emerging artists and cultural entrepreneurs in Ghana in addition to the on-platform work we are doing in the country,” the Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at Spotify, Ms Phiona Okumu, said.
Also commenting, the Global Head of Artist and Audience Partnerships at Spotify, Mr Joe Hadley, said, “Spotify is proud to continue our efforts to support and uplift creatives with our Creator Equity Fund.
“I’m excited to share that from that fund, we’re announcing a donation to the Vibrate Space in Accra, Ghana. They have been incredible partners to us, continually pouring into the local community and creating a space where artists can come together to grow creatively. We’re looking forward to hearing the music, stories, and success that will come out of Vibrate.”
Similarly, the Managing Director for Spotify SSA, Ms Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said, “Spotify is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to promote African music and celebrate and support its creators.
“We see ourselves as a global platform with a local focus, and we really drill down to understand what is happening across the continent and how we can support both artists and users in those markets.
“Our partnership with Vibrate is one way that we are doing this in Ghana, but we have plans and projects in place to support artists both on and off platforms across the region.”
On her part, the founder and director of Surf Ghana, Ms Sandy Alibo, said, “We are happy to be partnered with Spotify. They’re really supportive of the alternative scene, and not every brand understands that.
“We work with young and emerging artists and creators who are looking to make a mark in the music industry, and Spotify is a brand that speaks to young people and has played a significant role in taking African and Ghanaian music to the world.”
Vibrate intends to use the additional funding for artist support and establish an artist-in-residency and exchange programme to fuel creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange, as well as a women’s programme aimed at supporting women’s growth in the industry.
The platform also wants to expand its educational offerings by extending the highly successful monthly masterclasses for another two years and introducing a three-month instrument learning programme, starting with piano lessons and expanding into other instruments.
Entertainment options online refer to any form of media or content that is designed to provide enjoyment, amusement, or relaxation through digital platforms. This includes video streaming services, online gaming platforms, social media, music streaming services, podcasts, and more. With the rise of the internet and the proliferation of digital media, there are now countless entertainment options available online.
Entertainment is an essential aspect of our lives. It allows us to relax, unwind, and escape from the stresses of our daily routines. It can also serve as a means of socializing and connecting with others who share our interests. Whether we enjoy watching movies, playing video games, listening to music, or browsing social media, entertainment plays a vital role in our well-being.
Despite the benefits of online entertainment, there is also a downside. With so many options available, it can be easy to fall into the trap of choosing the wrong entertainment options. These may include content that is overly negative, violent, or simply not aligned with our interests or values. Choosing the wrong entertainment options online can be a waste of time, energy, and money. It can also have a negative impact on our mental health and well-being.
The drawbacks of choosing the wrong entertainment options online
One of the primary drawbacks of choosing the wrong entertainment options online is that it can be a waste of time. With so many options available, it can be tempting to spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows. However, this can lead to a lack of productivity and a feeling of dissatisfaction with how we spent our time.
Choosing the wrong entertainment options online can also have a negative impact on our mental health. For example, consuming negative or violent content can increase feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also lead to a lack of motivation or a sense of disconnection from the world around us. Furthermore, constantly comparing ourselves to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Finally, choosing the wrong entertainment options online can lead to missed opportunities for learning and growth. For example, if we only consume content that is purely for entertainment purposes, we may miss out on opportunities to learn new skills or gain knowledge. Similarly, if we only engage with content that confirms our existing beliefs or opinions, we may miss out on the chance to broaden our perspectives and challenge our assumptions.
Overall, choosing the wrong entertainment options online can have significant drawbacks, ranging from a waste of time and a negative impact on mental health to missed opportunities for learning and growth.
The benefits of choosing the right entertainment options online
Choosing the right entertainment options online can have a positive impact on our mental health. For example, engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as listening to music or practicing mindfulness, can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Similarly, consuming content that inspires or uplifts us, such as motivational speeches or feel-good movies, can boost our mood and increase our sense of well-being. Additionally, some online entertainment options, such as these sites of online casinos, can offer a sense of excitement and thrill that can be a source of enjoyment for many people.
Choosing the right entertainment options online can also provide opportunities for learning and growth. For example, reading articles or watching documentaries on topics that interest us can expand our knowledge and help us develop new skills. Similarly, engaging with content that challenges our assumptions or exposes us to new perspectives can broaden our horizons and increase our understanding of the world around us. Online casinos, for instance, can offer a chance to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills, as well as an understanding of probability and risk management.
Overall, choosing the right entertainment options online can have significant benefits, including a positive impact on mental health and opportunities for learning and growth. By engaging with online entertainment options that align with our interests and values, we can enrich our lives and enhance our overall well-being.
How to choose the right entertainment options online
The first step in choosing the right entertainment options online is to define your interests and preferences. Consider the types of content that you enjoy, such as specific genres of music or movies, particular gaming styles, or certain social media platforms. This will help you narrow down your options and find content that aligns with your personal tastes.
Once you have a better understanding of your interests and preferences, the next step is to research and read reviews. Look for websites or online communities that offer recommendations or reviews of different entertainment options. This can include user reviews on streaming services, forums dedicated to specific hobbies or interests, or blogs that provide insights on different types of online entertainment. Reading reviews can help you get a sense of the quality of the content and whether it aligns with your interests and values.
Another way to find the right entertainment options online is to use recommendation algorithms. Many streaming services, music platforms, and social media sites use algorithms to suggest content based on your viewing or listening history. By using these algorithms, you can discover new content that you may not have otherwise come across. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that algorithms are not perfect, and they may recommend content that does not align with your interests or values.
Overall, choosing the right entertainment options online requires a combination of defining your interests and preferences, researching and reading reviews, and using recommendation algorithms. By taking the time to explore different options and find content that aligns with your personal tastes, you can enhance your overall entertainment experience and enrich your life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right entertainment options online is important for a variety of reasons. It can have a positive impact on our mental health, provide opportunities for learning and growth, and help us make better use of our time. On the other hand, choosing the wrong entertainment options online can be a waste of time, have a negative impact on our mental health, and lead to missed opportunities for learning and growth.
Ultimately, entertainment plays a vital role in our lives, and the internet provides a wealth of options for us to choose from. By taking the time to define our interests and preferences, researching and reading reviews, and using recommendation algorithms, we can find the right entertainment options online and enhance our overall well-being. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it’s important to be mindful of the impact that entertainment has on our lives and to make conscious choices about the content that we consume.
