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Op-Ed: What The #TIDALxMTN Partnership Means For The Ugandan Music Industry.

Published

7 years ago

September 3, 2018

By Byaruhanga Felix (@TheNinjaFelix)

Back in May I had a discussion with an entertainment lawyer friend of mine about traditional radio versus the internet radio and the discussion got to streaming services. At the end of it we agreed on two things; data is expensive in Uganda but getting cheaper as we move forward & secondly for someone to survive in an African ecosystem like Uganda via the internet he/she needs to partner with ISPs (internet service providers) and in this case the telecoms ‘cause they could develop cheaper data packages for the end users (customers) that one is targeting with his/her product that requires the internet as the driving force. Fast forward to August and TIDAL has announced its partnership with the leading telecom MTN. The partnership was first executed in Uganda and will later be rolled out in other African countries that MTN is operating. What does this partnership mean for the Ugandan industry?

Before we go ahead, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. Download TIDAL in the play store or App store, then dial *165*66# to kick off your 30 day free trial. The few people I’ve engaged with are skeptical about the partnership. First off this kind of partnership isn’t new for either parties involved. We saw TIDAL last year partner with Sprint in the United States and back here on the continent we’ve seen MTN partner up with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd to push MTN Music Plus on which customers in Nigeria access African music. The main difference this time is that MTN clients get to access global catalogs of music, exclusive TIDAL content like the RapRadar podcast, the different shows and concerts/festivals that weren’t available on MTN Music Plus. However much this partnership isn’t new as such it comes with some unique qualities and it addresses a lot of issues perfectly when it comes to a major moving into an African territory/market.

One of the challenges major streaming platforms have faced in moving into the African territory has always been the mode of payment. The TIDAL partnership with MTN addresses this through their mobile money mode of payment. There are majorly two issues that mobile money solved ever since it was introduced that is financial inclusion and convenience. MTN subscribers will be paying for the TIDAL streaming service using their mobile money accounts and it doesn’t get easier than that. No email or card number required. Before one had to get a bank account, convert the money from Uganda shillings to the U.S dollar and add an extra charge for the transaction that goes to the bank (2% of the transaction depending on the bank one is using). With mobile money one cuts through all this noise. Secondly, data is expensive but it’s getting cheaper by the day as we’ve seen the telecoms introduce various packages such as MyPakaPaka, Gaga Wednesday, Night Shift. With the data price tag in their mind the two parties address it with a fee that covers both the subscription charge and the data. This puts MTN at an advantage in that it puts the customer’s worries about the “MTN crocodile” at ease; TIDAL data is different from any other data package one purchases.

This partnership sets precedent for any other major moving into the African territory ‘cause they’ve simplified the process for the end user who is going to be spending on the product. Addressing these two major issues (payment method & data price) and aligning itself with MTN puts TIDAL ahead in an African market. They’ve adapted to the African structures instead of them coming in trying to set up their own which in the long run becomes expensive on TIDAL’s end. Addressing all this comes after research and TIDAL sending its people such as Biggs (Jay Z’s cousin) to the continent to study the music landscape. TIDAL aligning itself with MTN puts the streaming service in front of over 200 million potential paying subscribers before they even spend a significant amount of their marketing budget. We saw this same move pay off to Huawei when they launched MTN Music Plus in Nigeria where MTN controls 35% of the market share.

Now let’s look at the flip side, the artists and creators side. I say creators ‘cause TIDAL goes beyond streaming music. Personally, I would love to see TIDAL take it beyond creating Ugandan playlists on the platform to acquiring/sponsoring local content such as Ugandan podcasts, the internet shows, and the local concerts. This way they’ll be adding value onto the Ugandan industry while they increase engagement between Ugandans and the streaming platform. For artists again it has provided convenience in that they no longer have to jump hoops to get their music added on a global streaming service through a third party (digital music distributor) which in the long run has their money chopped up. Having a major like TIDAL moving into the country means it’s time for the Ugandan industry to get organized and structured properly. We can’t have artists managing their managers if we’re to succeed. For the longest we’ve had major record labels or anything continental such as TVs pay little or no attention to the Ugandan industry for various reasons. May be a move and partnership like #TIDALxMTN is what we need to attract more major players into our industry.

On September 27 TIDAL holds its first artist conference in Uganda and we wait to see how the artists/creators can further benefit from the global streaming platform.

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Apply Now: Koola Kampala Business Incubation Programme for Creative Entrepreneurs in Uganda.

Published

1 month ago

June 20, 2025

thetribe

If you’re a cultural or creative entrepreneur in Kampala looking to take your business to the next level, here’s a game-changing opportunity worth paying attention to. Africalia, in partnership with The Bold Woman Fund, has launched a new business incubation programme dubbed Koola Kampala, designed specifically to support and elevate Kampala’s creative and cultural sector.

Koola Kampala is a 12-month business support programme for legally registered creative businesses that are already generating revenue. It aims to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance they need to thrive in Uganda’s rapidly growing creative economy. Whether you’re running a music label, fashion brand, media studio, design outfit, or cultural enterprise, this programme is tailored to strengthen the business side of your creativity.

This initiative is funded by Africalia and aligns with the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Sustainable Development Goals, and national cultural development policies. It seeks to invest in the people driving Uganda’s creative heartbeat, young innovators building impactful businesses at the intersection of culture, identity, and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible, you must be over the age of 18, based in Kampala, and running a legally registered cultural or creative business that has been active for at least one year. Your business must already be generating revenue and able to provide samples of work when requested. More importantly, applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to strengthen their business management and growth strategies.

Photo supplied by Skyline Media.

The programme is structured in four key phases. First is the selection phase, during which 15–20 promising businesses will be shortlisted based on eligibility, motivation, and programme fit. This is followed by a 3-month pre-incubation phase, where selected participants will undergo a diagnostic assessment of their businesses, receive both group and individual coaching, and be trained on key business fundamentals. At the end of this phase, 12 businesses will be selected to move forward into the main incubation phase, which spans 9 months of intensive training, weekly one-on-one coaching, strategic growth support, and specialised modules tailored to the needs of each participant.

Once the incubation phase concludes, the programme enters its final phase—post-incubation—where participants will walk away with a tailored action plan for their business, deeper entrepreneurial skills, refined business models, and access to both national and international expert support. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to apply for seed funding to support the implementation of their business plans.

Applications are now open and will close on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 6 PM (Kampala time). Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the online form available here. For further questions, Africalia and The Bold Woman Fund can be reached via africalia@africalia.be or contact@boldinafrica.com up until June 29.

For Kampala’s creatives, this isn’t just another programme—it’s a doorway to long-term growth, sustainability, and impact. If you’re ready to build a business that lasts and contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s creative ecosystem, Koola Kampala is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

ARTICLES

Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Am I the only one imagining how a mix of Kohen’s “Gundeze” and King Saha’s “Gundeze” would sound in a DJ set? And I’m not saying that just because King Saha’s concert is kicking off as I type this. Maybe it’s just me.

From his critically acclaimed album, RWEBEMBERA: The Raising Echoes, Kohen Jaycee’s “Gundeze” is a vibrant celebration of love wrapped in his signature RnB and Afro-fusion style with a sprinkle of Amapiano’s log drum. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm make it a soulful anthem for anyone who cherishes the beauty of love. The lyrics are simple yet profound, with Kohen professing unwavering devotion to his partner:“I love you, Gundeze / I feel you, Gundeze / I want you, Gundeze / I need you, Gundeze.”

The music video for Kohen Jaycee’s Gundeze perfectly complements the song’s soulful and romantic essence. Staying true to Kohen’s signature style, the visuals are minimalistic yet captivating, set against the serene backdrop of a lush forest. The video follows Kohen as he alternates between intimate moments with his significant other and heartfelt solo performances amidst nature. This simplicity allows the focus to remain on the song’s message of love and connection, making the video a beautiful extension of the track’s uplifting and heartfelt vibe.

The chorus, repeated like a mantra, draws listeners into a melodic trance, while the verses paint a picture of intimacy, trust, and connection. Kohen’s soothing voice and heartfelt delivery elevate the song into a timeless ode to love. Whether it’s the wish for stars to align or the plea for mutual vulnerability, Kohen’s “Gundeze” resonates with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The simplicity of the video enhances the song’s essence, focusing entirely on the connection between two souls.

“Gundeze” is more than just a track; it’s a reminder to cherish the ones we hold dear, dance to the rhythm of love, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. Kohen Jaycee has once again proven why he’s a standout artist in Uganda’s music scene, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next move.

ARTICLES

On the Move by Denesi: A Powerful Anthem of Hustle and Ambition

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Denesi’s “On the Move,” the opening track on his debut album Everything Is Real, is an anthem of ambition, resilience, and community, underscored by a gritty hip-hop aesthetic. Produced by Northbound Beats, the track captures the pulse of Kampala’s streets, blending hard-hitting lyrics with a hypnotic beat that mirrors the hustle it portrays.

The accompanying video brings the song’s narrative to life, embracing the classic hip-hop imagery of camaraderie and grind. From the corner store to the stage and finally to the laid-back moments of planning the next move, the visuals reflect Denesi’s journey and the community he’s built. Cameos from collaborators like Lagumtherapper, Akeine, Lucass Blacc, and Manly add depth, showcasing the collective spirit that defines his artistry.

Lyrically, “On the Move” is both a reflection and a manifesto. Denesi paints vivid pictures of Kampala’s dualities: the sunlit streets masking a tougher reality, where survival demands creativity and grit. Lines like “Welcome to the city of the dogs and the criminals / You ain’t making money, you ain’t working, you ain’t real enough” set the tone, balancing raw honesty with undeniable swagger.

The hook, with its repeated refrain of “Who dat on the move, me I’m on the move”, is a declaration of aspiration. It positions Denesi as a trailblazer, reaching for heights beyond the ordinary while staying grounded in his roots. The mention of his collaborators in the hook reinforces the communal ethos of his work, a nod to the people who’ve shaped his journey.

Denesi’s storytelling is sharp and layered. He captures the struggles of navigating Kampala’s streets (“You know Kampala streets, man, the trouble’s never over”) and dreams of transcending them (“When I make a billy, prolly settle down / Maybe buy a villa, buy the whole town”). His versatility shines as he shifts from local struggles to global ambitions, even hinting at cross-border hustles with lines like “I trap on some Lingala shit, they pay me plus the benefits”.

The production complements the lyrical intensity, with Northbound Beats crafting a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted. The beat’s steady rhythm mirrors the relentless drive described in the lyrics, while the layered instrumentation adds depth and texture.

Overall, “On the Move” is a powerful introduction to Denesi’s world. It’s a song that celebrates ambition, acknowledges struggle, and underscores the importance of community. With its infectious hook, sharp lyricism, and dynamic visuals, the track sets the stage for what promises to be an impactful debut album. Denesi isn’t just on the move—he’s carving a path to the moon, and he’s taking his people with him.