MTN to partner with streaming music service simfy Africa

MTN South Africa has become the first mobile operator in the country to launch a streaming music service following an exclusive partnership with South African based simfy Africa.

For R49 per month, MTN customers will be able to listen to all of their favourite music via streaming or in an offline mode. Customers can access an endless supply of music across multiple devices including their computer, tablet and smartphone. All customers will have the opportunity to try the full service, and enjoy all of its features during a two-week free trial period.

"MTN is proud to be the first to bring an innovative streaming music service direct to our customer's smart devices," says Mike Fairon, General Manager Products and solutions. Simfy Africa offers superior technology and a strong focus on the best music content, making them a fantastic partner for MTN. "Customers no longer need to use a separate ipod, MP3 or CD player. Living in the connected world means that there is no need to carry a dedicated music player if a smartphone or tablet can just as effectively fulfil that function," adds Fairon.

The service will be available as of today. The user simply needs to register at www.mtn.co.za and confirm their username and password. All that remains is to download the simfy Africa mobile application from either the Android, iOS or BlackBerry stores, or access simfy Africa via the Web site. This will provide customers with full access to 23 million songs that include a full selection of top international, South African and African content across all musical genres, including RnB, pop, alternative, jazz, soundtracks, opera and South African favourites hip hop, kwaito, Afrikaans and SA rock.

"We have a strongly African focus," says Gillian Ezra, Chief Operating Officer of simfy Africa. "As a company which is locally based, we ensure that our product is targeted to the needs of the South African consumer, both in technology and music choices. This partnership with MTN will further extend this ethos, allowing us to offer added and exclusive benefits."

Simfy Africa is an "on demand" service, thus customers can choose the music they would like to hear and access it instantly. Users can choose to listen to tracks or albums, or even set up their own unique playlists, and share any of these with friends via social media. Users also have the choice of accessing the hundreds of pre-made playlists which are easily accessible via the service. Also on offer are the built in personalised radio channels, proving the ultimate "sit back" experience. All music offered on the service is fully licensed.

Simfy Africa launched in South Africa in late 2012, and has been steadily building and improving its service since that time.

"This follows the recent announcement that MTN is providing its customers with free WeChat streaming to the CliffCentral unradio radio station. It is further testament to how MTN is identifying strategic partnerships with content providers that are able to enrich the lives of its customers," says Fairon.

Visit www.mtn.co.za for more information on simfy Africa brought to you by MTN.